FAIRHOPE, Ala. - Fans of compelling storytelling set in picturesque Southeast locations should not miss tonight’s appearance of novelist, songwriter, photographer and former Fairhope resident Tom Corcoran at Page and Palette during October’s First Friday Art Walk.

“It makes me homesick just to dial 928,” Corcoran said of Fairhope’s local exchange during the start of a phone interview this week that ranged from his work and friendship with Jimmy Buffett, Winston Groom, John Reno, Hunter Thompson, and others, to his lyrics on John Frinzi’s new album. “I could talk for seven hours about the seven years I lived in Fairhope from 1980 through 1987.”

Starting at 5 p.m., Corcoran will read from his work and talk about writing and current projects, as well as signing copies of “Hawk Channel Chase,” his latest novel and sixth in the popular series featuring Key West photographer Alex Rutledge.

“We’re looking forward to hosting Tom again, because it’s been about 10 years since we’ve last had him down,” said Page and Palette owner Karin Wilson.

The Alex Rutledge novels, which also feature the photographer’s fishing guide buddy Sam Wheeler who owns a house in Baldwin County, have garnered raves from writers including Michael Connelly, Jim Harrison, Steve Hamilton, fellow Florida mystery novelist Randy Wayne White, as well as Buffett, with whom he has shared song writing credits and did the cover photography for several of his classic albums.

“Air Dance Iguana was the reading highlight of the year for me,” Connelly wrote about the fifth book in the Rutledge series. “With characters as strong and intriguing as the story they move through, I went cover to cover without coming up for air. Tom Corcoran and his creation, Alex Rutledge, are great new discoveries that will go on the regular reading list.”

In addition to his 5-7 p.m. appearance at Page and Palette he will also participate in this weekend’s unique Trop Rock the Bay concert, with performances by a number of musicians at Fly Creek Cafe and other locations including aboard a large schooner.

Corcoran said he and concert organizer Reno will play it by ear regarding his participation in this weekend of musical performances in a genre influenced by and incorporating elements of rock and roll, reggae, country music, Caribbean and zydeco, with themes inspired by life in the islands and along the coast.

“That’s one of the things I like about Fairhope,” Corcoran said. “Playing it by ear and just taking it as it comes.”

For information about Trop Rock the Bay, visit its website at www.troprockthebay.com.