http://www.evergreenreview.com/105/b_day/b_day1.html
featured in NEW YORK PRESS,
JUNE 5-11, 2002
written by Jim Knipfel
Photos by Regina Cherry
go to ... http://www.evergreenreview.com/105/b_day/b_day1.html for photos
\
article is posted below:
BACK in 1951, a then 29 year old Barney Rosset bought a small publishing concern on Grove St. By the end of that decade, he had firmly established himself as one of the most important and influential men, not only in American publishing, but in terms of American culture as well.He introduced American readers to Beckett, Ionesco, Harold Pinter and Jean Genet. He brought national attention to the Beats long before they were called "Beats." In 1959, he fought for and won the right to publish the long-banned Lady Chatterly's Lover. He did the same for Naked Lunch and about half of everything Henry Miller wrote. Grove's literary journal Evergreen Review (also edited by Rosset) published everyone from Jean-Paul Sartre to Terry Southern. And throughout the 60s, Rosset was even involved in the film distribution business - focusing mostly on then - shocking European, um, "art" films like I Am Curious(Yellow). He was an iconoclast from the start - but he wasn't simply out to shock and disturb people (though he often did). Things that people found shocking at the time were things he recognized as valuable, important and honest works of art - and the passage of time has proven him right.
Rosset has long since sold Grove and moved on to other publishing ventures. These days, he's still editing Evergreen Review Online (http://www.evergreenreview.com), and remains a tireless crusader for First Amendment and free speech issues.
Well, Rosset turned 80 last week, and so a few friends decided to hold a little get-together in his honor at an enormous loft overlooking the intersection of Broadway and Bleecker St.
Not being someone who frequents parties of any kind, I'm afraid I can't very well provide a laundry list of all the luminaries in attendance. The overcrowded room still had that luminary - rich feel about it, though - no denying that. There was a fellow who looked like Norman Mailer but wasn't, and another who looked like George Plimpton and probably was. Photographer Arne Svenson was there, as was John Oakes, of Four Walls Eight Windows. Matt Dillon was there, too, looking mildly uncomfortable. There was some question as to why, exactly, Matt Dillon might be there, until I remembered his Burroughs connection-as well as the fact that he recently recorded an unabridged audio version of On the Road. With only a few exceptions, most everyone in the room seemed close to Rosset, age-wise.
Morgan and I and our friend Gary were there because we are all currently involved in the upcoming DVD release of Quiet Days in Clichy - a 1970 Dutch film (which Rosset had distributed in the States) based on a Henry Miller novel (which Rosset had published). We were going to be filming an interview with Rosset for the DVD a week later, and this was to be our official first introduction.
We worked our way through the crowd to where Rosset stood in the corner, greeting a seemingly endless line of well-wishers. He's a small man, bespectacled, with a great shock of white hair and an enormous - yet still impish-smile. He still seemed to have an awful lot of energy for a man who was turning 80.
Gary introduced us all, explaining who we were and why we were there. "Ahh," Rosset said as he shook our hands, "I've been thinking about this, and it put my whole life into perspective." You could tell from his eyes that he was about to launch into a story. Rosset, along with everything else, is famous for his stories. "The year was 1970," he began. "Fresno, California..." Unfortunately, before he had a chance to continue any further, someone stepped between us, grabbed Rosset's hand and began talking about something else.
The three of us worked our way back through the crowd and took a seat on what turned out to be the world's most comfortable sofa. Then we stayed there a while, wondering if we'd ever find out what happened to Barney Rosset in Fresno, CA, in 1970.
---Jim Knipfel
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
don’t forget: Ink ‘n Coffee Writers Workshop January 23! Register Now!
don’t forget: Ink ‘n Coffee Writers Workshop January 23! Register Now!
just a tidbit of useless knowledge, but it may be of interest of writers in Michigan: Judith Guest (Ordinary People) is the great-niece of Edgar A. Guest, who was at one time the Poet Laureate of Michigan and who wrote a poem a day for the Detroit Free Press for forty years.
just a tidbit of useless knowledge, but it may be of interest of writers in Michigan: Judith Guest (Ordinary People) is the great-niece of Edgar A. Guest, who was at one time the Poet Laureate of Michigan and who wrote a poem a day for the Detroit Free Press for forty years.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to perform at Big Top next summer
Big Top Announces First Show of the Year
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will perform a pair of concerts at Bayfield’s canvas jewel Big Top Chautauqua on July 17th and 18th. Both 7:30pm performances will be recorded by the band for a possible “Live from Big Top” album. Tickets for either the Saturday or Sunday shows are $48/$40/$32.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band formed in Southern California during the spring of 1966 as a scruffy, young jug band. Forty‐two years later, the quartet (Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter and John McEuen) is still going strong.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s self‐titled debut album, released in 1967, included the pop hit “Buy For Me The Rain.” But it was their 5th record, 1970’s Uncle Charlie and His Dog Teddy, that would become the band’s breakthrough project, yielding 3 pop hits including their version of Jerry Jeff Walker's “Mr. Bojangles.” Among the many outstanding tracks on Uncle Charlie was a version of Earl Scruggs’ “Randy Lynn Rag.” That cut set into motion what would become the Will the Circle be Unbroken album, a veritable summit of talent which included NDGB’s heroes: Scruggs, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Roy Acuff and Mother Maybelle Carter. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Circle... album, a three‐LP set, recorded live in the studio in Nashville over six days in 1971, became a landmark event and a multi‐platinum success. Circle remains such a significant effort, that 30 years later it was one of 50 recordings to be honored and preserved by the Library of Congress.
In the early 80’s, after a few more pop hits, the band returned to Nashville once again and began what would become a highly successful career in mainstream country music. Hits that included “Dance Little Jean,” "Workin' Man", "Long Hard Road", “Baby's Got A Hold On Me” and “Fishin' in the Dark” put them at the top of the country charts for over a decade. In 1989, the group revisited the Circle concept, gathering another impressive roster of performers (including Johnny Cash, EmmyLou Harris, Levon Helm, Chet Atkins, Bruce Hornsby, John Hiatt and Roseanne Cash) for sessions that had a pronounced country‐gospel feel. Circle II would go on to win three Grammy Awards and the Country Music Association Album of the Year. In 2002 Circle III (with many current artists added to the previous cast) received similar accolades and attention, garnering the International Bluegrass Music Association Recorded Event of the Year award as well as leading to a 2005 Grammy for Country Instrumental Performance (with Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Jerry Douglas and the late Vassar Clements).
With a career that spans five decades, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has gone from a hippie jug‐band to pioneers of country rock, and their influence is still being felt today.
Information, schedules and ticket prices are available at www.bigtop.org or by calling 888-BIG-TENT (888–244-8368).
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will perform a pair of concerts at Bayfield’s canvas jewel Big Top Chautauqua on July 17th and 18th. Both 7:30pm performances will be recorded by the band for a possible “Live from Big Top” album. Tickets for either the Saturday or Sunday shows are $48/$40/$32.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band formed in Southern California during the spring of 1966 as a scruffy, young jug band. Forty‐two years later, the quartet (Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter and John McEuen) is still going strong.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s self‐titled debut album, released in 1967, included the pop hit “Buy For Me The Rain.” But it was their 5th record, 1970’s Uncle Charlie and His Dog Teddy, that would become the band’s breakthrough project, yielding 3 pop hits including their version of Jerry Jeff Walker's “Mr. Bojangles.” Among the many outstanding tracks on Uncle Charlie was a version of Earl Scruggs’ “Randy Lynn Rag.” That cut set into motion what would become the Will the Circle be Unbroken album, a veritable summit of talent which included NDGB’s heroes: Scruggs, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, Roy Acuff and Mother Maybelle Carter. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Circle... album, a three‐LP set, recorded live in the studio in Nashville over six days in 1971, became a landmark event and a multi‐platinum success. Circle remains such a significant effort, that 30 years later it was one of 50 recordings to be honored and preserved by the Library of Congress.
In the early 80’s, after a few more pop hits, the band returned to Nashville once again and began what would become a highly successful career in mainstream country music. Hits that included “Dance Little Jean,” "Workin' Man", "Long Hard Road", “Baby's Got A Hold On Me” and “Fishin' in the Dark” put them at the top of the country charts for over a decade. In 1989, the group revisited the Circle concept, gathering another impressive roster of performers (including Johnny Cash, EmmyLou Harris, Levon Helm, Chet Atkins, Bruce Hornsby, John Hiatt and Roseanne Cash) for sessions that had a pronounced country‐gospel feel. Circle II would go on to win three Grammy Awards and the Country Music Association Album of the Year. In 2002 Circle III (with many current artists added to the previous cast) received similar accolades and attention, garnering the International Bluegrass Music Association Recorded Event of the Year award as well as leading to a 2005 Grammy for Country Instrumental Performance (with Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Jerry Douglas and the late Vassar Clements).
With a career that spans five decades, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has gone from a hippie jug‐band to pioneers of country rock, and their influence is still being felt today.
Information, schedules and ticket prices are available at www.bigtop.org or by calling 888-BIG-TENT (888–244-8368).
Thursday, October 22, 2009
You don't fish for Musky: You HUNT 'em !
Anglers long to hook a musky. Allusive, sought after and BIG; the muskellunge knows few predators. One of those is man. You fish for walleye, trout and panfish.
You hunt musky.
Once again, fishermen (and fisherwomen) will be competing for up to $5,000 in prizes in the 4th annual Iron River Musky Tournament on the Pike Lake Chain, Oct. 24 and 25. And again, the BATTLE AXE SALOON on the corner of U.S. 2 and Bayfield County B (South) in Iron River will be where the action is ... when you're not out there casting for this rare fish. Position drawing and music at the Battle Axe Saloon from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday.
The catch-n-release, non-transport tournament starts at 7 a.m. Saturday on any Pike Chain lake of your choosing. Judges will be out on the water until 4 p.m.
Food and music at the Battle Axe from 6 p.m. to close Saturday.
Sunday's fishing action continues at 7 a.m. on the Pike Lake Chain until 2 p.m..
Food and awards at the BATTLE AXE from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The 4th Annual Iron River Musky Tournament is sponsored by the Battle Axe Saloon, Woods & Water Outfitters of Iron River and NJ Custom Builders.
You hunt musky.
Once again, fishermen (and fisherwomen) will be competing for up to $5,000 in prizes in the 4th annual Iron River Musky Tournament on the Pike Lake Chain, Oct. 24 and 25. And again, the BATTLE AXE SALOON on the corner of U.S. 2 and Bayfield County B (South) in Iron River will be where the action is ... when you're not out there casting for this rare fish. Position drawing and music at the Battle Axe Saloon from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday.
The catch-n-release, non-transport tournament starts at 7 a.m. Saturday on any Pike Chain lake of your choosing. Judges will be out on the water until 4 p.m.
Food and music at the Battle Axe from 6 p.m. to close Saturday.
Sunday's fishing action continues at 7 a.m. on the Pike Lake Chain until 2 p.m..
Food and awards at the BATTLE AXE from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The 4th Annual Iron River Musky Tournament is sponsored by the Battle Axe Saloon, Woods & Water Outfitters of Iron River and NJ Custom Builders.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
American Book Cooperative moves to Main Street West location in Ashland
The American Book Cooperative will soon be moving to its new location at 3rd Ave. and Main Street West in Ashland.
Conveniently located across the street from Book World on Main Street West, The American Book Cooperative will specialize in antiquated and used books as well as books by local history authors.
It will also have an extensive collection of area poets and playwrights. Besides being a full-service book store, it will also provide a free book search service for customers.
Book dealers including bookshop owners throughout the region are invited to display portions of their collections as a showcase for their shop or private collections.
Besides marketing on the Internet, ABC will advertise in NorthWordNorth, EcoLogic, The Tall Timber Telegraph and other area online and print publications.
Watch NorthWordNorth for updates on the Grand Opening of the American Book Cooperative.
Conveniently located across the street from Book World on Main Street West, The American Book Cooperative will specialize in antiquated and used books as well as books by local history authors.
It will also have an extensive collection of area poets and playwrights. Besides being a full-service book store, it will also provide a free book search service for customers.
Book dealers including bookshop owners throughout the region are invited to display portions of their collections as a showcase for their shop or private collections.
Besides marketing on the Internet, ABC will advertise in NorthWordNorth, EcoLogic, The Tall Timber Telegraph and other area online and print publications.
Watch NorthWordNorth for updates on the Grand Opening of the American Book Cooperative.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
ALL OUR RELATIONS: NATIVE STRUGGLES FOR LAND AND LIFE
An excerpt from ALL OUR RELATIONS, NATIVE STRUGGLES FOR LAND AND LIFE. LaDuke, Winona, South End Press, Cambridge, Mass.; Honor the Earth, Minneapolis, Minn., ISBN 0-89608-599-6, $16. Page 197.
"Somewhere between the teachings of western science and those of the Native community there is some agreement on the state of the world. Ecosystems are collapsing, species are going extinct, the polar icecaps are melting, and nuclear bombings and accidents have contaminated the land.
According to Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson, 50,000 species are lost every year. Three-quarters of the world's species of birds are declining, and one-quarter of all mammalian species are endangered. Tropical rainforests, freshwater lakes, and coral reefs are at immediate risk, and global warming and climate change will accelerate the rate of biological decline dramatically.
The writing is on the wall, in bold letters. There is no easy answer, and even scientists themselves seem to recognize the necessity of finding new strategies and understandings. In an unusual gathering in late 1998, for instance, NASA scientist met with Indigenous elders to discuss global warming an to hear the elders' suggestions on possible solutions. The response the scientists received may have been only part of what they had hoped for. As one observer summarized, the elders pretty much responded, 'You did it, you fix it.'
In the final analysis, we humans can say whatever we would like -- rationalize, revise statistical observations, extend deadlines, and make accommodations for a perceived 'common good.' But 'natural law,' as one Yakama fisherman and former director of the Columbia Intertribal Fishing Commission Ted Strong explains, 'is a hard and strict taskmaster.' Dump dioxin into the river, and you will inevitably eat or drink it."
Winona LaDuke speaks out for earth at annual Honor the Earth Benefit Birthday Bash
by Eric Hjerstedt Sharp
editor-publisher
The Tall Timber Telegraph
LA POINTE, Wis. _ "Madeline Island holds a special spiritual significance," said LaDuke at Tom's Burned Down Cafe Thursday night.
Originally called Mooningwanekaaning ("The Home of the Golden Breasted Woodpecker") Madeline Island is the traditional spiritual center of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) people. LaDuke chose Tom's Burned Down Cafe in the town of La Pointe as the venue for her 50th birthday bash and the annual benefit for Honor the Earth, a native-directed and controlled organization of which LaDuke is the executive director. Honor the Earth's mission is "to create awareness and support for indigenous environmental issues and leverage needed financial and political resources for the survival of sustainable indigenous communities. Honor the Earth develops these resources by using music, the arts, media and indigenous wisdom to ask people to recognize our joint dependency on the earth and be a voice for those who are not heard," according to the organization's mission statement.
LaDuke and the staff of Honor the Earth urged participants to be aware of local food communities and to follow sustainable paths to help the earth heal after centuries of neglect and resource depletion.
Native rocker Keith Secola on guitar and others joined the celebration at Tom's Burned Down Cafe for an evening of music and dance. Secola was joined by Chequamegon Bay-area musicians including Laughing Fox (Michael "Scooter" Charette, flute), Marky Rossow (Marky Mark sax, banjo and drums) and others at the event.
Photos by Chad Lampson, The Tall Timber Telegraph photographer and technical editor
FLUTIST LAUGHING FOX from Red Cliff, Wis. constructs his own flutes. A poet and artist, he has taught people of all ages.
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