JOSHUA TREE ARTIST KATHY ZYDUCK! OF MOONLIGHT ARTS

Just the other day I saw Grace Slick famed Jefferson Airplane lead singer and artist of the coolest Alice in Wonderland Art, gave a shout out to an artist from the Joshua Tree area of Southeastern California.

The artist, Kathy Zyduck in her art booth

The artist is high energy Kathy Zyduck of Moonlight Arts and she does such fabulously bright extremely detailed art. She can do anything! From huge to tiny miniatures and jewelry.

Kathy even does amazing Henna designs !

Mandala stone /soul stone pendants

Bubble Koi

My favorite Tarot Card of Kathy's is Tom Petty as The Mad Hatter if you'd like to order an artwork you can contact Kathy Via her Facebook Page. Her art/prints are displayed in Fine Art America.

Linda Ronstadt stars in The Strength card

What an organized way Kathy keeps her artist tools!

I just love this!!

Detail of some of Kathy's Tarot Cards

Order your Kathy favorites HERE
Moonlight Arts Etsy Shop
Moonlight Arts on Instagram
Moonlight Arts at Fine Art America
oonlight Arts Facebook

CLEVE HATTERSLEY OF GREEZY WHEELS HAS A NEW RETRO BIO BOOK!

This is my new favorite book! Cleve is a fun /snarky guy to hang out with for the Holidays. I wish I could have followed him around back in the day..

GreezyWheels.com:

By his own admission, Cleve Hattersley stumbled through a life of adjacent stardom. Best known as the leader of Greezy Wheels, the house band of the Armadillo World Headquarters, the Austinite's memoir offers a long, strange trip across America's countercultures, like a Beat Forrest Gump. Serendipities range from sublime (Jimi Hendrix auditioning at the Night Owl in NYC) to surreal (living across the street from the Manson family in the Haight), with the author marveling at his dumb luck most of all. And yet, it's Hattersley the hustler who positioned himself in Greenwich Village in the early Sixties, at the Fillmore on the West Coast later in the decade, in Austin's progressive Seventies, and in running the Lone Star Cafe back in NYC through the cocaine-fueled, cameoed Eighties.

The songwriter's narration is as erratic as an after-hours, smoked-out jam session, jumping from his prison stint for smuggling pot to running Kinky Friedman's political campaigns with an anachronistic nonchalance, but his informal and gossip-spilling telling never fails to entertain. Beyond the anecdotes, Hattersley's life seems to be a testament to saying yes but keeping your shit together enough to get out alive and, maybe more importantly, maintain a helluva a story to tell.

Buy the book below!

Life Is A Butt Dial: Tales From A Life Among the Tragically Hip

Meeting James Brown was one of the highlights of his career. Booking the hardest-working man in show business was a major coup, something he dared not believe possible. Brown’s career had sagged a bit, and he needed to make some noise in New York City. “He was one of those guys who wasn’t just the center of the room when he walked in; he was The Room,” says Hattersley.

Hattersley’s greatest childhood hero was Mickey Mantle. Besides having been born on his birthday, he played for his favorite team, the New York Yankees. When he finally met Mantle at the Lone Star Cafe, he had nothing for him to autograph. As Mantle and Billy Martin wobbled into the revolving door (and Mantle had to rotate through the door twice, before finding his way in), Hattersley could tell it might be best to take them upstairs to the closed-off area.

With these and many other tales from years gone by, LIFE IS A BUTT DIAL will fill mature readers with a sense of nostalgia for the freewheeling ‘60s and ‘70s and give younger readers a connection (education!) to those turbulent times.

About The Author

Cleve Hattersley is a member of the Austin Music Hall of Fame with his band Greezy Wheels, which recorded two albums on London Records and served as the house band of Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, Texas. He managed the Lone Star Cafe and Blue Note Jazz Club in New York, and traveled the world with Kinky Friedman.

HOW RETRO CULTURE AFFECTS STUDENTS IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Retro style, or “vintage-inspired”, is a style in music, films, trends and other art forms that refers to new things, that display characteristics of the past. This is kind of a general definition. For the sake of this article, I’ll refer to the retro culture when I’ll talk about the culture of the ’20s up to, and including the ’90s. This way, we’ll be able to see how the culture in which our parents and grandparents grew up in, shaped the culture of the present day and how it is still relevant, even after almost 100 years.

To understand how the old influences the new we have to see why people are attracted to ways of doing things that are obviously outdated. The answer to that, in my humble opinion, is because human beings are fascinated by a story well told.

We grow up listening to our grandparents telling us stories about how great and satisfied their lives were when they were younger. We grow up listening to our parents’ retro music. This is why it’s normal to be fascinated by the ways of the past. And the more you find out about them, the more interesting they seem.

There are so many information sources out there about this period, you cannot say you don’t know who The Beatles were, for example. You can find out anything about the past century, not only about the last 60 years.

If you are looking for information for a great depression essay for high school you’ll find resources about that too. So the access to information, to a well-told story, encourages people to be inspired by everything vintage.

Nowadays, huge brands are inspired by retro fashion. Channel does it for their amazing clothes, and even Nike does it for their cool looking sneakers. Creating casual footwear inspired from the 80’s and 90’s and creating such hype behind it is huge.

You can see modern houses, or even office buildings with the paint still wet on their walls, inspired by retro design. And don’t even get me started with the fascination everyone has for vintage cars! Limited editions and old school models increase their prices every year.

Watches are the same. An older model of Rolex has more chances of increasing in value, rather than decreasing. This shows just how interested and fascinated we, the young generations are about the value time gives to an object or an idea.

So, it’s somehow normal. Having a period of time presented to you in an idealistic way will attract you. It doesn’t matter that the ways of the past might seem outdated. When the young generation has contact with a period of time presented to them in a romantic way, they’ll show interest.

Students nowadays are interested in classic rock music. Lots of modern-day music genres are inspired by the classics of rock n roll. Influences of the old school type of jazz can be seen in all the hip-hop genres. So in music, there’s pretty much nothing new invented but only interpreted in different ways.

So, the old ways of doing things will always present interest to the younger generation. We can see how the retro culture affected the lives of the young generation, by looking at popular music they listen to.

The style presented today by the big fashion brands is heavily inspired by vintage designs, created by brilliant designers years ago. The real struggle nowadays is coming up with something original, especially when the creations of the past years were so brilliant when they came up.

In my opinion, the duty of the new generation is to get inspired by the creations of the past and with that knowledge, to create something better when it comes to everything: music, fashion, literature and design.

Guest Writer:
Emma Rundle is a modern-day digital nomad. She travels the world looking for inspiration from the past, to her modern-day articles. Writing and learning about everything new and old makes Emma an amazing content writer.

THE BRAND NEW WAVE OF RETRO POP CULTURE

If you were born in the mid to late 1970s and were a kid in the 1980s and 1990s, you may feel like having a constant deja vu when taking a look at a good part of today's available entertainment offering. Netflix's "Stranger Things" triggered a wave of TV series set in the 1980s, some better, others worse.

There is a brand new Star Trek series on the air, with two spinoffs upcoming. Another famous TV series from our childhood, "Lost in Space", is also back on the air - the planet is different, the robot is alien... but Dr. Smith is still evil (even if she's a woman in the revived Netflix production).

And Disney is preparing to release a set of new and improved features: The Lion King and Aladdin are getting revived this year. Retro, it seems, comes in waves... and now it's time for another wave to sweep across popular culture.

Music

Metallica, one of the heavy metal bands that defined the 1980s and 1990s, is on tour again in 2019. A few years ago, Guns 'n' Roses reunited in 2015, then went on a two-year tour in their original format, with Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan on the stage. All over Europe, the determinative acts of the 1980s as well as dance and Eurodance sensations from the 1990s are either back on the stage or are revived by tribute bands - think George Michael, Blondie, and David Bowie tribute bands, as well as dance,  acts like Snap!, Corona, Magic Affair, and Fun Factory.

Plus, an entire genre was appropriated by a bunch of teenagers: K-pop, the genre that starts to gain a lot of following outside South Korea, is identical to what famous boy bands like the New Kids On The Block, Backstreet Boys, and Worlds Apart did more than two decades ago.

Video games

Some say that the 1990s were the third golden age of video games - the first one was the emergence of the arcades, the second was the invention of the gaming console, and the third was the time when some of the most memorable video game franchises and genres were born: shooters, point-and-click adventures, role-playing games, and their likes. The 1990s was a time when a myriad of great video games was born - and some of them are being revived as we speak.

The last few years have seen an entire series of Wolfenstein games hit the market - they were a unique combination of action and interactive storytelling. Other titles from the 1990s are also making a comeback: Homeworld, launched in 1999, has got a remastered version a few years ago, and System Shock, the archetype of the first-person cyberpunk role-playing genre, is being remade as we speak.

As humanity nears the moment of its greatest achievement so far - becoming a multi-planetary species - an ever-increasing number of people seem to find fascination with the past.

NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT ROCK PHOTOGRAPHER LENI SINCLAIR!

Leni Sinclair Photo:  MC5 and friends

One of my favorite heroes of photography has always been Ms. Leni Sinclair. She was there with cameras in 1968 when the MC5 made their inconic live LP at the Grande Ballroom. 

Leni had the forethought to capture that music with stills and video. Thankfully! Leni combined her art form with promotion and marketing to help forge the image of the MC5. 

Dennis Thompson Hill St ann Arbor Photo by Leni Sinclair

Leni's story is not only about her being creatively business minded but also about standing up for your beliefs and includes her activism, feminism, civil rights, culture, and art. It’s a rock and roll rebellion story, it’s very timely.

The filmmakers Jennifer Baross and Jack P Johnson have picked a great person to honor with this film.

Leni is also a fabulous mom and grandma too! Go Leni!! xoxK

LeniSinclairDocumentary.com

8 TIPS ON HOW STAY UPDATED ON YOUR RETRO IDOLS

8 Tips on How Stay Updated On Your Retro Idols

While a lot of people dream and are eager to meet their idols, it is not that easy. It requires advanced planning because getting close to most celebrities is quite hard. If you are looking to get an autograph or meet any celeb, the following tips will help:

1. Locate them from a distance
This involves reading a lot about them from different platforms. With the current development in technology, celebrities have social media platforms where you can interact with them on a daily basis. You can like their posts, comment, share and send direct messages. In most cases, you will not get a reply but you can get a lot of information about them and get to know them more because they post regularly. This is advisable if you live from a different state or country because it is hard to meet your idol in person.

2. Follow them on Twitter
Since celebrities tweet about their activities and planned events, following them on Twitter can help you know where they shop regularly, go to the gym or dine. With such information, you can visit such places to increases your chances of meeting them.

3. Follow them on Instagram
Most social media accounts of famous people are run by publicists. However, if you pay close attention to the photos uploaded, you can get clues about where your idol spends most of his time. In addition, a specific location might be included on a post to associate the post/photo with the location. You will know about upcoming projects and events by just being an Instagram follower.

4. Search through online databases
There are numerous websites that provide information about celebrities. This information could be about visits for book signings, speaking arrangements, public appearances, film and television filming. When you get such information, you can visit the areas mentioned when your idol will be coming to meet them, see them or even interact for a while.

5. Locating them in person
To locate a celeb in person, you can visit big cities like London, New York and Los Angeles because these are the places they live or like spending their time. You can visit when there are planned events and performances although you can also do it at any given time to try your luck. Also, if you know of a place where they frequently visit, post photos of or might be, you can try your luck there.

6. Read the arts section in a newspaper
The art section has information about theatre performances, books signings and theatre performances. Therefore, if you read such sections regularly especially during the weekend, it is possible to know when the celeb you like will be performing or visiting your area. You can visit the theatre or the gallery to meet them in person.

7. Networking
Retro idols are just normal people but they are famous and rich. They usually work with other people and if you network well, you can meet them as well. You can try to network with event organizers, performers and other people close to them hoping they will introduce you when an opportunity presents itself.

8. Meet them at an event
Celebs usually attend specific events to promote brands, market themselves or perform. Hence, if you are eager to meet a celeb, you should research the planned events so that you can attend. If you would like to meet your idols in an event, attend Vancouver concerts and you will not be disappointed.

You will just have to buy tickets to the celebrity’s concert and then wait to meet them. If you would like to increase your chances of meeting them in a concert, consider paying for a VIP ticket that may include a meet or greet session. Although such tickets are quite expensive, chances are high you will meet your idol and probably take a photo.

If you are to attend a book signing, you can buy more than one book to have more time with the celeb. Alternatively, you can contact the bookstore early to know whether the line will be long, policies for an autograph or a photo and whether they will be talking to those who will attend. You will have to get as much information as possible to know how you will plan in advance.

With good planning, patience and politeness, you can meet your idol, get a photo and/or an autograph. You need to remain calm and prepare what you will say because most famous people have limited time.

Furthermore, they have a security detail which might take you away especially if you are not calm, act weird or you seem dangerous. Therefore, be calm even if you are excited and decide what you want when you meet your retro idol. You might prefer having a photo to getting an autograph when the chances of getting both are slim.

CRANBOOK TIME MACHINE FEATURES RETRO INTERIOR DESIGN!

Transport to amazing spaces of yesteryear via the Cranbrook Time Machine: Twentieth-Century Period Rooms. Examining key moments in Cranbrook’s history and the evolution of modern design, the new exhibition has been open since Nov. 19 at Cranbrook Art Museum and runs through Sunday, March 19, 2017. Hurry and see this super cool exhibition!

For information and tickets, CLICK HERE

Cranbrook Time Machine: Twentieth-Century Period Rooms draws its inspiration from traditional museum period rooms, reinventing that presentation model by featuring distinct spaces that examine key moments in Cranbrook’s history. As a contemporary interpretation of such spaces, this exhibition features four distinct rooms that examine key moments in the evolution of the twentieth-century domestic landscape:

KIMMER AND DENNIS PHOTOS AT THE RED WINGS GAME

HAPPY 6TH ANNIVERSARY RETRO KIMMER Q & A BY JACKIE WALLACE

Happy Anniversary Retrokimmer!

by Jackie Wallace

Original Logo Art by Gullacass

“It all started out of boredom. I realized, I can’t dance, I can’t sing, and I can’t draw... I needed to find a creative way to express myself, so I began blogging.”
Retrokimmer

If Barbra Walters had a list of Detroit’s top ten most fascinating people, I have no doubt that Retrokimmer would be on that list. She is recognized as one of the most successful bloggers in Michigan and now nationwide.

Within six years, Retrokimmer’s site has gone from zero to over 2,000,000 visitors. I met Kim a little over a year ago at a music event in Ann Arbor. We connected instantly. Shortly after, I realized that she connects instantly with many people, over 2,000,000 to be exact.

Kim has carved out a niche and created a brand that demonstrates power. A combination of her sometimes rebellious personality, along with her curiosity, and the ability to be an engaging conversationalist, are the traits that I believe give her a competitive edge and are also a direct reflection of her diverse blogging.

To celebrate Retrokimmer’s six year anniversary, I suggested that we do a Q & A about the evolution of Retrokimmer.

 The beginning with blogging partnerand masseuse Kato

JW. The question everyone seems to want to know about you is how it all started?

RK. It all came about by being bored one night and trying to find my own form of entertainment. I helped a friend set up a Myspace page and another one set up her own blog. It dawned on me that I was pretty good at creating and setting up pages and I enjoyed it. I decided to set one up for myself.

JW. How did you decide what you were going to write about when you started out?

RK. It wasn’t anything I planned ahead. I really just started sharing random stories and people were responding.

JW. How would you describe your page?

RK. I see myself as being into Vintage Pop Culture. I am fascinated with the transition from one era to the next.

JW. Do you have a favorite era?

RK. The Sixties. I love everything about that era, the music, the clothes, and the hairstyles. It was a colorful time. RK started as a blog about Mod fashion and evolved into Crime, Music, News, History, Collectibles, and so much more....

JW. Your site has had over 2,330,000 visitors from around the world. How did that happen?

RK. Traffic comes from content...to make a successful blog you have to post everyday. Feed the beast you might say....The more you feed it with high octane fuel, the more it grows.

JW. When did you realize the impact of Retrokimmer in the entertainment world?

RK. I had an ‘emotional moment a few years ago, when I went to work the Detroit Music Awards. During the main event, I went down to the main floor to get close to the stage. My goal was to shoot photos of my friend Patti Quatro. As I snaked my way through the round VIP tables I heard my name being whispered. When I finished shooting and turned to go back to my seat...all kinds of music people were waiting tp hug me! They were thanking me.. I was really teary eyed when I got back to my seat.....It was so lovely to know that my blog was helping people promote their dreams.

JW. You have been a great supporter of the local music scene and you have also been credited for resurrecting the careers of former musicians. I know you get asked often to make appearances. How do you decided what bands or events you will attend?

RK. I have always been an advocate for local talent. I want to support people with their dreams, and I like being the link on the chain that leads to their success. I wish I could go to every event but that’s not feasible. I will go if I am a huge fan of the people involved. Otherwise, I attend in spirit!

JW. Is this why they call you “The fairy godmother of Detroit rock and roll?”

RK. I don't know...maybe it is because I love ART....writers, musicians, painters, singers, dancers, any kind of creativity turns me on.

JW. You get a lot of juicy gossip about people, but I noticed you don’t write about it. Doesn’t gossip sell?

RK. Yes I do hear the gossip but I am about entertaining the reader. I care more about promoting talent then selling “the dirt”. It’s not worth it for me.

JW. With Retro Kimmer being so successful, why did you start other sites like Machine Gun Thompson's Blog and  Detroit RocknRoll Magazine?

RK. Blogging for just myself is too solitary. I really crave collaboration with talented people. Being part of a team is so important. My partner in blogging was Dennis Thompson. His input and advice was crucial to launching RK and he continues to inspire me and he's my dear friend.

There were so many talented people who inspired and taught me so much... Stanley T. Madhatter (RIP), Deniz Tek, Art and Steve Godoy, Scott Morgan, Niagara Detroit and the Colonel, Carl Lundgren, Skid Marx, Rick Ruiner, Rob King, Ron Cooke, Tino Gross, Jim Harper, Johnny Bee Badanjek, Ivan Kral, Al King, Chris Taylor, the Motorcity Rah Rahs..the list of people who helped me is endless. I sincerely thank them all for their generosity of spirit.

JW. Your success is transferring across the planet. You were recently contacted by Dick Clark Producutions regarding promotion of The American Music Awards in L.A.  How cool is that?

RK. Really cool! I am excited about taking on more mainstream promotion jobs and hope to work with them on their many other projects! It really is so exciting every morning to check my email and see what cool opportunities that may come in overnight...I love my work!

My first business postcard, Art by Carl Lundgren, Gullacass and myself

JW. I happen to know that you were contacted by another LA company for a big campaign that you will be a part of. Can you elaborate?

RK. ZeusVision has a radically new outdoor advertising option. They have these amazing double decker buses and anyone can place their ad on them for an affordable price! It is revolutionary! Read more about ZeusVision HERE

JW. Anything else people should know about you?

RK. I think they know quite a bit already......LOL ;) THANK YOU JACKIE!!

THANK YOU TO MY MOM, MY KID, RHONDA, ROBIN!! LOVE YOU GUYS

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