Joe Ferraro’s Celebrations Going On All Year!
Joe Ferraro’s achievements and contribution to the cultural climate of Santa Cruz echo the words “Follow your bliss”, brought to us by Joseph Campbell, and message of “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive” — lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Harold Arlen.
Like many pre-internet youngsters, Joe was absorbed in the world of Comic Books. His collection and interest grew through his college years holding for him a scholarly fascination and curiosity about the development of the genre. Footloose and fancy free with a BA in Music at San Jose State he began his career in entertaining at local venues. It was a friendly comment at a dinner party that sparked the idea of opening a store with his Comic Book collection, which by that time exceeded 6,000 editions.
Now’s the time to celebrate the anniversaries of both his comic book store, Atlantis Fantasyworld, and his entertainment career. Singing the National Anthem at Giants games and performances for benefits throughout the Bay area shows Joe’s talent. Also his fans follow him to two regular venues to hear his sultry voice: The Shadowbrook in Capitola, and Cats in Los Gatos and September 3 he’s headlining the 8th Annual Prostrate Awareness “SongFest” at The Kuumbwa Jazz Center.
On Saturday, October 16 Joe is releasing his new CD “Life Songs & Life Stories” with a party and a one-man show at Kuumbwa. The album is a review of the well lived last 40 years of his life and that there’s more to come.
It was in 1976 he converted an old grocery store into a haven for comic readers, artists and writers.
With his gift of conversation and ability to “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” he soon built a loyal following. They followed Atlantis Fantasyworld to Tent City after the 1989 earthquake destroyed much of our town, and celebrated the marvelous rejuvenation at 1020 Cedar Street in Downtown Santa Cruz!
Atlantis Fantasyworld has received many awards over these four decades but according to Joe they belong to his staff, past and present and he recognizes them as the most important element of the store’s success. Atlantis a not only a destination for entertainment and fun, but Joe is a partner with the local Library Summer Reading Program! His famous Atlantis dollars earned by young readers introduce them in to the joy of reading!
Winning the famous “Will Eisner Spirit of Comics” Retailer’s Award in 1996, this once-in-a-lifetime designation opened an international arena for Joe. The award goes to those retailers who have done an outstanding job of supporting the Comics medium in their community and within the industry at large. Designed to acknowledge the contribution retailers make to the comic book industry by providing that crucial link between creator and reader, it’s highly respected.
At the annual Comic Con comic book stores from around the globe — Australia, Canada, Holland, Israel and Spain – have won this award. Joe was invited to serve as both facilitator for the judging process and presenter of this award two years after being the recipient. Joe returned from this year’s ceremony inspired and ready for the next 40 years!
Joe is releasing his new CD “Life Songs & Life Stories” with a party and one-man show Saturday, October 16 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Kuumbwa. The CD is a fitting review of 40 years of life well lived, hinting that there’s more to come. Like them on Facebook & Follow on Twitter @atlantisfantasy79
Joe performs every Friday 6:30 – 10 p.m. at the Shadowbrook 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, and Sunday 6 – 9 p.m. at Cats 17519 Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos.