Rolled a quick trip to Kobe city university of foreign studies for a professor friends’s final lecture – Matt Theado & Kaori Mitashuta-Theado were key part of the crew that wrangled the “Kerouac in Kobe” exhibit and Matt wrote a book called “Understanding Kerouac” / his final lecture was a wonderful presentation about how the blues met the rhythm – which combined with gospel, electricity (& the teevee) and teen culture – collectively all accumulated with the sensation & song “the Twist” (while made famous by Chubby Checkers version, his was not the original but that’s all part of the story… Get the whole lowdown in the video below)
As such, i made a 12-bar-ish-blues-inspired spontaneous ukulele jam as a momento of the occasion ~ dropping in few snapshots of peacock feathers, trains (accurate or otherwise), the usual cups of tea & coffee {and my adorable kid and remarkable wife} with friendly thanks for all the kindness Prof M & K-san has shown us with congratulations on a noteworthy career
note: posted ithe vid (on the “B channel”), it’s not good good but it’s kind of fun and it’s short & sounds blown out an old timey yeaaah
Of course, offered a name check for my “Kerouac in Kobe” interview & prezo with Professor Matt which you can find Somewhere in this Internet obstacle course
Further viewing:
- Matt Theado’s final Lecture: “The Twist: How Soul, TV, and Teens Transformed America” • Matt Theado’s final Lecture “The Twist: Ho…
- “Kerouac in Kobe” – On the Road scroll exhibit & interview in Japan w/ Matt Theado: • “Kerouac in Kobe” – *On the Road scroll* e…
- Kerouac Dossiers and Poetic Letters, in the Kura: • Kerouac Dossiers and Poetic Letters, in th…
Let’s Enjoy (& thanks Matt Emeritus & Kaori-san for the lovely gifts and kindness)
