Staff Blog
Requiem For A Queen: The Jennifer Bates memorial
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| Frankford Ave looking North | In the Moment |
| Photos | Ptah Gabrie | |
It was a blustery Saturday afternoon along Frankford Avenue, but that didn't stop a small group of people from gathering inside Germ Books to witness a musical tribute to the store's fallen founder. Jennifer Bates succumbed to Leukemia this past May, but her memory lives on. A group of musicians — including David E. Williams, John Gibbons of Bardo Pond, David Talento, and Kennneth of Radio Eris — convened at the store, and played for about 50 minutes before saying some closing words and ending with a ceremonial blowing out of a candle.I sat in the front row, and watched as these guys made improvisational music to Bates' memory. The music was very ambient, and at times climaxed into a mind-blowing cacophony. One musician switched back and forth between playing a bowed guitar and a cello. The eerie electronic sound of a moog synthesizer added to the freaky nature of the memorial. It was really spaced out; if I were under the influence, I might have geeked out. I managed to capture the entire performance with my mp3 recorder. I have posted two tracks: One is the full audio, and the other is a shorter (about 10 minutes) edited piece to give you an idea of what it sounded like. This was a really cool event, and I got a chance to view some of Bates' artwork. She has left her mark on this community, and her store carries on her legacy and the tradition of providing art and literature that challenges traditional thought.
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| Almost Full Band | Space Music |
| Photos | Ptah Gabrie | |
I was so lucky to be there and it was awesome. Jennifer is a great artist and person.
Wow. I’m just coming across this 5 months later. I’m glad you enjoyed the performance and I’m very, very moved by the title you chose for the blog…
it was a great honor to be included in the ceremony.
i will not soon forget that day and how it felt to be there…
such honour…