Rockmore LASM Opening Photo Summary & Last call for Kickstarter Book!
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Greetings! THE MOST important thing you could ever do to Help Rockmore & Shirley Marvin is PLEDGE at least $1 by clicking on the Kickstarter link Below and hitting the Green Pledge Button.
"Noel Rockmore & Shirley Marvin" - Our Journey to the Discovery of Rockmore
Your contribution of any amount means we print the book that chronicles our journey to bring Rockmore the legacy he longed for. As a Rockmore owner and our supporter you are already part of the history. Those that pledge $40 will get this First edition signed, numbered & dated copy (by Shirley, Rich & Tee Marvin) that will be a Collectible item. These First Edition books will only be available to those that sign up now, there will be NO leftover inventory of the First Edition. Be the collector that says, 'I got one of these signed numbered collectibles 10 years ago, look at the value now. There were less than 400 of these made and it tells the story of Rockmore's Discovery by the Marvin's and my name is in it as a contributor!"
If we do not reach our $15,000 goal (we are at $5000 today) by August 14th - 1 week, no pledges will be charged and no book happens nor the Rockmore Press we hope to generate for the next 6 months around this book. You are the Calvary coming in to save the day for Rockmore & Shirley. You have followed us, some for 7 years, you know how far we have come and you know we can make BIG things happen!
THIS is your opportunity to take Rockmore to the next level! We know so many of you just want to send us a check but we can't do that, it's against the Kickstarter Rules. Technology and concern of signing up online seems to be our major obstacles for Shirley & Rockmore. YOU CAN DO THIS - it is completely safe and not that hard - REALLY! We can tech talk you through it or maybe one of your tech savvy friends can.
The end of next week will be too late, It's Now or Never, our hearts can't wait!
Shirley, Rich & Tee Marvin
PS. Rockmore's Bukowski Book Cover is the Cover of the Historic New Orleans Collection Quarterly this summer and Rockmore will also appear in an article in the HNOC Quarterly next month. There is an Exhibition at the HNOC that will open August 13th that features Gypsy Lou & Loujon Press and The Homage to the French Quarter by Rockmore from JoAnn Clevengers, Upperline Rest. & Collection.
PPS. The Louisiana Endowment for Humanities will FEATURE Rockmore in their Fall Quarterly, "Louisiana Cultural Vistas', with 12 pages and 12-15 images from the LASM Show that is still up through October 6th in Baton Rouge.
PPSS. The Univ. of Louisiana Lafayette Press has begun conversations about "The Noel Rockmore & His Art Book" that many of you are also quite interested in. That is a one to three year Project if/when it happens. We are excited about that for sure but when your Mom is 91 and you are telling her story, 3 years is not attractive, a book in your hands this December is and that is why clicking and pledging this link below is essential.
It will be easy, just $1 if finances are an issue, because the more supporters you have, the more Kickstarter promotes you! Please help make this book happen today!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gefq/noel-rockmore-and-shirley-marvin-book-our-journey
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PHOTO Summary of 2013 July LASM Shirley & Rockmore Opening Weekend
| Collectors Herschel Alan Weisfeld Dallas & Drew Bevolo NOLA - far right |
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Sacha & Sister Rachael with Parents Larry & Pat Borenstein
Mentors to Rockmore & Shirley & The French Quarter Community
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The Opening was a fantastic collection of well over 150 people from all over the country and was certainly a moment that will live forever in Rockmore & LASM Museum History. Never have that many folks come from New Orleans to Baton Rouge for a Museum event especially on a Thursday at 5PM. After an introduction of Museum folks by Curator Elizabeth Weinstein, Shirley Marvin began with a brief welcome and speech about her relationship with Noel Rockmore and why this Museum showing was so important.
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From Right - Rich's Best Friend from birth - Dr. Marshall St. Amant, daughter Bella, wife Gabriella & Sister Marianne St. Amant
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Shirley Entertains & signs Catalogs at soft opening
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Collector Don Fuson Baton Rouge
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Rich Marvin then introduced his wife, Tee Marvin, and mother-in-law, Marie, who won the red carpet award for most stunningly dressed attendee. Rich thanked many of the special attendees that had come from near and far including writer, collector, mentor Jack Davis-NOLA, collectors Sylvia Ottto & Alison Condon - NOLA, writer David Johnson LEH-NOLA, writer Chelsea Brasted - Times Picayune-NOLA, Dr. Marshall & Gabrielle St. Amant & family- Baton Rouge, multitudes of family, high school and elementary friends as well. | Shirley & Mike Rubin - Son of her Best friend Janice Rubin |
| From left LASM Director Carol Gikas, our BRAF Non Profit Mentors Jessica Boone & John Davies, Carol's husband Ken Gikas |
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Collectors Nita & Ralph Howard - LaGrange GA talking with Tee's mom, Mimi
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Then it was time to introduce & thank the Rockmore Collectors who had loaned works in the show including the following: Don Fuson "famous LA art collector & friend" - Baton Rouge, Drew Bevolo "mentor & friend"-NOLA, Myles & Anne Robichaux "the new generation of Rockmore collectors"-NOLA, and Herschel Alan Weisfeld "mentor & friend of Rockmore" - Dallas, TX, Jerry & Debbie Guidry, "Pres Hall manager" - NOLA. |
The Phillips Family - Billie, Louis & Isaac - honoring Tom - Rich's HS friend
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Bettsie & Ben Miller - Rich's Dad Wilbur Marvin's Best friends
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Michael Fedor - Artist & Bambi Deville - The Bakelite Lady - NOLA
| Special thanks to Collectors who were there in spirit including Rita Posselt, "mentor & Rockmore girlfriend"- NOLA, Kim & John Ed Bradley "writer, friend and revivers of Rockmore" - Mandeville,LA, Mark Reizen, "collector" - Michigan, and Jane & Manny Greer, "mentors & Rockmore Gallery owner "- NYC, "Collector, Mentor, Patron and public torch bearer of Rockmore , JoAnn Clevenger, Upperline Rest., NOLA. Special Thanks to collectors, Patricia & Gene Deitz - Houston,TX who organized the NOLA walking tours and came early & stayed late at every event! Also Collectors Sylvia Otto & Alison Condon & Kelley Edmiston from NOLA helped us selflessly..
| Collectors Trish & Gene Dietz - Houston, TX |
| Niece Marquee Delaune - Ascension Parish |
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Collector & Mentor Jack Davis - NOLA
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Sylvia Otto & Allison Condon Collectors - NOLA
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In 1964 there was a Rockmore Show at the LASM and four of those founding collectors were represented including Sacha Borenstein Clay & Rachael Borenstein, daughters of Larry & Pat Borenstein. Sacha brought an entourage of 11 family members and friends from New Orleans & Asheville for the show. Sacha embraced us from the initial discovery in 2006 and has helped us ever since.
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Beth Haynes Left & friend -
Star 5th Grade Student from 83
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HS Friends Pat Broderick, Marshall St. Amant, Russell Hodges - BR
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Shirley's Daughter & Rich's Sister Anne Marvin Swanson - NOLA
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Dr. Thomas & Katheryn Fauble of Pasadena, CA are 1964 founding collectors who flew in from the show. They and their son, Strefan, have supported us ever step of the way. Katheryn was unable to make the show in 2011 due to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Thanks to modern science and The City of Hope Medical Center she is in remission and looked absolutely stunning - inspirational. The Faubles have remained as steadfast as Shirley Marvin, 1964 founding member, in their support of getting Rockmore Artworld attention. They have a world class Rockmore collection and are leading the charge on a possible future California Rockmore Show. |
Dr. Thomas & Katheryn Fauble - California
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John Dugas, Brandt Hardy & Son - Baton Rouge Friends
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Deborah & Paul Braud Jr. - Baton Rouge Elementary Friend from 44 years ago
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Woman from NOLA Thanks Shirley for help 30 Yrs Ago
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Wesley & Missy Cochran and Ralph & Nita Howard, Lagrange GA are related to 1964 founding collector William May, "Rockmore promoter, dealer & supporter." The Howards and Cochrans were the people that were behind the LaGrange Art Museum Show of 2011 with 250 Rockmores displayed across three venues and an 80 page Show Catalog Book. Rockmore would not be where he is today without the support of the Cochrans & Howards & William May. They led the entertainment and celebration parties in their own unique style. |
Meredith Cronan - Star 5th Grade Student 83'
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Shirley & Mimi Listening to Museum Tour by Rich & Tee
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Herschel leading Social Activities
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Russell Closing it down with us after midnight at Capital City Grille
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After the introductions, we took time to share the delicious wine & food by Capital City Grille. So many folks went out of their way to come and although we can not name them all, we would like to name a few. Anne Marvin Swanson, Shirley's daughter from NOLA made the trip. Marquee Delaune, Rich & Tee's niece from Ascension Parish was there, brought Tee's mom Marie, and filled in as last minute cinematographer. Ben & Bettsie Miller, Rich's dad, Wilbur Marvin's best friends came. John Davies & Jessica Boone of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation attended and are our mentors who made our "Golden Era of the French Quarter Foundation" a reality.
| From Left Herschel & Richard - Dallas collectors, Tina -Artist Cleveland, Wesley & Missy Cochran right of LaGrange Cochran Gallery party on! |
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Same Crew as left with Rockmore Collector Cole Halpern right - leading Private Tour.
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Gene & Trish Dietz at Old US Mint
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Of course we recognized that none of this would have happened without LASM Director Carol Gikas, Assistant Director Sam Losavio and Curator Elizabeth Weinstein, all in attendance with their spouses. We concluded the opening remarks with this quote from Elizabeth to us, "Curating exhibitions is not simply about putting art up on the walls or even teaching people to appreciate them - or to understand them. For me, the most rewarding aspect of curating is the opportunity to connect with the people behind the art, and to hopefully make a positive impact upon their lives." Thank you Elizabeth - you sure did and we will always appreciate you!
Rich & Tee & Shirley Marvin then led an unforgettable walking tour through the exhibition that was informative and a lot of fun. The Final Call to Action was that this was not the end of the exhibition, it was the beginning of a 3 month opportunity to get people to the LASM Museum so they can see a REAL undiscovered Master Artist and celebrate the patron that saved him. "The Faith & The Fury", will be up until October 6th, 2013 and anything you can do to encourage attendees to go is most appreciated.
| Friday Walking Tour Group at US Mint |
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Herschel at Old US Mint with Pres Hall Rockmore
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Drew gives tour of his Museum
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The After Party began at Stroubes and was well attended by a most interesting group of folks. Drinks and appetizers just kept coming and by the time we made it to Tsunamis at 10PM, we could enjoy the view but the kitchen was closed. Undeterred, we went to the Capital City Grille that accommodated us for an awesome meal. Shirley Marvin at 91 was with us every step of the way at her own insistence and did not get home until well past midnight.
The Walking Tours turned out to be a very special experience for the 30+ participants who joined us at various points of the tour. The Old US Mint was a great stop and filled with Rockmore & Pres Hall history. Some then went to Molly's on the Market while others grabbed a bite at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Patricia Dietz, Parrot-head, led the charge on getting a Jimmy Buffet contact and began the campaign to "Bring Back the Magic" to Margaritaville. Buffet has a Rockmore, "Ride of the Beachcombers" that he credits as his inspiration in the linear notes for his Top 25 song.
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John & Dodie Smith-Simmons NOLA
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Saturday Walking Group from Left Jerry & Pat Ducote, Sadie Gentry & David Snow, June Peay - Purple, The Dietz, Myles & Anne Robichaux, Faubles & Cousin Mark at Johnny Whites Bar
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David Snow, Rockmore Friend in front of Johnny Whites
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Next up was Preservation Hall, Debbie Guidry & Ron Rona greeted us and started the tour. Ron has helped install lights in Pres Hall that illuminate all the Rockmores - it is STUNNING! As we were just settling in, Dodie Smith-Simmons ran in to wish us luck in 2 minutes and explain that she was sorry she could not stay. Then Debbie asked her to just give us a feel for Preservation Hall in the beginning at the time when Larry Borenstein, The Jaffes, Mike Stark, Bill Russell, George Wein and all the musicians were in there. The next hour+ began one of The MOST Magical Preservation Hall moments in modern times. Dodie is a master story teller and as she created the sights, sounds, smells and people from that time in Rockmore history, they all came alive. We could see all the characters as she described their spots, their routines, and their many stories. Then the Rockmore painted musicians on the walls came alive as she described how lucky she was to know them.
Time stood still, nobody could move or take their eyes off her. The sweat beaded up on her face and all of us as in her last story she described The Freedom Fighters and her talk with RFK. She explained to him, "I'm sorry Mr. Kennedy (Attorney General) but we will go back to New Orleans on that bus and not with the FBI in cars!" The description of the dogs barking and being held close to them in jail to get them to stop singing made us all tear up and feel the fear. She talked of how they held hands and sang songs as the dogs were led closer and closer until their spit hit their bodies.
Dodie then tried to leave because her son Tiger had been parked on the curb for well over an hour. Herschel begged for Dodie to lead us in a song so we could understand how it felt. She made all 30 of us stand up and cross arms and grab hands in that dark sweaty hall that now seemed transformed into a time portal to the 60s. Then she led us through, "We Shall Overcome" as our bodies swayed and she channeled the spirit of Pres Hall & the Freedom Fighters all in one song. The power you felt in that circle was greater than any fear of dogs and for us it made all of the Rockmore obstacles we have encountered seem insignificant. Sometimes, life gives you a moment you will never forget just because you chose to show up. Thank you Debbie & Ron & Dodie for making that moment in Pres Hall possible.
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Johnny Whites Bar Interviews with Faubles, Trish & Sadie
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| Ducotes & June at JW |
| Posing at Orange Gallery with Original Emilie Rhys work "Slip" |
| Proud Owners the Faubles |
The tour then continued with a stop at Michael Fedor & Bambi Deville Engeran's shop on 818 Royal. They are Rockmore collectors and dealers who attended the opening and have been supporters since the beginning. Bambi is the Bakelite Jewelry Lady and Michael is a recognized French Quarter artist that we feel does work in the spirit of Rockmore. Our final stop had us getting a personal tour of the Bevolo Gas Light Museum by owner & Rockmore Collector, Drew Bevolo. The Museum is in the former Bryant Galleries space that we had the final Bryant event ever for Gypsy Lou & Shirley's birthday in 2011. Drew gave us the tour of the completely renovated facility including a second floor that looks like a turn of the century board room & library.
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LASM Docents are Ready!
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Curator Elizabeth Weinstein educating!
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Crowd from St. James Retirement Center
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Saturday, we met in Johnny Whites, and all sorts of new folks were able to share their stories including Lucy, the bartender. David Snow & Sadie Gentry were there and many other patrons. The overall feeling that everyone has was that the French Quarter was a special village in that time. Rockmore was the "genius" character in that village that captured all of it in art for eternity. We then walked down Orleans & St. Peter as Jerry & Pat Ducote pointed out many of Rockmore's haunts and the personal stories that went with them.
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Elizabeth's Mom, Mikki Chubbick far right by Shirley Best Friend Marilyn Rosensen
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The Museum itself is Really a work of art - add Rockmore - a must see.
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Rich explains all the artifacts in 1964 Rockmore LASM Show Display Case - Lots of Pictures and brochures featuring current lenders & their families.
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We stopped at the Orange Gallery at 819 Royal as a favor to a Rockmore related artist and it led to her first sale with the Gallery. Overall, a successful weekend and a splendid time was had by all. Tee took photos and filmed much of the event including that Pres Hall Magic Moment. This past Thursday we led a LASM Tour for the St. James Retirement Crew where Shirley Marvin stays when not on the Rockmore Trail with us. We would love to have your photos to help preserve the story if you have any from any part of the event.
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Rich & Tee Educating St. James
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The Silvers - our neighbors for 20+ years - Karen Horton & her mom
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The Star Attraction of the Show - The Museum Shop featuring $25 LaGrange Art Museum Catalogs thanks to Ralph Howard!
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"Deep in my heart, I do believe, We shall overcome someday"
Rich & Tee & Shirley Marvin
www.Rockmore.org
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Satisfied attendees hear final words before departure for St. James Retirement Center!
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Shirley Marvin wishes to express her thanks to everyone and the amazement that all this Rockmore Attention is happening in her 91st Year!
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