Karpeles, Hawkins, McKinley, Brooks, Einstein...
These were the guys (and girl) who made it all happen last night at an intimate multi-media performance on Porter Avenue. The event? Ron Hawkins (Lowest of the Low) Acoustic Revue's tribute to Louise Brooks (silent film superstar) at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum. Not only did a couple hundred people get to enjoy the event produced by Vincent Lesh and Amanda Howard of Wichita, Kansas, but at the same time a 'new' venue was unleashed as a 'future venue goldmine' for a variety of local promoters. The attendees at the museum were captivated by the dynamics of the space, which many had never even heard of, let alone visited.
Visitors to last night's showing spent their time wandering from room to room checking out original manuscripts from Albert Einstein as well as official documents and newspaper clippings from the McKinley assassination, as well as a display of photos and words documenting the life of Louise Brooks... all before being treated to an incredible acoustic performance by Ron Hawkins and his Revue. Ron, a big time fan of Louise Brooks, performed a song dedicated to the silent film star, which is how the idea behind the whole gala transpired.
The all-ages show was a tremendous success, and the question on everybody's lips was, "Why don't more people host events in this wonderful space?" I have a feeling that we have just seen the tip of the iceberg of the Karpeles Manusript Museum's potential in this city. People that showed up to hear the music could not believe what they had stumbled upon.
Joey B. just submitted a link to additional photos from the event. Here is the link. Thanks Joey!
Don't forget to check out the slide show... to the tune of Ron Hawkins Acoustic Revue's Lulu.
Karpeles Manuscript Museum
453 Porter Avenue
Buffalo, New York USA
I LOVE the images of original documents against the backdrop of performance - NICE!
FYI- there are two wonderful women in the revue :)
Is the Karpeles Manuscript Museum located in one of Buffalo's former historic churches? Isnt that wonderful ....a sacred place bestowing the importance of our history.
I think everyone should welcome the Karpeles into becoming a more public and visible member of our cultural institutions.
that was a great slide show. I felt like I was at the concert
Wonderful slide show - fabulous event! I hope to be able to attend more such evenings in this beautiful space. The music was excellent, the manuscripts and photographs fascinating, and the overall vibe sublime.
We need to celebrate the Karpeles Manuscript Museum. This museum is really Buffalo's equivalent of the Eastman Museum of Film and Photography.
This is a hidden treasure which we should be holding up as another of Buffalo's hidden treasures (hidden I mean that many people dont know about it or havent patronized it because they havent had as visible or vocal a profile as the Science, History or Albright Knox).
I hope that they (the Karpelles) will step up to the plate and assume a more equally visible and vocal member of the local cultural institutions. Perhaps emulating the Eastman Museum with an recognition award in one of their mediums.
Whether they do or they dont, they are a treasure which certainly needs to be at the forefront with the rest of our cultural institutions.
a warm winter's night
a job well done to all who made the night what it was.......a medley of striking images and compelling words, melodious music, and the inspiring beauty of the Karpeles museum. faces young and old mingled in the warm glow of the lights touched by the power of combining art, music, and architecture into one beautiful evening.
a.