PULLMAN, Wash. — Beat poetry performers Michael McClure and Ray Manzarek will present a free, public performance at 7:30 p.m. April 27 in Washington State University’s Kimbrough Concert Hall.
McClure is the author of poetry books, novels, essays and plays. He is considered by many to be the founding father of the Beat generation. McClure also composed the lyrics to the Janis Joplin hit “Mercedes Benz” and was featured in several films, including Martin Scorcese’s “Last Waltz” and “Beyond the Law,” by Norman Mailer. His play, “The Beard,” resulted in the arrest of cast members and attendees when it was first performed in the 1960s.
Manzarek is the former keyboardist for The Doors and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His book, “Light My Fire: My Life with The Doors,” was recently released. Manzarek’s vision for McClure’s poetry is much the same as it was for Jim Morrison’s. He refers to his compositions as “the musical equivalent of the psychic direction Michael takes with each poem.”
The two have performed together for more than a decade and released several CDs and videos, including, “Love Lion” and “The Third Mind.”
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