“I hope the fire marshal doesn’t find out about this.”
That was the sentiment expressed Saturday night by one of the more than 100 folks who turned out at Vestal’s Candoro Marble Works for “A Blue Shirt in Paris,” a performance to help Knox rocker RB Morris raise funds for an upcoming trip to Paris.
Morris has been invited to participate in a symposium celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of Beat author William S. Burroughs’ novel “Naked Lunch.”
In addition to songs and readings by Morris, Saturday’s gathering featured a slide show about Beat Generation artists put together by Morris’ friend, singer-songwriter Maggie Longmire. And Knox artist Eric Sublett graced the entry rooms with original artwork from the 1950s, most from artists known as the “Knoxville Seven.” All of it was for sale to benefit the cause.
The whole scene had a Beat feeling of its own. It was set up for about 50 guests. There weren’t enough chairs, it was loosely managed, but it was fun, fun, fun! The kind of night you say as you leave, “Boy, I’m glad I was there!”
Morris is one of the best lyricists since Bob Dylan, if you ask me. Was so glad he closed with one of my favorite songs of his, “Take That Ride.”
Among other fans who showed up Saturday: Julia Tucker, Becky Wade, Emily Jones, Eric Vreeland, Tracy Kramer, Bill & Gay Lyons (Gay looking very appropriate in a black dress and denim jacket), Kim Trent, Peter Acly, Melinda Meador, Milton McNally and Fred Brown (who was taking notes, hopefully for a story in the News Sentinel).
This event was fun and RB was incredible, as usual. . I love this blue streak site too. Thanks Cynthia and Alan!
Loved the event! Love The Blue Streak! The evening was positively surreal — everything a bunch of Knoxville Beat wannabes could have hoped for.