Open Mic and Famous Hendrix Art by Local Artist

JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE:

OPEN MIC AND FAMOUS HENDRIX ART BY LOCAL ARTIST

By Erica Silber

March 6th, 2014

SPRINGFIELD MA –Love Jimi Hendrix? On March 19th Theodore’s will be hosting an open mic devoted to Hendrix tributes by solo performers and groups. The night celebrates the new release of Holyoke artist Nona Hatay’sfamous original artwork of Jimi Hendrix. Some of her pieces will be on display at Theodore’s andone one-of-a-kind framed piece will be raffled off during the night. The rest will join a traveling exhibit – including some never-before-seen images – to be displayed at this spring’s US premier of All Is By My Side, the new Jimi Hendrix film starring Andre 3000 of Outkast.

Famous for her images of Tina Turner, James Brown, and other rock ‘n roll legends, Hatayphotographed Jimi Hendrix in his sellout show at Madison Square Garden in May of 1969, printed five images in an underground newspaper, and saved the rest of the negatives to make art. Her impressionistic, experimentalimages reflect the atmosphere of Hendrix’s music. "He was a teacher for me,giving me permission to experiment with visuals the way he experimented with sound,"Hatay says.

Decades before the advent of Photoshop, Hatay developed her own methods to artistically alter photographs bycombining negatives and coloring them with oils, watercolor paints, colored ink, and crayons. According to Smithsonian Institution curator Reuben Jackson,“Hatay’s work is extraordinary because it captures the numerous sides of Hendrix’s music and persona. Like the man, it is pensive, driving, bold and romantic. She isn’t afraid to mix images, which is a testament to Hendrix’s artistic spirit.”

Hatay’s work has been exhibited internationally and two hundred of her Hendrix pieces were purchased by Hard Rock Café to be displayed in its restaurants across the globe.Jimi Hendrix’s sister, Janie Hendrix Wright, said, “Thank you for your uncompromising portrayal of him.”

Nona Hatayis now releasing her private collection of 50 images to visit Coachella in Los Angeles and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The collection is also slated to be available this fall in a coffee table book chronicling Jimi’s life and influence, and Hatay’s work depicting not only his image, but his spirit.

Musicians participating in the open mic to honor Jimi Hendrix and Nona Hatayare encouraged to play their own arrangements of Hendrix songs and to use unusual instruments to commemorate the innovative and experimental style of Hendrix.

Event details:

Wednesday, March 19th, 9-11pm at Theodore’s; 201 Worthington St, Springfield

21+ for attendees and 18+ for musicians (must be cleared with management beforehand)

No cover charge

For more information, contact Angela Lussier, Artist Manager,