"Hey Jack Kerouac" was all Natalie Merchant had to say, and you had to listen to the song. The Beat Generation's impassioned chronicler, patron saint of the open road and the search for cosmic kicks, his name compels to this day, ringing the allure of bohemia.
It's that energy the Boynton Beach Arts District -- that fervent, funky DIY arts engine -- has seized upon the name of their annual celebration of the free spirit. They're on their third KeroWACKED, which, as with most BBAD events, is the brainchild of resident sprite/evil genius Rolando Chang Barrero.
Like the Beat Generation's culture, this year's KeroWACKED is all over the place (in a good way). It includes live music, dance, flow arts, readings (including one of Allen Ginsberg'sdefinitive Beat epicHowl!), and a drum circle (natch).
Society Scene asked local trailblazers to share an important topic in the green movement and how they're addressing it in the community.
5:19 p.m. EDT, April 15, 2014
Andrew Aiken, president and CEO of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
"The zoo's carbon/fuel reduction initiative is helping us to take action to reduce our overall carbon footprint.
Our mission is inspiring people to act on behalf of wildlife, and there is no better way than for us to lead by example. We have to take action ourselves and make environmentally friendly choices as frequently as possible.
We first surveyed staff members to establish a baseline of fuel consumption, and created a private Facebook page for employees to post their actions for encouragement and accountability. So far, almost half the zoo's staff has collectively performed 210 environmental acts to save fuel. We don't need everybody to do a conservation act every single day, although that would be ideal. We simply encourage employees to take at least one fuel reduction action per month. It only takes a little effort from everyone to get a lot accomplished."
Rolando Chang Barrero, owner of ActivistArtistA Gallery/Studio and artist featured in the environmental "Elements" exhibit.
Side bar: The exhibit is on the second floor of the Boynton Beach City Library, located at 208 S. Seacrest Boulevard, through May. In the exhibit, three artists Rolando Chang Barrero, Anthony Burks Sr. and Greg Matthews highlight the importance of the environmental conversation movement in South Florida. Collectively, the artists engaged in conversations and site visits with leaders of conservatory organizations throughout South Florida. They observed, documented and processed their images and experiences through their respective mediums.
"Maintaining the ecosystem of the Everglades is of paramount importance to me. As a native of South Florida I have a vested interest that we make every attempt to raise awareness to the vital role that the Everglades has on our wildlife. As painters, writers, poets, photographers and documentarians many of my friends and I have taken to more hands on advocacy. Many of us are active members of foundations, organizations, as well as, park and beach cleanups."
Rolando Chang Barrero lives in West Palm Beach, Florida Maintains a working art studio and the ActivistArtistA Gallery in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is currently working with children on "Windows to the Future" with the Historical Preservation Society of Delray Beach.
Paying homage to Jack Kerouac, leader of the Beat Generation, the Florida Arts Association and BankUnited are celebrating National Poetry Month through the third-annual KeroWACKED multimedia festival. Covering the talents of writers, poets, musicians, and artists who wish to reenact this cultural phenomenon, attendees will have a chance to witness Boynton Beach's distinct counterculture. Special features include readings by Stacy Conde, author of The Red Speck; and Cheryl Maeder at the ActivistArtistA Gallery, along with artist exhibits by Dana Donaty, Gary Antonio, Rolando Chang Barrerro, and Gullermo Manrique, among others. To keep the event vibrant throughout the day, live performances will take place on two stages to feature the Future Prezidents, JC Dwyer of the Mobile Homies, Craig McInnis of Speaking Volumes, Dan York, and Sunny DeVilles. (con't) More dtails on Vocies Places / New Times
