Kickstarter

The River City Reunion, Revisited

In September of 1987 a group of Beat Generation poets, authors, and performers gathered in Lawrence, Kansas for a week-long literary festival of readings and diverse activities.  This book is a collection of 25 never before published photographs which document some of the highlights of this event. Perhaps even more significantly these photographs stand as a testament to the pre-digital, post-hippie era of the late 1980’s.  They represent a moment in time which, seen from the vantage point of 25 years down the road, poignantly evokes a sense of how things have changed. Although many of the performers at this event have died, their work remains relevant to the 21st century.  The list of participants includes:

William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary, Keith Haring, Marianne Faithfull, Andrei Codrescu, Michael McClure, Danny Sugerman, Ed Sanders, Jim Carroll, Ed Dorn, John Giorno, Anne Waldman, and many others.

I shot more than a dozen rolls of film during this historic event which largely passed under the radar of mainstream media.  Looking back on these images now transports me right back to that time and place, and I realize how lucky I was to have been a part of it.  

The Book: As a celebration of the 25th anniversary I have selected and scanned 25 negatives to produce an 8 x 10 inch hardcover book.  Kickstarter money goes toward getting this book published.  

The Website:  rivercityreunion.com is the place to go to see more images.

The Exhibition: Several galleries and institutions have shown interest in exhibiting this work.  Specific places and dates for upcoming exhibitions will be announced in the future. 

There are many more negatives from this event that still need to be scanned and digitally developed, and will soon be available on the website.   I am really excited about this project, and wish to thank the many people who have shown interest and supported it so far. Don't forget to share this with your friends!