Thursday, June 24, 2010

In His Arms

Ashley Bernard is raising money for the National Braille Press through the sale of her upcoming cd.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Big Sur / One Fast Move or I'm Gone

"And it will be golden and eternal just like that ---- There's no need to say another word."

For a pure soul baring, raw piece of writing, you can't beat Jack Kerouac's Big Sur. It's the story of his decline - both spiritually and of the flesh. He was probably at his creative peak, but the basis of his story had already begun to kill him. He knew he wanted to get away from the fame and noteriety. He knew he should get sober. And this is the story of a last ditch attempt at both.

In short, he realises what he needs to do and plans a trip to San Francisco to use Ferlinghetti's cabin up at Big Sur to clean up and get his soul together. It becomes a vivid, harrowing story of his effort for salvation through drunkeness, the DTs, falling for his friend's girl Wilamine, the traps of his own philosphy which ultimately ends with his family and desire for the Catholicism which is a part of his being. It isn't easy to grasp for him, or the reader. It is scarey and brilliant and is worth reading and rereading.

The book ends with a beautiful, epic poem simply entitled "Sea".

Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard released an album of music entitled "One Fast Move or I'm Gone - Music from Kerouac's Big Sur". They excerpt his words from the novel and poem and weave a lyrical poem of their own. They captured the beauty and horror of Kerouac's experience in a song cycle that is as moving as the novel.

Jay Farrar & Ben Gibbard "Low Life Kingdom" 10/23/09 @ El Rey Theatre

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Group show in Manchester NH


June 4 - 30 at:
The Gallery at Wiggin & Nourie, P.A.
670 North Commercial Street
Third floor, center entrance
Manchester, NH
Hours: M-F 8:30am - 5pm

Reception June 11, 6-9pm