Warhol..Jock polaroid shots @ Danziger projects in New York! A brief encounter! Wayne Gretzky & Boxer Ali shot...

Andy Warhol was oft quoted for one astute observation.

"Everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes," he smugly announced to a disbelieving posse of media hounds way back when in the heady days of his creative heyday.

Today, the thought resonates in every fibre of the being - in an era where global news networks and a glut of reality-TV shows - are now a testament to the man's insight, vision, and genius.

Golly, with one simple soupcan, Warhol - the manic multi-media artist with the shock of platinum hair - managed to utter up a mind-bending (enlightening) message about the vulgarity of consumerism in one fell swoop.

With his penetrating all-seeing lens, the die-hard New Yorker (zany founder of the infamous film Factory in mid-Manhattan) captured images on celluloid that would touch, disturb, and inspire generations to come.

Now, a series of polaroids Warhol was commissioned to photograph in the late seventies and early eighties for an avid collector Richard Weisman (a good friend) are on exhibit at the Danziger Projects in New York.

The stills of the well-known athletes at the top of their game became known as the "Sport Series".

During the course of the session, Warhol took three shots, as he was interacting with his subject.

All three captures have been artfully included in the exhibit with the ultimate aim of shedding some insightful light on the Pop Artist's thought-provoking creative process.

After-the-fact - each image was silkscreened to canvas - and subseqeuntly became the basis for a full-fledged painting.

The tiny images of the athletes - Wayne Gretzky, Mohammed Ali, O.J. Simpson, to name a few - are described as "pure" in nature by excited art-lovers who have caught the show in recent days.

No mean feat, when you can consider that each subject was at the height of their powers, when they granted audience to the notorious madcap artist

To accomplish that end, Warhol facilitated a Big Shot camera in a studio setting without alot of high tech equipment or gimmicky lighting (which would have been the kiss of death in my estimation).

According to the curator at the Danziger, in the final analysis, Warhol's polaroids are both a celebration of the greatness of the athletes and an intriguing look at the cleverness of the facade of Warhol so often used to disguise the intelligence and innovation of his work.

Our paths crossed briefly out-of-the-blue one day, shortly after I alighted in New York, to pursue an acting career on stage.

One day I strolled into the 10th Circle (a local watering hole) in the West Village.

On the heels of plunking myself down, and ordering up a brewskie, I swung around on my stool to get a gander at the patrons chug-a-lugging around me.

Suddenly, I caught sight of Warhol chatting up European actor - Helmut Berger - who was working steadily in films at the time.

Behind dark glasses the fey Warhol peered my way - and I his.

Then, we both sauntered on our merry way!

No chemistry, I guess.

Well, I confess!

Helmut was pretty masculine (I was just pretty).

Curiously, I ended up being cast in an off-off-Broadway show titled "The Magic Hype", which was a spoof on the Warhol film characters (with a big focus on Holly Woodlawn and Candy Darling).

The wild musical comedy - performed by the "Hot Peaches" troupe - was primarily written and directed by founder "Jimmy Camicia".

During the run of the show, Warhol star - Jackie Curtis - popped in to catch the zany fly-by-your-panties production.

In contrast to Andy Darling, Jackie and I hit it off famously. 

In fact, at a New Year's Celebration later that year, we orchestrated a tea-for-two number that brought down the house.

In a post last year, I penned my memoires of Ms. Curtis and the auspicious event.

Post:  11/28/07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/11/jackie-curtiswarhol-star-on-edge.html

Once I left the "Big Apple", I lost touch with Jimmy Camicia, though.

But, want to hear something astounding?

A few months ago Jimmy was cruising the Internet when he unexpectedly stumbled on my blog & the post published on Jackie.

Needless to say, Jimmy  zipped off an e-mail to catch up, and we've been in touch since.

In fact, the director with the wicked wit and deep creative well, just informed me that he's been tooling around with his "Hot Peaches" website.

OMG!

Jimmy actually dragged out an old publicity still I'm featured in which captured moi in a slinky silver sheath-of-a-dress (if you can actually call it that!), silk stockings, wild "do", and a smattering of make-up.

Darn it!

Just knew that the Hot Peaches stint in NYC would come back to haunt me!

Oh well, I have a good sense of humor.

Gobble it up, why don't you?

Info:  http://www.hotpeachesnyc.com

By the way, Happy Turkey Day!

Warhol at the creative helm!

Jackie six feet under sans panties!

http://www.julianarys.com

Blogging...Internet opens door to past. Dancin' Don resurfaces...

Many savvy surfers cruise the net to make new connections - in chat rooms, at blog sites, wherever - in the hope of expanding their horizons.

In recent days, I've come to recognize that penning a blog may also open up dusty doors into the past!

This morning, for instance, I was quite startled to find a comment waiting for me where I posted on an old vintage JOHN LENNON interview from CBC TV taped back in the late sixties. (www.julian1st.wordpress.com / October 26)

"I remember you," noted "Newbroom."

"You were Dancin Don. I was there with you. I went to the Rock 'n Roll Festival when John showed up with the Plastic Ono Band. Great memories. Nice blog, too."

Oh my Gosh!

Yes, before I moved to the United States many moons ago (to use an old hippie expression that seems appropriate at this heady moment!) I changed my birth name legally to the one I used on stage.

Before I was "Julian", I was "Don".



When I was teenager I was known for two things basically: wild curly hair and dancing.

And, for being an infamous resident of the legendary Rochdale College.


I was a street performer - and often showed up at major rock concerts around the country - acting out in impromptu skits or dancing in my own inimitable style much to the delight of stoned audiences!

Photographers used to scramble to photograph me; subsequently, I often ended up in the pages of slick glossy magazines and local throw-a-way newspapers (in the Vancouver mainland and metropolitan Toronto areas) in half-naked poses which flaunted ragged blue jeans, naked torso and bare feet.

In one of my favorite "portraits", a photographer caught me mid-flight - with back arched - against the backdrop of Toronto's futuristic City Hall (one of my favorite pieces of architecture).

One one occasion - I became notorious when I attended a rock concert on Baldwin Street - and was summarily arrested in a near riot while dancing on a police car.

A documentary filmmaker (Morley Markson) caught the whole incident on film and it ended up on the National News that evening on CBC TV.

Yes, I was suddenly catapulted into fame!

When I padded into court in barefeet, the police officer on the witness stand testified that I was doing something of a "war dance" (a quote from the Toronto Telegram news report) which prompted loud guffaws from all in attendance and a stern request from the Judge for "order" in the court.

An aggressive young criminal attorney - Clayton Ruby - convinced the Judge that it was actually the police who caused the disturbance.

Case dismissed!

I became a local hero, of sorts.

As a result, people familiar with my first name, referred to me affectionately as "Dancin' Don".

To others, I was simply "The Dancer".

That was a long time ago - so it surprised the heck out of me thirty eight years later - to get an e-mail from a total stranger recalling my former "persona" in the olden golden days!!!

But, that was not a lone occasion for the past to creep into my life of late, due to blog exposure on the world-wide-web.


A few months ago, I wrote a post on "Jackie Curtis" (the Warhol Star) who I became friends with back in 1974 in the "Big Apple" (NYC).

You may recall that Lou Reed wrote a lyric about Jackie in one of his big hits of the day.

"Walk on the Wild Side"

In that hit tune, Lou droned:

"Jackie was just speedin' away. Thought she was James Dean for a day."

Well, a few months after I published the post, I suddenly got an e-mail out-of-the blue from Jimmy Carnicia.

Back in the early seventies (!) I was involved in a provocative stage production - "The Magic Hype" - which was written and directed by Mr. Carnicia.


The zany high-spirited off-beat musical was a spoof on the Andy Warhol characters performed by the well-know local troupe, the "Hot Peaches".

Yes, I was once a "Hot Peach".

No comments, please!


Anyhoo, Jimmy saw the blog post, and contacted me through my e-mail address.

Imagine that, we were out-of-touch for over 34 years!

Wanna know the scary part?

Jimmy recently developed a web site in memory of the "Hot Peaches" - replete with old stills from the live shows - sure to rustle up nostalgic memories for fans of the "Hot Peaches" cast.

Oh my gosh!

He has a shot of "The Magic Hype" production, too.

There I am in tights, a sparkly outfit, wild mane of hair, and tons of make-up.

Gorgeous, dahlink!

Nope, you can never escape the past, and for good reason.

A memory is what is left when something happens and does not completely unhappen.
(Edward de Bono)

God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.
(J.M. Barrie, Courage)

Lou Reed...orange leather in dead of winter!

This past week when I happened across a couple of clips on Lou Reed (who has been in concert lately on the cirucit) I recalled an off-beat encounter many years ago in New York City

A friend of mine - Roberta - used to reside at Sutton Place with her husband (an ad agency man) back in the seventies - and was an acquaintance of Lou in some capacity.

If I recall correctly, Roberta and I met at Max's Kansas City, a hot little "in" spot in the Village where the celebrity clientele used to throw chick peas at each other.

I was on an apartment search, and the party girl of the hour, gracously invited me to stay with her family for a few days until I got situated.

Roberta was pretty and petite and a former model.

I think her hubbie was pleased that we became friends because he felt I was a good influence on her.

While he was busy at work hours on end, Roberta - social butterfly extraordaire - was out mixing and mingling with the trendy jet-set.

She loved to shop at Bloomies (Bloomingdales).

In fact, if I am not mistaken, Roberta was the one who first introduced me to the rarefied air of the prestigious department store all the rage in NYC.

Her eclectic circle of friends consisted of fashion models, musicians, and groupies.

One evening, we were all lolling around the spacious living-room chatting each other up, when Roberta announced that Lou Reed was stopping in to - as a friend in Canada would charmingly put it - say boo.

Being the star-struck kid that I was in those days, my jaw dropped!

If you lived in the "Big Apple", chances are you caught a glimpse of wild man Reed, dashing about the dynamic city core.

But now, he was going to be a party guest in the same tony enclave as me!

After what seemed to be an agonizing wait, the buzzer rang at the door.

When Roberta strolled over to answer, the well-heeled doorman below simply uttered up two words.

"It's him."

In a few tantalizing moments, Lou Reed was striding through the beautifully-crafted door - with guitar in hand - dressed head-to-toe in an eye-popping orange leather outfit.

It was a startling knock-out image to drink in - especially when you consider that in the dead of winter without a month or two of sun - Lou's face was pale with a slight green tinge to it.

Just like the rest of us, uh huh.

Surprisingly, he was quite the down-to-earth dude!

At one point in the conversation, he whipped out his guitar and strummed it a bit.

When I noted I was pursuing a singing career - within minutes - Lou dragged me into a rock n' roll version of "Some Where Over the Rainbow".

Shortly after, he departed to meet a couple of social obligations 'round town.

Sadly, that was the last I saw of him.



"Walk on the Wild Side" (penned a short while later) included a lyric about a friend of mine - Andy Warhol star - Jackie Curtis.

In that tune, if you recall, Lou sang:

"Jackie was just speeding away."

Yes, Jackie thought she was James Dean for a day.

And, Little Joe?

Nope. Never once gave it away.

I wondered if our little encounter ever inspired him to write a line or two about me?

Naw!

Favorite Lou Reed tune?

Satellite of Love!

Perfect Day (which I hope to record one day) is a close second!

Lou, if you catch this little tribute, howdy!


3 Stooges - David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed...

Jackie Curtis...Warhol star on edge!

When a film festival announced their intention to screen a documentary of Andy Warhol star, Jackie Curtis, I jumped at the chance to snatch up a ticket.

After all, my paths crossed with Jackie Curtis many years ago.

I was curious to see how the filmmakers would depict the underground star who appeared in classic low-budget projects such as "Flesh" and "Women in Revolt".

I was in an off-off Broadway play - "The Magic Hype" - which was a spoof on the Andy Warhol stars, when I first came into contact with Ms. Curtis.

The troupe I was involved with were known as the "Hot Peaches".

In "Magic" - the writers took jabs at Andy, his cast of off-the-street down 'n out on-the-edge characters, and the Factory - from whence they came.

Jimmy Camicia was the writer/director/producer cum chief cook and bottle-washer of the "Hot Peaches" troupe, as he likes to demurely put it.

During the successful run of the show (the reviews weren't half-bad in spite of the kitsch and campiness of the production) I struck up a friendship with Jackie who was this-close with a number of the actors in the review.

Jackie was well-known for having appeared in a handful of Warhol films with legendary counter-culture figures such as Candy Darling & Holly Woodlawn.

The raunchy, in-your-face films, were usually directed by clever Paul Morrissey.

When the camera (frequently manned by Warhol) rolled, there was generally a free-for-fall, with the actors - I use the term loosely - and as much improvised content as was theatrically possible in a single take.

On one occasion, I recall chatting with Jackie in her bed-sitting suite above a convenience store in a two-story walk-up in the East Village.

At Jackie's insistence - I recited a handful of my early poems while the lady-of-the-house prepared tea - of all things!

Jackie was a keen writer, as well.

The rambunctious underground star began writing plays in the late 1960's in which he/she usually appeared as the female lead.

"Amerika Cleopatra" ran during the summer of 1968 and co-starred Alexis Del Lago and Harvey Fierstein (Cleo's Jewish Mother).

Remarkable as it may seem, Robert de Niro made his first entrance on the stage opposite Candy Darling during the first run of the production of "Glamour, Glory, and Gold".

Jackie was penning that play in the days we first rubbed shoulders; occasionally, when we bumped into each other at Max's Kansas City, or elsewhere, she offered up snatches of the dialogue for me to critique.

Then, the mercurial Curtis got stuck on the idea of a musical. So, she whipped up a sweet little offering, "Lucky Wonderful". The stage show, with music composed by Paul Serrato, was produced in 1968 at the Bastianos Theater.

Another project - "Heaven Grand in Amber Orbit" - was taken under John Vaccaro's wing at the Playhouse of the Ridiculous in 1969 and toured internationally for two years.

One of my favorite pieces - "Vain Victory" - was produced at La Mama in 1971. The cast included: Candy Darling, Holly Woodlawn, Paul Ambrose, Eric Emerson, Mario Montez, and Andy Warhol.

Then, Jackie got on a kick with James Dean.

Out-of-the-blue one day, Jackie tossed a slick glossy photograph in my lap. It was an 8 x 10 head shot of Ms. Curtis copy-catting the James Dean "look". Excitedly, Jackie exclaimed that she was jetting off to Hollywood to audition for a part about the rebel without a cause, swearing she'd become the next James Dean.

Well, I had to laugh.

Bless her heart! I mean - if you knew Jackie, well - she was more Queen than Dean!

However, because of that momentary loss of her senses, a bolt of lightning struck bringing unexpected fame.

Lou Reed picked up on the madness, then - immortalized Jackie - by writing about the scenario in the tantalizing lyrics for the popular hit, "Walk on the Wild side".

If you recall, in that memorable chart-climber, Lou Reed sang, "Jackie was just speedin' away, thought she was James Dean for a day."

Lou Reed and I actually sang a rock 'n roll version of the Wizard of Oz ballad - "Somewhere over the Rainbow" - one late night, but that's another story...

Not to get sidetracked.

One day, Jackie dashed up to me on the street, begging me to appear with her in a skit for a New Year's celebration at a small Theatre in the East Village.

Of course, I was game.

The idea was worked out to perfection.

I'd gently push Jackie back and forth on a large swing adorned with flowers of all persuasion, center stage. Then - the two of us would dance a simple two-step cheek-to-cheek and side-by-side - to the tune of "Tea for Two".

But it did not go off without a hitch!

About forty-five minutes before the house manager was to wave us onstage, Jackie whipped out a bottle of Jack Daniels.

I was aghast and cried out, "Jackie, not before we go on stage..."

But, Jackie was insistent; it would loosen us up.

Despite my violent protestations, she foisted the bottle on me. Believe me, Jackie was a difficult person to say no, to.

Well, by the time we both got on stage, we were both bombed!

All I recall from that wild, zany night was the swing, a torrent of silky petals cascading furiously to the stage floor, blinding stage lights, and a lot of hilarious laughter and applause.

Oh, and a very nasty hangover the next morning!

Never again!

Whether Jackie was aware of it or not, that little escapade instilled in me a valuable lesson adhered to this day.

I never partake of alcoholic spirits before a performance on stage!

Unfortunately, Jackie did not - nor did she ever - kow-tow to convention; this was a truism in her professional life, to be sure.

The social graces were to be chided - trampled upon - mocked!

But, polite society received her none-the-less.

I surmise her motto was, "Live it up, so you can write it down".

Yeah, she was wild, impulsive, and daring in every conceivable fashion. A darling who pushed the limits.

As the filmmaker of the documentary noted, she could connive, cajole, charm - whatever - until the sights she set were within reaching distance.

Bright, witty, desperate, wacky - .she was all that - and then some.

Ah, I fondly recall Jackie with a smile on my face.

Another Curtis?

Forget it. After the little Warhol scamp was made the mold was broken.