Huntington’s Cinema Art Centre To Host Donna Gaines, Author Of “Why The Ramones Matter”

On Sunday, January 13^th at 3 PM the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington will be hosting author Donna Gaines for a discussion on her new book, “Why The Ramones Matter”. Event features a live musical performance by Ramones cover band The Young Rochelles.

According to Donna, the central experience of the Ramones and their music is of being an outsider, an outcast, a person who’s somehow defective, and the revolt against shame and self-loathing. The fans, argues Donna Gaines, got it right away, from their own experience of alienation at home, at school, on the streets, and from themselves. This sense of estrangement and marginality permeates everything the Ramones still offer us as artists. “Why the Ramones Matter” compellingly makes the case that the Ramones gave us everything; they saved rock and roll,  modeled DIY ethics, and addressed our deepest collective traumas, from the personal to the historical.

Donna Gaines’ first book, “Teenage Wasteland: Suburbia’s Dead End Kids” was published in 1991. Rolling Stone declared Teenage Wasteland “the best book on youth culture.” Gaines grew up in Rockaway Beach, Queens, a surf town made famous by the mighty Ramones. Gaines will be in conversation with author Bill German. His book, “Under Their Thumb” details his unlikely friendships with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger and reveals how the Stones’ sausage is made. 

Program Event Fees: Cinema Arts Members $30 | Public $35 | Includes author talk, a copy of her novel “Why The Ramones Matter”, a book signing reception, and live performance by Ramones cover band The Young Rochelles

To learn more about the event contact Nate Close at (631) 423-7610 x 15, email at nate@cinemaartscentre.org, or visit our website www.cinemaartscentre.org