The videotaped June 20th book event at the Carmel Public
Library is now ready for viewing here. The dual
presentation with Andrew Schelling and myself is an hour long
with the Work in Progress video on Jaime de Angulo, edited
by Elaine Trotter with narration Andy Neddermeyer, about 20 minutes from beginning of the event. This 8 minute video
gives viewer a quick overview of Jaime de Angulo’s life and
accomplishments.
Another event for The Old Coyote of Big Sur takes place
Thursday, June 20th at the Carmel Public Library. Again, it’s a dual presentation with myself and Andrew Schilling, author of Tracks Along the Left Coast-Jaime de Angulo & Pacific Coast Culture.
Saturday, May 18th, I've been invited to participate in the opening event - North Beach Heyday at Modern Art West gallery in Sonoma. As two of my documentaries focused on this time and place--The Beach and San Francisco's Wild History Groove; gallery owner David Keaton would like me to add insight and share personal stories of particular artists in the exhibition.
Check out the video of the book event for Jaime de Angulo books at the Tor House in Carmel.
Two upcoming book events for The Old Coyote of Big Sur—
February 23, 7PM at Tor House in Carmel and Saturday,
February 24, 3PM at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur.
Both of these will be dual presentations with writer, poet
Andrew Schelling, who wrote his own book on Jaime,
Tracks Along the Left Coast, Jaime de Angulo & Pacific
Coast Culture. You can listen to January 29th podcast—
a recorded conversation between Andrew Schelling,
Mary Kerr and Magnes Toren, director of the Henry
Miller Memorial Library.
2024 begins with the sad news of the death of artist
Bob Branaman on January 9th. He spent much of his long
life of 90 years, producing art, film and poetry. Bob was a
lively participant—adding his humorous and accurate
comments in San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
His many friends and family will have a memorial to
celebrate his life and accomplishments in the near future.
The September book launch at the Gallery Bookshop was
successful and generated interest in The Old Coyote of Big Sur.
It was fitting for this first book event to be held in
Mendocino; area that had been the former home of the
Pomo Indians. Jaime de Angulo lived for a time with these
early Northern California inhabitants while doing his
anthropology and linguistic field work in the 1920s.
Book launch for The Old Coyote of Big Sur will take
place September 28th at the Gallery Bookshop in
Mendocino. Will update dates of other possible events
that may take place in the Bay Area and Big Sur.
The Old Coyote of Big Sur, Gui de Angulo’s biography of
her father, Jaime de Angulo has been reprinted again and
now available for sale. CA Palm is publisher of this third
printing that contains two additional pages of bonus
material. You can purchase it here on the Art for Sale page.
First book launch will take place in Mendocino at the
Gallery Bookshop (details to follow.)
Joan Brown’s Exhibition at SFMOMA finally closed on
March 12, 2023 after several months run. This was
another recent exhibit of work from artists who came out
of SF Renaissance in the late 50s. She displayed her
work in the SF avant-garde spaces like the 6 Gallery and
Spatsa. And fortunately for Joan Brown, she received
early success by showing her work in NYC Gallery.
For more about her life and exceptional artwork, watch
San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
The Asian Art Museum is currently exhibiting beautiful
paintings by Bernice (Bingo) Bing on display until
January 2023. At long last, her lush, abstract work
has been recognized.
Bingo was an active participant in the SF 50’s beat
scene, showing her work in the infamous Batman
Gallery as told in San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
But like so many of these artists, struggled to get by.
Now Bernice Bing has finally got her due. Both the
New York Times and Los Angeles Times have written
glowing articles about her art.
Private screening of Swinging in the Shadows took place
at Regent Press in Berkeley on September 18th. It was
a welcome opportunity to screen the 2-part documentary
which includes Venice West and the LA Scene and
San Francisco’s Wild History Groove on big screen TV.
SF Chronicle’s 6/24 “Portals of the Past” was about
the infamous Fillmore Bldg. “Painterland: forgotten
home of avant-garde art” by Gary Kamiya. This 4-flat
building, rented by artists (with the exception
of one poet, Michael McClure) became the center
of the San Francisco art scene from 1955 to 1965
when it was sold and the tenants lost their good deal
of $65 per month. Outstanding work was created there,
leaving a legacy of art; recognized now as the
SF Renaissance.
Book launch for David Meltzer’s Rock Tao will be held
March 27th at Bird & Beckett in SF. (Check our fb for
more details of this event.) Meltzer wrote the book in 1965
but it was not published until now. Already, it’s attracting
attention and rave reviews. Read recent SF Chronicle
article for more about Rock Tao.
2021 ended with the loss of good friend and Beat Era player,
Charles (Chuck) Modecke, who died on December 4th.
His comments and personal stories were a central part
of The Beach. Chuck was an artist, living in North Beach
during the 50s. This direct experience led to his role
of unofficial co-producer for the documentary,
facilitating participation by other crucial players—
Leo Krikorian, Peter Macchiarini, Charles Campbell and
Larry Pitt as well as photographer, Gui (de Angulo) Mayo.
Without Modecke’s knowledge and past friendships, the
documentary could not have been made.
In November, Dilexi: A Gallery & Beyond by Laura Whitcomb
was released with two book launch events in California
and another later in NYC. This comprehensive book
chronicles the history of Jim Newman’s Dilexi Gallery,
(1958-”69) San Francisco’s premier gallery that showed
many talented California artists. After it closed, Newman
continued supporting art/music with his foundation
collaborations—films, KQED Dilexi Series and Other Minds
music events, continuing on today. The Dilexi book is
beautifully illustrated with color plates, photograghs
as well as informative bios and essays about it’s
exceptional artists. Jim Newman’s interview in
The Beach tells the story of the gallery’s first location
in North Beach. San Francisco’s Wild History Groove
continues the gallery’s outstanding history.
Reading obits for Dean Stockwell, who died in November,
I noticed that none mentioned an important part of his life.
Concentrating on his long, noteworthy acting career,
writers were not aware of his life in art. Stockwell was
part of the underground scene in 50s LA. He was a friend
of influential artist Wally Berman. Throughout his life
Stockwell produced his own art, reminiscent of his close association with Berman. See photos of him with Wally
in Venice West and the LA Scene and hear the story
of how Dean paid Berman’s bail when arrested for
displaying pornographic art in the Ferus Gallery. Here is his obituary in the LA Times.
Artist Manual Neri died on October 18. He was well-known
sculptor, who began his long career in the 50’s SF
underground scene. SF Chronicle’s obituary as well
others in the NY Times and Art News chronicled his extraordinary work and legacy. See more about
Manual’s life as an artist during the Beat Era in
San Francisco’s Wild History Groove and The Beach.
Memorials took place this month, acknowledging loss
of both Susan Landauer and Jack Hirschman.
Oct, 2nd the streets of North Beach were full of
Jack Hirschman’s friends, students and colleagues.
First meeting at Specs; then up Grant Avenue to
Cafe Trieste and Live Worms Gallery, ending the
afternoon with poetry events in Washington Square.
Check our FB short video of that afternoon.
Carl Landauer hosted a zoom memorial for his wife,
Susan Landauer; celebrating her accomplishments
and important contributions to the understanding
and history of California art. Check our facebook
for details on the zoom participants, Oct 10th. On
Oct 12th Jack Foley devoted his Cover to Cover
KPFA program to Susan, re-broadcasting his
1996 interview with Landauer, discussing her
recent published book, The San Francisco School
of Abstract Expressionism.
Exhibitions on several artists from the CA Beat Era
took place in NYC this summer and are continuing.
New attention to these West Coast artists confirms
the lasting legacy of their contribution to American
art. In July Tibor De Nagy Gallery presented West
Coast Collage and Assemblies -showing work of
George Herms, Wallace Berman, Bruce Conner,
Jean Conner, Helen Adam, Jess, Patricia Jordan,
Lawrence Jordan and Dean Stockwell.
Opened September 9th at Paula Cooper Gallery,
NYC exhibition on Bruce Conner & Jay DeFeo.
Jack Hirschman, prominent California poet, died
suddenly August 22. Even though he wasn’t part of
the CA Beat Scene, he carried on their traditions
and bohemian aesthetics.
Hirschman left academia when he was fired from his
UCLA professorship for his anti-war activism in 1972.
From that time forward he dedicated his life to poetry
and his anti-capitalism beliefs. Read the SF Chronicle
obituary expertly written by Sam Whiting for more on
his life and accomplishments.
Energetic and very prolific, he was SF Poet Laureate
(2007) and created the SF international Poetry Festival.
Over the years, he hosted a quasi “salon” once a week
at Specs in North Beach. Poets, writers and other
like-minded individuals would join him at his round table
to share drinks, food and conversation. His large
presence will be greatly missed.
June issue of the New Yorker included a paragraph
on an exhibit of Deborah Remington’s paintings
throughout five decades at Bortolami. Another NYC
gallery presented a show of her 50s drawings. See
more on both exhibits at deborahremington.com.
Renewed attention is long overdue for Deborah Remington,
whose work over the years was extraordinary. She was
one of the original members of the 6 Gallery and honed her talent as a young student at the California School of Fine
Arts (now the San Francisco’s Art Institute). Deborah
added her comments and insights, documenting this
time and place in San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
Remington maintained a strong independence with
total focus on perfecting her art throughout the years.
Recently, I was made aware of another sad loss,
photographer, C. R. Snyder passed away on
October 30, 2020. In the 50s, Bob took many
photos of colorful characters in SF’s North Beach.
He had his camera with him while tending bar
in The Place, capturing the poets and artists
that hung out there. I’ll be forever grateful
for his generous contribution of photographs for
The Beach & San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
(See a montage of his photos on above link.)
Snyder’s photo of artist “Bingo” Bernise Bing,
taken in her studio above The Spaghetti Factory
was shown at the landmark 1995 exhibit at
the deYoung Museum, “Beat Culture and the
New America 1950-1965” in conjunction with
the Whitney Museum. Currently, some of his
photos are displayed at The Beat Museum in
their upstairs archives.
Another artist from the CA Beat Era passed away.
Dimitri Grachis died January 9 at the age of 88.
He was an artist and started the Spatsa Gallery
around the corner on Union Street after the
closing of both the East and West and 6 Gallery.
Dimitri carried on the tradition of showing this
underground art until 1961. He gave a colorful
account in San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
Check out his obituary, recently published in
the San Francisco Chronicle.
December 19, a sad day during our terrible year of
2020. Susan Landauer, art historian and curator died.
She left an important legacy for California art history.
Obituary in SF Chronicle brought out her significant
accomplishments as well as information about her life
and distinctive personality.
I will miss Susan very much. She was a good friend
and we enjoyed dinners, parties and other art events
together. Early on, she helped me contact poets/artists
necessary to make Venice West and the LA Scene.
Susan and husband, Carl hosted a successful fundraiser
for completion of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
Check out excellent website on Ferus Gallery, developed
by artist Michael Wilson—ferusgallery.com. It contains
fascinating information on the history of this landmark
LA gallery. There are many quotes from Walter Hopps,
who with partner, Ed Kienholz opened the gallery in 1957
as well as many photographs, announcements and images
of art shown there. Contains a videotaped interview with
artist George Herms and profiles of the other Ferus artists,
who like Herms energized the So Ca art scene.
Exhibit of Les Kerr’s 60s paintings shown at The Landing
Gallery in LA, August through first week of September.
I flew down on 8/22 to see his “new found” five paintings,
that I hadn’t seen since 1969. Also, I participated in a
gallery talk with Laura Whitcomb, (curator of last year’s
Multi-Venue Dilexi Gallery Restropective). Jim Newman,
owner of the Dilexi and artist Bill Dubin (who exhibited
in the Dilexi) both participated virtually in this hour long
discussion of Les Kerr’s life, art and Dilexi experience.
Event can be seen by “following” The Landing Gallery
on Instagram. See more photos of event on facebook.
Another sad passing—poet ruth weiss died July 31, 2020
peacefully, surrounded by friends in Albion CA. She was
92 years old. The SF Chronicle published extensive obit highlighting her life dedicated to poetry, art and film. More
on ruth weiss life and recent film posted on our facebook.
In 1998, I stayed overnight on two different occasions,
sleeping in her large studio adjacent to her cabin in
order to video ruth’s interview and reading poetry for
participation in San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
I was not only impressed with her words but also the
elegant simplicity she displayed in the way she lived
and worked, surrounded by beauty near Pigmy Forest.
Sad News—Michael McClure, outstanding poet from the
Beat Era, continuing through the Summer of Love and on
died on May 4th at 87 years old. Read Steve Whiting’s
obituary for more on his extraordinary life in poetry, published
in the San Francisco Chronicle and posted on our facebook.
I’m grateful for McClure’s cooperation during the making
of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove. He gave me
permission to use “Rat Bastard” image that he and
Bruce Conner created as well as his comment on death
of William Jahrmarkt (Billy Batman), owner of the infamous
Batman Gallery.
February 29, Marin MOCA in Novato opens (from 5-7PM)
solo exhibit of paintings and drawings by Elmer Bischoff on display through April 19. This is an opportunity to view his wonderful, expressive work. Not only an outstanding painter,
he was a influential instructor at California School of Fine Arts
(later the San Francisco Art Institute) during the 50s/60s. Bischoff, a mentor to Joan Brown, recognized her talent
early on. He inspired many of the students at the school
including Deborah Remington, who recalled how important
he was to her own art in San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
2020 began the new year with yet another discovery—
”Dracula” (1965) by Les Kerr re-surfaced after many years.
It’s location, a mystery since 1969, is now on the wall of
NYC collector.
2019 has been the year of discovery—After the Dilexi exhibit
at The Landing Gallery this summer, a viewer saw Les Kerr’s
”Ouch” on display and realized this was the artist of four
large paintings inherited by his friend in Ventura County.
Upshot was he contacted the gallery owner who made a visit
and took photos of the long “lost” work from the ‘60s by Kerr.
These paintings will be shown in The Landing Gallery Booth
at NYC Art Fair in March. “Raspberry” is one of the four. It is extraordinary that after all these years, these “found” paintings have survived, proving once again the old adage—
”Life is short but art is long.”
Screening of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove will take
place at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Oct. 3rd, 7:30PM.
Event is in conjunction with their exhibit on Bernice Bing.
Exhibition for Bernice “Bingo” Bing opened September 21st at
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. This is an opportunity to
see her beautiful abstract paintings from the 50s/60s. She
showed work at the Batman Gallery and other cooperative
galleries during the Beat Era. JoAnn Low talked about “Bingo”
and her lush paintings in San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
SF’s Delancy Theater screened new documentary on poet,
ruth weiss on July 27th. This night was also a celebration for
her 91st birthday. Find out more about this beautiful film, now
on the festival circuit at https://www.ruthweissfilm.com
ruth played a major role in the CA Beat Era. Her comments
and poetry are part of the mix of artists and poets in
San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
Opening June 8th at Brian Gross Fine Art in San Francisco
will be exhibition on the legendary ‘60s Dilexi Gallery. This
is the first of the Dilexi Multi-Venue Retrospective. The
second exhibit will be at The Landing in Los Angeles with
others taking place throughout the summer in SF and LA.
LA Times review on the Dilexi Multi-Venue Retrospective
exhibitions.
In 1984, the Oakland Museum presented The Dilexi Years,
showcasing the exceptional art shown at this premier
California gallery.
Owner, Jim Newman participated in The Beach where he
gave his firsthand account of how and why he opened the
Dilexi in North Beach. San Francisco’s Wild History Groove
brings out more of the history and the multi-faceted art
shown during its heyday.
Screening of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove will take
place at O’Hanlon Art Center in Mill Valley on March 15th.
Event starts at 6:30 with music by Si and Max Perkoff.
Si Perkoff contributed his compositions for this documentary
as well as Venice West and the LA Scene.
Sadly, our good friend, Gui (de Angulo) Mayo died at the
beginning of 2019 on January 5th. We met in the mid 90s.
Over the years, she generously offered friendship and
support. Gui contributed her fine, 50s photographs for
The Beach and San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
She also made yearly donations to CA Palm to help with
completion of all three documentaries on CA Beat Era.
See our Facebook posting on Gui Mayo’s life and many
accomplishments.
I attended the gala opening 9/15/18 at Nora Eccles Harrison
Museum of Art in Logan, Utah. Their current exhibition-
”Collecting On the Edge” contains my husband, Les Kerr’s
painting, “Bird” plus other art from the California Beat Era including Jay DeFeo’s “Dr. Jazz”, Wally Hedrick’s “Flower Flag” and Sonia Gechtoff’s “Icon” to name a few. It was an
opportunity to see the new museum addition and view
their extraordinary collection of art west of the Mississippi.
Check our Facebook for photos and more info.
The Beach is now up on Vimeo along with our other two
documentaries. It can be streamed for $4.99.
Sad news-Frank Rios, poet/artist died August 20, 2018.
He is the last one from Venice West and the LA Scene to
to leave us. His spirit and insight is a lost to all who knew
and loved him.
Venice West and the LA Scene along with San Francisco's
Wild History Groove are both available for streaming on
Vimeo at $4.99 each. The Beach will be available on
same streaming service soon.
LA artist Ed Moses died January 17, 2018. He was one of the
fine artists who showed work at the notable Ferus Gallery
during the 50s/60s. Throughout the years, Moses kept
moving forward--reinventing his art--never repeating himself
but striving for the next breakthrough. His retrospective at
the William Turner Gallery in Santa Monica -"Moses@90"
clearly bears this out. For more on Ed Moses see article
from LA Times, 1/18/18, SF Chronicle 1/21/18 and Art News.
SF Chronicle art critic Charles Desmarias wrote an excellent
profile on Jim Newman, January 6, 2018. Well deserved as Newman's contributions to California culture throughout the years have been substantial. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to interview him for The Beach in 1993. Jim talked about the vital 50s art scene in SF and opening the Dilexi Gallery to show this work. It soon became the premiere gallery in the city, exhibiting many talented artists during the 50s/60, several now who are well known including Roy De Forest (noted below).
Jim Newman's first experience promoting art was in 50s LA when he collaborated with Walter Hopps and others, opening
Syndell Studio, showing underground artists.
More of the history is related by Walter Hopps himself in recent book "The Dream Colony--A Life in Art." It's a fascinating account of how he was inspired by these outsider artists and his
concerted effort to bring their work out to the public at Syndell and later at the Ferus Gallery. This led to LA's transformation from a stodgy backwater to a first class art capital.
"Of Dogs and Other People" retrospective of Roy De Forest artwork is at the Oakland Museum of California through
August 20th. De Forest was part of the avant-garde scene
in San Francisco in the 50s/60s. Recognized for his eccentric,
colorful in the 70s, he continued making individualistic art throughout his lifetime. Roy added his own take on that world
in San Francisco's Wild History Groove.
Tribute for David Meltzer will be held in Venice at Beyond Baroque, at 681 Venice Blvd, May 11th at 8PM. April memorials for this extraordinary, influential poet took place in San Francisco at the Beat Museum and later at Bird & Beckett.
See more about these events on our Facebook.
Remembrance for Adelle Foley and David Meltzer at
Mythos/Firehouse North Gallery, 1790 Shattuck, Berkeley,
on February 24, 6-7:30PM. Announcement on our Facebook.
It was a sad ending to 2016 with the death of David Meltzer,
December 31, 2016. He was an extraordinary individual
gifted poet, writer and musician. His participation in both
documentaries--Venice West and the LA Scene as well as
San Francisco's Wild History Groove is significant,
sharing his experience in the California underground
in both cities during the Beat Era and beyond. David's
poetry and entertaining comments brought out the spirit
and aesthetics that set the tone for that time and place.
We've joined the new world of streaming. You can now stream
our documentaries on Kanopy (educational streaming service).
Two are available -- San Francisco's Wild History Groove
and Venice West and the LA Scene. The Beach will be added
to the site in December.
Telegraph Hill from the rooftop of the San Francisco Art Institute (below)
Donated art for sale.
See art, photographs and poetry books
donated to raise funds for CA Palm.
Bruce Conner's current exhibition "It's All True" is on display
at SFMOMA through January 16th. This is an unique
opportunity to see his eclectic art which includes assemblage,
drawings, photographs and film. More on Conner's excellent
show on our Facebook.
Screening of San Francisco's Wild History Groove takes place
October 6th, 8PM at Oddball Films, 275 Capp Street in SF.
This eclectic venue with a huge archive of films in the Mission
hosts events Thursday and Friday evenings.
Aya Tarlow, participant in Venice West and the LA Scene
and San Francisco's Wild History Groove died 9/3/16. Poet and
astrologer, she was an integral part of the underground during
the California Beat Era.
Aya was a feminist poet in the 50s long before that revolution
took hold in the 70s. (See her Matrix Series on our donated
artwork page.) Influenced by her friend, visionary artist Cameron,
she formed her own individualistic expression and mystical
spirituality. Video "Aya Gone to the Mountain" on our Facebook.
Sad news for the month of June. We lost two participants from
San Francisco's Wild History Groove. Bill Berkson died 6/16/16.
He appeared in the Epilogue with David Meltzer, a discussion
about the "beat" phenomenon and it's ramifications today. Their
lively conversation is included on our DVD extras. Berkson also
contributed his wonderful blurb for The Beach--that rare item,
a true-to-the life history .
Adelle Foley died June 27--a profound loss for her husband,
Jack and her son, Sean as well as her many friends. Adelle
and Jack, participants in San Francisco's Wild History Groove,
added their insights and knowledge during the walking tour of
Fillmore Street. Their spur-of-the-moment comments while
pointing out the various locations brought the colorful world
of avant-garde San Francisco to life. Like their many poetry
performances, they were a perfect tag team.
The Beach and San Francisco's Wild History Groove screened
Saturday, March 26th at 7PM at Mythos/Firehouse North
Gallery, 1790 Shattuck in Berkeley. The Beach, with its focus
on North Beach, adds extra insight into the SF Beat Era.
We’re bringing the California Beats to New Mexico with screenings at art house theaters there—CCA Cinematheque, Santa Fe, 3/24, 7PM and Guild Cinema, Albuquerque, 3/26th, 7:30PM. This will be the first time that both documentaries, Venice West and the LA Scene and San Francisco’s Wild History Groove are shown on the same program, using their overall title—Swinging in the Shadows. More about events next month.
Check out both of these events on Facebook
CCA Cinematheque, Santa Fe, 3/24
Guild Guild Cinema, Albuquerque, 3/26th
November 2014
Last month two participants in our documentaries passed away. Charles Campbell died at age 99 on October 3rd. He lived a long, fulfilling life in both art and music. Charles always enjoyed his role in The Beach and was a strong supporter of the documentary. Throughout the years he would buy a dozen or so DVDs to give out to friends and colleagues. See Facebook for obituary by Kenneth Baker on his contribution to the San Francisco art world.
The other sad death was Ron Loewinsohn on October 14th. He was a fine poet as well as a talented writer. Ron’s participation was a valuable asset for San Francisco’s Wild History Groove. His ashes were scattered in the Bay near the Golden Gate Bridge on November 9th. Obituary noting Ron’s many accomplishments is posted on Facebook.
Stuart Perkoff’s 1957 verse play “’Round About Midnight” was performed October 11th with jazz musician Eric Reed in the Bing Theater at LACMA. It was first performed in 1960 at a legendary event in LA. For more details on this, check Facebook.
Current exhibition of Cameron “Songs of the Witch Woman” is at MOCA Pacific Design Center in LA until January 11. See announcement on fb. Long overdue, it’s a rare opportunity to see Cameron’s exquisite, eccentric work that inspired and influenced the LA underground.
September 2014
A panel discussion on women artists with Susan Landauer, Alan Selsor and Mary Kerr will take place on Saturday, October 18th at 3PM. This event happens on the last day of the current exhibition, "Beauty Fierce as Stars II" Groundbreaking Women Painters 1950's and Beyond at the Firehouse North Gallery, 1790 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. For more on this event and exhibit check mythosfirehouse.com.
We had another successful screening of San Francisco's Wild History Groove at Beyond Baroque on August 15th. Jack & Adelle Foley with Clara Hsu introduced their new publication, Hotel Poetry Press at the event.
The 7th annual Philomenian was held at the same venue on August 17th. Pegarty Long showed her film on twin sister, Philomene taken during memorial for her husband, John Thomas. Also, Elaine Trotter and Mary Kerr screened their own tribute to Philomene. Excerpts were read from recently published "Bukowski in the Bathtub"—conversations between Philomene Long and John Thomas about the crazy times with his good friend, Hank—Charles Bukowski. Check our Facebbook page for photographs taken during this event-filled weekend in Venice, California.
July 2014
August 15th: at Beyond Baroque: screening of San Francisco's Wild History Groove, companion film to Mary Kerr's Venice West & the LA Scene, shown in January at Beyond Baroque. Event starts at 7:30PM with poets Jack & Adelle Foley (participants in the documentary) and Clara Hsu introducing work from their exciting new press, Poetry Hotel Press.
more details to come (the first film played to a packed house - on Superbowl Sunday! don't miss this!
See the event page on Facebook.
Apr. 2014
“Beauty Fierce as Stars” Groundbreaking Women Painters 1950’s and Beyond is opening May 9th 5:30–9PM at the Firehouse North Gallery, 1790 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. One of the events during this exhibit will be a seminar by Mary Kerr on artists, Jay DeFeo, Deborah Remington, Joan Brown and Bernice Bing, May 31st at 7:30. Other presentations taking place during the duration of the show, closing on June 21st, includes a screening of recent documentary, “The Worlds of Bernice Bing.” See the event page on Facebook.
Our DVDs are now available on museum websites as well as on www.beatera.org/purchase.html—
The Beach - Beat Museum, San Francisco’s Wild History Groove - Whitney Museum of American Art and Venice West and the LA Scene - Los Angeles County Museum of Contemporary Art.
Screening of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove is scheduled for August 15 at 7:30PM at Beyond Baroque in Venice, Ca. During the event, Jack & Adelle Foley and Clara Hsu will introduce work from their exciting new publication Hotel Poetry Press. See the event page on Facebook.
Jan. 2014
Venice West and the LA Scene will be shown on February 2nd, 7:30PM at Beyond Baroque in Venice, Ca. This is the launch event for distribution of the DVDs with all their bonus extras.
The following week (February 7th at 7PM), there will be another screening of the documentary at the Firehouse North Gallery, 1790 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. This showing is one of the ongoing events during their exhibit - “Rebels, Hipsters & Visionaries – Bay Area Poets and Artists of the 1950s & 60s”–Jan. 10th through Feb. 22nd. Chek our Facebook page for list of scheduled events at the gallery.
Check out leskerr.org --now indexed in google. It shows images of my late husband’s artwork as well as insights into the 50s/60s art scene—the avant-garde in California.
Dec. 2013
San Francisco's Wild History Groove will be shown on January 18th-7PM at the Firehouse North Gallery, 1790 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. The screening will be held in conjunction with their exhibition opening on Jan 10th - "Rebels, Hipsters & Visionaries – Bay Area Poets and Artists of the 1950s & 60s." Click on our fb button for list of scheduled events during this exhibit.
Website – leskerr.org is now on the web. It shows images of my late husband's artwork as well as insights into the 50s/60s art scene--more on that legendary period in California.
Oct. 2013
The Beat Conference (9/2-4) in Norway was an informative event with attendees from various universities throughout Europe including Turkey and Israel. It was an opportunity to interact with individuals that have a continuing interest in the American Beat Scene. Also, it was illuminating to see the Wennesland Collection from San Francisco 50s/60s artists, displayed on the walls of Agder University. You can read a review of the event by clicking our fb (facebook) button.
Launch forVenice West and the LA Scene will be Sunday, Feb. 2, 7:30PM at Beyond Baroque in Venice, CA. This premier literary venue in Los Angeles is so popular that it can only be scheduled months ahead of time.
Aug. 2013
Mary Kerr will be a keynote speaker at the Beat Conference held in Kristiansand, Norway at Agder University on September 3 "Out of the Shadows" focuses on the significant contribution made by women artists and poets from the Beat Era phenomenon.
The launch celebration for recently completed Venice West and the LA Scene will take place in Venice, California in late September or early November. More details on this event will be announced when plans are finalized.
June 2013
Venice West and the LA Scene is now available for purchase. Each DVD includes bonus material extras plus a CD of composed jazz by JimmyZ. This documentary now completes Swinging in the Shadows, series on the California Beat Era. Plans are being made for a launching celebration in Venice, California in late September. Announcement will be posted on our website for this event as well as screenings for both San Francisco’s Wild Groove and Venice West and the LA Scene.
April 2013
San Francisco’s Thomas Reynolds Gallery at 2291 Pine Street (nr Fillmore) is hosting an event Friday, April 12 from 5 to 8PM for Swinging in the Shadows during their current group show—East Bay/Midcentry-Art of the 1950s & 1960s from Berkeley and Oakland. We will display our donated artwork, photographs, poetry books and catalogs throughout the entire weekend—4/12-14. (The gallery is open from 12 to 6PM on Saturday and Sunday.) These contributed items are for sale as well as DVDs of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove and The Beach. All revenue raised will go to replication of Venice West and the LA Scene, which is now in the authoring process and will be completed before the end of this month.
More good news--the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City has copies of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove for sale in their bookstore during their current exhibition, the Jay DeFeo Retrospective. Excellent reviews have been written about her work in this show. Check Swinging in the Shadows on Facebook for articles in the New York Times and the New Yorker. Recognition of her important contribution to American art is continuing to build for Jay DeFeo--an extraordinary California artist.
January 2013
On January 16th Jean Conner, Leah Levy and Mary Kerr took part in a panel discussion at the di Rosa Museum in conjunction with the exhibition, "Renaissance on Fillmore" that closed on the 27th. The event attracted a sold out crowd who wanted to know more about the vital Fillmore art scene during the 50s/60s. Jazz wasn't the only thing happening on that infamous San Francisco street during the 50s/60s.
Dec. 2012—We had a lively, well-attended Celebration/Fundraiser on Dec. 2, hosted by Carl and Susan Landauer. Segments from both documentaries of Swinging in the Shadows were screened. Thanks to Jack and Adelle Foley for their great poetry performance of “Rural California” & “Noir” and the ghost tour along the Venice Broadwalk. It set the tone for the screening and celebratory party.
This event successfully raised the funds to complete replication of DVDs with all the bonus material for San Francisco’s Wild History Groove. It is now available for $25. (Note that cost for The Beach has been reduced to $25 + shipping.) The DVDs with bonus extras for Venice West and the LA Scene should be available for purchase by the end of January. Check this website for announcement.
On December 8th Jack Foley was honored with a special event at Beyond Baroque (Venice, CA) for “Visions and Affiliations” published in 2011. See poster and comments here. Note that he has generously contributed a copy of each volume of this valuable timeline of California poetry for Swinging in the Shadows.
Nov. 2012 - Watch for announcement of the release date (this month) for completed DVD of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove with all the bonus extras that also includes an engaging conversation between poets Bill Berkson and David Meltzer on the Beat Scene.
The Beat Conference at Agder University in Norway has been postponed for this November. The event is now scheduled for September 2013 with Mary Kerr participating as a keynote speaker.
Two exceptional art exhibitions are happening this month--The Jay DeFeo Retrospective, opening11/3 at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Fillmore Renaissance at the di Rosa Museum, opening 11/10. Check the museum websites for more details on these exhibits. San Francisco’s Wild History Groove will be shown during the Fillmore Renaissance, focused on artwork produced and exhibited in places along SF’s Fillmore Street during the 50s/60s. The documentary contains many first-hand accounts from this innovative time and place. Both exhibitions recognize and reinforce the lasting legacy of these California artists.
July 2012 - San Francisco's Wild History Groove will be screened Friday, July 13, 2012 in the Meridian Gallery at 535 Powell Street in San Francisco in conjunction with their exhibition, "The Painted Word"—artwork by poets and writers. The event will begin at 5PM with poetry readings by Jack Hirschman and Lissa Tyler Renaud. The Meridian Gallery is a non-profit exhibition and performance space in a 3-story mansion up Powell Street towards Nob Hill. Mary Kerr has been invited to be the keynote speaker at Agder University in Kristiansand, Norway in November. She will do a presentation on women artists of the California Beat Era. Agder University holds classes on Beat Culture and hosts this event annually. San Francisco's Wild History Groove was shown at their 2011 conference. The university also has a very unique art collection, donated by a Norwegian, Dr. Reidar Wennesland, who collected the work of California avant-garde artists while living in SF during the 50s/60s.
March 2012 – The DVD bonus material for San Francisco's Wild History Groove is complete except for finishing touches. A conversation between poets, Bill Berkson and David Meltzer initially had been planned to be a short segment added to these extras. But it would have been a real loss not to include their entire discussion so the decision was made to do a separate DVD that will be included in the box set. "Beat Scene with Berkson and Meltzer" is their lively dialogue, containing outstanding gems of information and insight. They bring out their own personal experiences and influences from this underground world as well as how it's understood and not understood in today's culture.
San Francisco’s Bay Guardian awarded their Goldies 20ll Lifetime Achievement Award in November to poet, David Meltzer. This is a first for a former contributor to the newspaper for which he wrote CD reviews and features about all kinds of music-- Jazz or New Age. Meltzer, mostly known for his outstanding poetry, also plays guitar and composed music. His “Serpent Power” rock album, featuring his wife, Tina on vocals, was produced by Vanguard in 1967. Later, in 2007 it was listed #28 for Rolling Stones’ top 40 albums of the Summer of Love.
November 2nd, Mary Kerr gave a lecture at the San Jose Museum of Art, “Expressions and Impressions of Joan Brown” during their exhibition of the Joan Brown’s art which will be in their gallery until March 12, 2012. This talented, individualistic artist was part of the avant-garde group that came out of the California School of Fine Arts and exhibited their work in the bars of North Beach as well as the underground galleries in San Francisco during the 50s & 60s.
San Francisco’s Wild History Groove was screened again in Nov. 2011 at Agder University in Norway where they conduct classes on the American beat scene. It was previously screened there in 2009.
David Meltzer's book launch event, June 23, 2011 at City Lights Books was for his recently published "When I Was A Poet" # 60 of their Pocket Poets Series. David and his partner, Julie Rogers read to a crowd of poets and other literary friends including
Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who were there to congratulate him for his well-deserved achievement. You can view this event on youtube.
Our Indiegogo campaign is officially over but contributions are still being processed on their site. You can donate by searching on Swinging in the Shadows. Rewards for contributing also continue to apply. This crowdfunding effort helped a great deal and we were able to complete both documentaries of this two-part series. Now we need to raise funds to make a two DVD box set with all the extra bonus material that will add even more to the story of the California Beat Era.
Jack Foley' s tour de force— " Visions & Affiliations–A California Literary Timeline: Poets & Poetry 1940-2005" is a must read for anyone who wants to know how poetry developed here on the West Coast. You get all the facts—highlights, dates as well as quotes and poems from the poets who created the scene from this comprehensive, invaluable book. Available on Amazon.com
Venice West and the LA Scene will be shown in San Francisco at the E6 Gallery, 1632 Market, Suite B (nr Franklin) on May 16, 2011 7PM. San Francisco's Wild History Groove is screening at the Love Unlimited and Art Festival in Portland at The Variant Theater on May 27th.
Charles Brittin, photographer and participant in our documentary died on January 23, 2011 after a long illness. It is another sad loss for us. He followed our progress, keeping a copy each version of Venice West and the LA Scene. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the completion.
Brittin will have an exhibition of his photographs, opening in April 16th at the Michael Kohn Gallery, Los Angeles. Kristine McKenna has completed her book on his photographs that will be available in April too.
Charles was one of the few to photograph the 50s underground in Los Angeles. His willingness to let us use his excellent work without any charge made it possible for us to make this documentary.
The Temple of Man’s 50th Anniversary Event took place October 30, 2010 at Beyond Baroque in Venice, CA. Several of the original members were there as well as the more recent members. This repository for poetry and art is still a vital part of the Los Angeles underground culture. The next day we took a tour of Venice Beach with Frank Rios taking us to each poet wall along the boardwalk. Jack Foley encapsulated the experience in his own inimitable way.
See photo and poem here.
San Francisco’s Wild History Groove was screened on November 4th at Agder University in Norway in conjunction with their Beat Era course at that school. In September the documentary was shown at the 2010 Docutah International Film Festival. It also screened on September 27th at film critic, Michael Fox’s Olli class in Berkeley.
Venice West and the LA Sceneis nearly finished with the replacement of jazz by composer/musician Jimmy Z. See Ztribe.com link for more on these talented LA musicians. It was a difficult but necessary decision to replace the Charles Mingus jazz with original compositions. Fortunately, this new music adds an even more independent vibe to the documentary.
Jack Foley Day took place June 5, 2010 where he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Berkeley Poetry Festival. Foley well deserved this award for all the work he's done over the years writing and producing his weekly "Cover to Cover" KPFA radio program.
Artist Deborah Remington died on April 21st of lung cancer. She plays an important part in San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.
I met her in the early 60’s when she showed her work at the Dilexi Gallery in San Francisco. In the 50s she was one of the original members of the avant-garde 6 Gallery.
There has been several obituaries--New York Times (5/21), Boston Globe (5/21) and Philly. Com (4/28).
Deborah was a very talented, uncompromising painter. I'll miss her intelligent, sharp comments about the art world, politics and life—an unique individual.
We had a Sneak Preview Screening of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove on December 13, 2009 at the San Francisco Art Institute. It was an appropriate venue to have this “fine cut” showing at the school where so many artists during the 50s learned from exceptional instructors, influenced one another and started on their own creative path.
Susan Landauer, who wrote “The San Francisco School of Abstract Expressionism” and Ron Loewinsohn, Retired Professor of English at UCB made the introductions before screening, giving enlightening background information of the period. After the screening, poetry performed by ruth weiss, Jack Foley and David Meltzer brought out the interaction between poetry and art that was such an important element during the Beat Era milieu.
The audience gave the documentary a very enthusiastic response. Because of the positive feedback and comments, we are now proceeding with the last, polishing touches. But we do need to raise more money for this expensive technical work--getting this project ready for possible broadcast. (See paragraph below for more details on artwork available for sale as well as contributing towards the completion of San Francisco’s Wild History Groove.)
THE BEACH was shown at San Jose Museum of Art during their exhibition, “The Culture of Spontaneity” from January through May 2009.
VENICE WEST AND THE LA SCENE was screened at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm during the weekend of December 13th through January 6th. This screening was in conjunction with their exhibit, “Time and Place: Los Angeles, 1957-1968.”
Congratulations to Jack Foley, poet and participant in San Francisco’s Wild History Groove. His "ALL A James Broughton Reader" was voted #1 Gay Book of the Year by the website, www.afterelton.com. Foley edited the book, adding his comments on the sheer variety and encompassing range of work from this wonderful, effervescent California poet and filmmaker. You can get a copy by contacting the publisher, White Crane Institute www.gaywisdom.org.
Memorial from Philomene Long was held December 7th at Beyond Baroque in Venice. We shared our poems, video and memories of this extraordinary poet—“The Queen of Bohemia”. Philomene was the Poet Laureate of Venice and played an important part in Venice West and the LA Scene. It’s sad to know that she is gone—much too soon.
Tribute for Tony Scibella was held on October 28th at Beyond Baroque in Venice. He was a first-rate, unique poet and an important participant in Venice West and the LA Scene. David Meltzer and others who have read The Kid in America, Scibella’s long prose poem of his coming-of-age in Venice, claim that it is equal to Kerouac’s On the Road. Several excerpts from this were used in the documentary. If you would like to obtain a copy, email us. We can give you the publisher’s contact number. A couple of short poems and photos from the event can be viewed here.
The art auction on September 7th at the 8 gallery was very successful. Several outstanding pieces were auctioned. Images of the unsold items will be on this website by the beginning of October and can be purchased by clicking on the “Donation” button. If we can sell these donated items, we will much closer to achieving our goal of raising the necessary funds for completion of the documentary. Images of the unsold items are now on this website and can be purchased by clicking here.