Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wheels
Friday, January 16, 2009
Byron (2nd Atlanta) Pop Festival
I left for the Byron Pop Festival Friday night July 3, 1970 from Southside. I had actually bought a ticket for $14 and talked a friend into going so I could catch a ride. All my friends had already left but I had to work Friday evening. We planned to meet at the festival, but I never saw them. There were about 500,000 people there- the site was a racetrack surrounded by peanut fields and it was totally the coolest thing ever.
We arrived early Saturday morning on the 4th of July and it was soon about 104 degrees. We slept in the shade of some pecan trees. It was like a gigantic living carnival, full of characters, sounds and vibes that seemed to come from another dimension. I set out on my own to procure some things needed for the evening, and then found the person I came with again- miraculously. We got situated near the stage and stayed put. I remember hearing the Chambers Brothers sing "Time". Mostly I remember Hendrix. Yeah, I was there. The whole thing. The Star Spangled Banner AND fireworks and the real Jimi. Something in my 18 year old soul told me to be there. I have trusted my instincts ever since.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Social Life
This is a picture of the very stylish Parliament House where we had proms and fancy events when I was in high school. It has been torn down now.
At the end of Spring quarter 1970, I got a job in Birmigham at Parisian, and stayed with my cousin on 29th Street in a one bedroom apartment. I was so happy and free. I made enough money to do just about whatever I pleased, and at that time, did not want anything that involved much expense. I remember being introduced to honey on cereal as a natural alternative- my first initiation into alternative lifestyles. Other things followed.
Sometimes we would just need some sustenance, and would venture down to the Social Grill for a big meal.
Mammy's Pancake house was on Highland Avenue where we went late nights to see other night owls and assorted Southsiders..............I have a Mammy's glass ashtray to prove I was there.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Beginnings
My daughter Liz helped me do some quick looks online yesterday before she left town. I found out there was a reunion of folks a couple of years ago that got together to reminisce about this very subject, and just the article helped me remember people that I had forgotten about.
Today I am reminded of a band called Clinton, The Cadillac Cafe, Morris Avenue, Mammy's Pancake House, volleyball games at the park on Highland, a commissioned work of art by Howard Cruse...
So if anybody reads this and can remember I would like to start with local bands, places where music, art and street theatre were happening. It's time to remember.