Free John Sinclair Rally Anniversary Events

John Sinclair and the White Panther Party's history is interwoven with events that transpired at the Grande Ballroom. On the 40th Anniversary of the Free John Sinclair rally and concert at Ann Arbor's Crisler Arena, the following events are planned:


Friday Dec. 9 - Commander Cody Band Concert at The Ark, 316 S. Main St., with special guest John Sinclair & Beatnik Youth - Admission is free.  Ark Web Site
Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen were also on the bill at the Dec. 10, 1971 Free John Sinclair Rally.


Friday Dec. 9 - The launch of a new website, "Freeing John Sinclair," is part of the Ann Arbor District library's website, aadl.org.


Saturday December 10 - 1:00 p.m. A panel discussion featuring John and Leni Sinclair, Pun Plamondon, David Fenton, and Genie Parker moderated by Professor Bruce Conforth at the Michigan Union, 530 S. State St.


Saturday, December 10 - 3 p.m. The Hill Street Reunion at the Michigan Union Ballroom.
Reunion Invitation.


The 1510 and 1520 Hill Street addresses in Ann Arbor served as a base of operations for the Sinclairs and White Panther party members. Hill street was also the hub of organization for the 1971 Free John Sinclair Freedom rally.  Sinclair had been given ten years in prison for possessing two marijuana cigarettes. Shortly after the event, Sinclair was released.

White Panther Party coming home to Ann Arbor - Ann Arbor News

John Sinclair recalls impact, importance of Freedom Rally - Ann Arbor News

Dick Wagner at The Magic Bag !

DICK WAGNER deFROSTed
featuring Prakash John & Ray Goodman
with special guests The Trews
Doors 8 p.m.
$20.00
 

 http://www.themagicbag.com/welc.htm

MC5: A True Testimonial - Film Funding Indiegogo

The funding attempt through Kickstartrer did not attain its goal.
Organizers have started a new campaign through Indiegogo.
I highly recommend contributing.

http://www.indiegogo.com/MC5-TrueTestimonial

MC5 - A True Testimonial" Jailbreak!!!

I highly recommend contributing to this very worthy project. I was fortunate enough to see a True Testimonial and it is a very well researched record of the 5 and their accomplishments. It deserves a wide and legitimate release !

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/orchide-detroit/mc5-a-true-testimonial

STANLEY T. MADHATTER OFFICIAL MEMORIAL TRIBUTE BENEFIT

From Michele Lundgren:

Our beloved Stanley T. Madhatter passed away in his room in Ypsilanti on the morning of January 3, 2011. The proceeds of the benefit will go towards the cost of his cremation (already done and paid for but we need to reimburse the donor).
This is THE send off party for The Madhatter! He will be there in spirit along with his top hat, his vest, and his trusty leather coat! Three live bands, a silent auction, raffles and Madhatter personal memorabilia will be on display! All are welcome and will be encouraged to share and talk about Stanley on stage between the sets. Motor City Rah Rahs will be on hand to help hostess the event. $5 cover at the door.

Reverend Marc Falconberry
Crooked Joint

The Shades of Blue

Cover: $5
Doors: 6 P.M.
New Dodge Lounge

8850 Jos. Campau (just south of Holbrook)

Hamtramck, MI

 

 

Stanley T, Madhatter Benefit Show.

A Benefit show for the late Stanley T. Madhatter will be held at the New Dodge Lounge in Hamtramck this Thursday . More details to follow.

Alberta Muirhead Passes

I am very saddened to announce that Russ Gibb's long time partner, Alberta Muirhead has passed away. Ms. Muirhead, of Dearborn's Muirhead Department store family, was a very well respected businesswoman and philanthropist. Here are the details on services and visitation:

Howe Peterson Funeral Home
22546 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, MI

Sunday, Jan. 16th: Family 3-4
Visitation 4-9

Monday, Jan. 17th: Visitation 1-9

Tuesday, Jan. 18th: Service 11:30

Alberta's wishes were that any gifts should be given to Oakwood Health Care Foundation, Alberta Muirhead's Nursing Scholars. http://www.oakwood.org/?id=2020&sid=13

 

This black and white shot was selected from a series of photos taken in 1971 for a womens wear magazine. Mrs. Muirhead was one of Dearborn's business leaders and an arbiter of taste and style. Like Mr. Gibb, she was always on the leading edge.

Photo Credit: Dennis Early

Dearborn Press and Guide Tribute

Stanley T, Madhatter (Stanley Zillifro) 1948-2011

 

Stanley T. Madhatter, legendary Rock n' Roll MC and Bon Vivant, has left our physical plane. 

I thought I would share this, my favorite photo of Stan taken by our friend Dane Gussin. This was shot the day after the Grande 40th Anniversary show in October of 2006. After a long night, it was a beautiful warm October Sunday morning that greeted about a dozen mostly out of towners gathered to pay homage to the Grande. Stanley answered everyone's questions, told many stories and posed for photos with the kids. After everyone filled up their camera memory cards we all went out to breakfast. What a wonderful morning with everyone buzzing about the great concerts that had transpired 24 hours and 40 years past. RIP Stan !

Here is a great write up about Stanley from Roger Lelievre:

Ann Arbor.com