Page 28 Fall 1997
The
history lounge was really cool, too. Mary Wilkins had assembled her
collection and loans from others to present a fascinating display of
memorabilia, collectibles, and truly historic items. They were also
running old videos and films, including Art Jennings' home movies. The
history lounge was a definite plus to the fiftyfest! I saw Hovey
Burgess in the history lounge, and Lisa Thomas - how cool can you
get?! The history lounge should keep alive the dream of a permanent
museum site for the IJA.
Almost
everything happened in the tent and arena. They were our yin and yang.
The tent sat 900 and had a large stage and backstage area. What a cool
festival. Fifty
In
the middle of it all stood a Rose. Ginny Rose...kudos, Ginny...kudos.
Ginny asked me one day to give founder Roger Montandon and his wife a
ride to the Holiday Inn in the rental van. It was great, a chance to
meet Roger, a name I had known for 25 years. There he was waiting for
me... because I couldn't find the van! Then I discovered Ginny gave me
the wrong key. Okay, now I have them. Oops, someone left a container
of yogurt open on the
(Here's
to Roger
Montandon.. .clink!)
I
was hanging out with Babes in Shades
The
opening
Edward
made us Montandan
and Bernard Joyce - were introduced that night. They got up on stage
to accept awards, and the place went nuts. It was what Art would call
a showstopper, because the whole shebang ground to a halt for several
minutes as the assembled mass rose and paid tribute. I had the feeling
the tribute was not just for the three founders present, nor the eight
founders as a whole, but for the IJA and its historic 50 years. At
that moment, all present knew that we were one, and it was good. I
must have gotten something in my eye just then. It was, in all truth,
historical.
(Here's
to Bill Dunham... clink!)
The
second night was the European
The
show was utter dynamite. It was certainly not your typical IJA fest
fare... oh no. They had exits and entrances, and there was a
noticeable lack of footwear. This was nouveau radical funk, straight
out of the European circus schools. Each and every act received a
standing ovation. Not always from me of course, but standing O's for
sure. It was all very arty, you see. .The contrast with the previous
night was stark. European tradition meets American street theatre. The
final act was a...
Monday
night was film night. Monday night at the movies with 900 of your
closest friends in the coolest tent you ever saw. Give Alan Plotkin
access to the film archive so he can produce the show, open the bar,
and, "Voila!" Another totally cool night at Fiftyfest.
(Here's
to Eddie Johnson...cIink!)
It
was a great Festival, Lil, and I have seen a
"I
remember Ernie," says Lil, blushing.
Pittsburgh
made it an even dozen for me. |
![]() Young
Alex Salberg took delight on the gym floor in catching a club. (Glen
Korengld photo)
|
![]() Edward Jackman kicked off the festival by hosting the first night's comedy show. (Glen Korengold photo) |