28 - A New Chapter Begins

I got a new journal for my birthday from someone very close and special to me. This is my first entry.

Shannon Hoon Cont.

Heres a journal page I did a while back.

Shannon Hoon

My interest and fascination with Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon has grown throughout this process. He died just 25 days after his 28th birthday. Almost exactly my age right now (in a week). He just missed the 27 club, not that I think he was shooting for death. His death was accidental and very tragic (cocaine overdose). Out of the 4 surviving members of the band at the time, 3 were 27 years old. We cannot ignore the fact that this age holds importance.

I am not exactly sure what it is about Hoon in particular that captures me. At this time I can’t even say that I know much about him, but I am always brought back to his music and wanting to find out more about his life. I remember sitting in my room as a kid when the video for “No Rain” came on my TV. It must have been in 92 or 93, so I was 10 years old. I was just starting to notice boys I and remember thinking how good looking he was. His hair was as long as mine was at the time though, so I felt a little odd about this “crush”, considering he almost had a girlish look to him. So I never told anyone. Looking back now, he was not “girlish” at all, that was just my perception of things at that age. 

He had a very late 60’s look and style to him which was probably a pre-cursor to my love of that era and the look of the so-called “hippies”. Once i reached a certain age, I knew in the back of my head that I would always look for a guy that was more of the artist/musician type than the jock type. I may not have always dated guys like this, but I always had an obsession with guys like this. I like guys who don’t give much of a fuck about how they are perceived by other people - at least in the sense of not shaping to what “society” seems to think men should look and act like. 

There is something about his music and delivery of vocals and harmonies that just rips at me from the inside. And yes, I know “No Rain” is their most popular song (I am making note here cause I am sure hardcore fans will roll their eyes at me and say there are so many other songs they did that are better. And yes, I agree. I feel the same way about bands that I am a hardcore fan of), but I can honestly see why so many people enjoy listening to that song in particular. It always puts me in a great mood but it tears at my heart at the same time. I mean for someone to admit “ I just want someone to say to me, I’ll always be there when you wake ” ... it is simple in its wording, but there is a raw honesty there that he seemed to reveal in many of his lyrics (“I’ll scratch a hole in my life so everyone can see”). If I play that song when I am having a shitty day, it always turns me around, even if in just that moment. I believe that is what good music is meant to do. Make you feel.

Here is the "No Rain" video. Watch it and I promise you will smile. Hoon's style, his movements, his body, the hair... that was one beautiful man.

   

What drives me.

One thing I have noticed about myself is that once I become interested in a type of art or music, I become enthralled with knowing about the person behind the art. Especially if they are dead. Maybe it is because they become a great mystery to me - knowing I can never meet them and get to know them myself. They become an obsession of idolization - over something I can’t obtain or experience in person. 

In the past, when I have felt this way over someone living, once I meet them - the mystery slowly fades. Maybe this love of the dead comes from my obsession with the unknown. I like the idea that there are unseen forces at work, that there are things that exist, yet I can’t touch or see them. It leaves open the possibilities of discovery for me. There is so much to uncover and experience that it keeps my thirst for life and quest for knowledge alive. 

Hendrix Art

Picture of my Hendrix artwork. Taken with my phone and a bit dark but I will upload a better photo soon. Will be on sale Thursday night at the Variety. Hope to see you there!

Rehearsal

Kurt Interview

 Here is a bit of Kurt. You can see in this interview he was a very open minded, intellectual, and yes... "happy" guy. I think unfortunately many people have built this black cloud around him, and if they don't know too much about him... peg him as this depressing person. I personally think he is very charming, he has the best smile.

" I'm a much happier guy than a lot of people think I am."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqzn9F0GI1o

Janis Joplin Interview

Here is a funny interview Janis Joplin did on Dick Cavett. I just think she is so cute. That may not be the usual way to describe her... but I can see her sweet innocence shine through here.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOTEDnQ4Fvk

Jimi Facts and Journal

Some interesting Jimi facts:  http://www.beembee.com/2010/jimi-hendrix-10-fascinating-facts

Lyrics and their meaning

http://www.songmeanings.net  is one of my favorite sites. Not only does it provide you with lyrics in an easy-to-navigate way, BUT it displays peoples interpretation (underneath the lyrics) of the song - what they think the meaning is. Sometimes people give accounts of what the actual musician/songwriter said about the lyrics. Also, people relate what the lyrics personally mean to them and their life. I love reading through them, many times my interpretation of a songs lyrics is completely different from everyone else's. It just goes to show how one piece of music can have a wide variety of meaning - depending on the experience of the listener.

Here are the links to a few songs we will be featuring:

Ghost Song - Jim Morrison
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/35201/

On a Plain - Kurt Cobain
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/376/

Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/18287/

Maybe - Janis Joplin
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/36332/

"Maybe" needs more interpretations... maybe you can read the lyrics and add your own. Sign Up is free on the site, and once you have an account you can add your own comments.

Also, feel free to post your interpretation here!

Children's Book

I thought this was interesting http://www.brandfreak.com/2010/12/jimi-hendrix-story-finally-wends-its-way-down-to-childrens-book.html

Gathering Wild Rehersal

I love the shots I get of these girls - their movement and emotion is captured easily because they live dance. It is not just a hobby or activity for them, it is a way of life. You can see it in the way they walk, you can even see it in the tiniest of gestures. This show is going to be amazing.

I think I'll use this for my "artists bio" page in the program. Words to be added. 

Janis, art journal

I apparently make this face a lot.

Janis

Jimi

Kurt

Jim

Promotional Poster

It is coming up soon! Mark your calendars! If your in Atlanta, look for these around town.

Words from a friend's thoughts. I felt it connected with Kurt in his obsession with the body/body parts, cells, sperm, birth, etc.

Cobain Journal Page

First Page in my "27" Journal

Show Info

Promotional Postcard for "27" show

Show Info

Promotional Postcard for 27 Show

Tangled Leashes - How 27 came to be

In May of 2010, I turned 27. Being a huge fan of Jim Morrison, I choked at the thought that I am now as old as he was when he died. He always seemed so much older to me, and even though I knew somewhere deep down that he died at 27, it didn’t really hit me until I turned the same age. This brought about a surge of thoughts and feelings as I realized there were many talented and idolized musicians that died at the age of 27. Why 27? Is this some cursed age?

This eventually lead to a merging of creative minds to birth a year long project - “27”.

I will take you back to how all of this all came into my life - the 27 project, my blog, my journal, and my relationship with Gathering Wild Dance. It began, truly, with a divine meeting of souls. It happened one day in downtown Decatur (GA), when a “stranger” and I tangled leashes, literally. I was walking my dog, Frankie, just as she was walking her dog, Frankie (that looked like it could be my dog’s twin), on the same path, on the same sunny day. Leashes were tangled, introductions were made, and my life was forever changed. It was like running into someone who I had known all my life but hadn’t yet met. And from that moment, Jerylann and I became friends and artistic partners.

She is a choreographer and owns her own dance company, Gathering Wild. Through a casual conversation we had one day in the dog park, 27 was decided on as the theme for her new dance project. She would focus on the music of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain, who all left this world at 27 years of age. As an afterthought, we realized I was about to turn 27. It seemed to just all come together at once, fitting together perfectly. 

So, I began my research on 27. Why is this such a pivotal age? I began by questioning myself, and starting a journal. I asked others who were 27 how their lives had changed since turning that age. I delved into research on the “27” club. And I got many answers, but still many more questions. These four musicians all had a lot in common but were also all so very different. How did my life compare to theirs at 27? These are all things that I have explored.

This blog is a documentation of my journey. It is my hope that I can share with others the 27th year of my life - the ups and the downs - and my thoughts as to why it seems to be a pivotal and life changing year of age for many people. I also aim to take a peek into the lives of these four very influential musicians - their personalities, relationships, music, their rise to fame, and ultimately their fall.

The best way for me to do this was through visual art and written word in my journal.
Jerylann’s form of expression is through choreography, movement, and dance. She and her dancers have been such a huge inspiration for me - each one relates to “27” in their own unique way. It definitely shows in their movements and emotions when they dance. Each musicians presence can be felt through the performance. 

So I welcome you to take a look around, and if you would like, share your own story and thoughts. I will say though, that my blog it is only a small part of the big picture. To fully experience the 27 project, I encourage you and your friends to come to the tribute performance on April 21st at the Variety Playhouse. This is the night when dance, theatre, and visual art come together to reveal the “big picture” of 27. It will be a night to revel in the artful music that charged generations and claimed the world stage.

For more info and tickets, visit www.variety-playhouse.com/event/33809/

Learn more about the event, the people involved, and Gathering Wild Dance at:
www.gatheringwild.org

Twitter: @GatheringWild

Facebook: Gathering Wild