Greetings!
Sorry to bring sad news about June Stark's recent passing. She was a well known and loved French Quarter character thanks to her son Mike Stark and the legendary French Quarter New Year's day celebrations that they hosted. We were fortunate to interview June and Judy Trapp (Mike's sister) and Bob Bennett (Mike's best friend from childhood) a few years back. At 92, June participated and was so supportive in the interview that it was easy to understand how Mike became the quiet unsung leader of the French Quarter in his time. June will be missed and may her memory will be a blessing. This link is a transcribed excerpt from the interview 2 years ago. You can send condolences to Judy right via this link. Speaking of Preservation Hall, the band led by Ben Jaffe, has been super HOT all summer, with appearances on the Letterman Show, a joint album and tour with country legend Del McCoury, and performances at the Lincoln Center, Symphony Hall, Bonaroo and other huge venues. Imagine our surprise when we return to Cape Cod and hear they will be at the Welfleet Preservation Hall (think Grand Isle or Bunkie, LA - seating 300 max). So, Tee and I went last night, to the SOLD OUT show, with no tickets just our Pres Hall All Access Passes that came with our Pres Hall Limited Edition Boxed sets. Director Michael Paz saw those passes as we stood in the long stand by line and escorted us in. We were also able to attend the meet and greet function afterward as well. What a great night! These guys rock and are getting better!
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The Pres Hall Band on Cape Cod |
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The Saints Encore w Umbrellas |
On a Rockmore - Pres Hall related note on the exhibition Preservation Hall at 50 that just ended the run at the Ogden Museum in New Orleans. Longtime Rockmore fan and advocate, Claudia Kheel wrote this great review (with a Rockmore Painting lead photo) of the show that was so worth seeing. We went to the Ogden Museum show on Shirley Marvin's 89th Birthday with the Ralph & Nita Howard (Rockmore collector's from Lagrange who helped us move the art). Afterward we went to the Upperline restaurant where JoAnn Clevenger (Rockmore collector) and staff really made it special for Shirley.
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Shirley at Ogden Exhibition |
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Shirley-Tee-Nita at Ogden |
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Upperline B-Day Crew |
After moving all of Shirley Marvin's Rockmores to Lagrange, GA for the October 28-30th opening at three venues we found out the curator, Megan Johnston, had been hired away to Fargo, ND for a once in a lifetime opportunity to curate near her family roots. This certainly put things in scramble mode but we are telecommuting with Megan and pushing full speed ahead to make it happen. Turns out, the Lagrange Art Museum, like the rest of the nation is also in a financial crunch so we will be working hard to help them with fundraising and promotion to make this show a hit. There is a GREAT team attitude in this small town to pull together and make this BIG. We are honored to be a part of the Biggest Rockmore Show yet! We really hope you will make the trek to Lagrange (7 hours by car from NOLA, 1 hour from Atlanta) in an unprecedented show of support as the artist Noel Rockmore is rediscovered! October 28th-30th is the three day opening weekend that is going to be a HAPPENING!!!  | |
Lagrange Museum moving Crew |
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Shirley w Robert & Portrait |
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Hard Working Tee |
The July Rockmore Auction results from Crescent City Auction and the NOAG were not great with only 2 out of the 9 works offered (Civil War -$350 & Egyptian pieces-$475) being sold. Many theories abound including the economy, reserves too high, summer in NOLA, leftover Bryant works, works too big, etc. but it is art history now. Better to have tried and lost also applies to the artist in the Auction world. Folks will reflect on these lost opportunities one day. The eBay Auctions of the Shirley Marvin Collection Rockmore works have returned for a limited run in the month of August starting this weekend. This will be the last chance to get some Rockmore's for your own collection before we return to GA & LA to help with the Lagrange Art Museum's Rockmore show and start Shirley's Non Profit the Golden Era of the French Quarter Foundation. Please Bid early, bid high and bid often for we need your support and you need a Rockmore!
Rich & Tee & Shirley Marvin
The Noel Rockmore Project Team- email link
The New Website -www.rockmore.org
PS. Special thanks to Vince & Linda Lowder who donated these two beautiful works by Gypsy Lou Webb to the GEFQ Foundation (Our 1st Official Donation as an Incorporated Non Profit that has filed for 501 c status). They traced Gypsy Lou to us through the site and even though we were just starting out wanted to donate - Thanks! On that same Gypsy Lou note, Clint Maedgen, of the Pres Hall band(really sweet talented musician), visited Lou with Ben but has lost contact with her as many of us have after her fall. If you are one of the folks that see Lou and you can show her this personal message from Clint to Lou - recorded last night that would be great. We will certainly show it to her when we see her late in the month.
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Rich & Clint |
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Brulator by Lou |
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Pirate A. by Lou |
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Joe & Tee |
eBay Auction Below - just do it :<)
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