Back Beat

Non-Musical Works of Art by Rock & Rollers

By Tiffany Razzano

An upcoming show at Duck Walk Vineyards, November 21-23, proves Neil Young to be on the money when he sings, "Hey hey, my my. Rock and roll will never die." While Young was talking about works of music, the show at Duck Walk will feature works of art: It's a visual history of rock and roll where every work is up for sale, making it possible to take home a little piece of that history with you

The show features about 150 original artworks created by musicians including Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, Jerry Garcia and more, as well as rare lithographs, concert posters, photographs, gold records, animation art, handwritten lyrics and other memorabilia. Prices can range from $10 to $5,000. "There's really something for everyone," said Scott Segelbaum, who founded the art show in Los Angeles in 1992. "It's just one of those things where you walk into the room, look around and think, 'Wow, this is really cool.' It's a visual montage of rock history and it just draws you that much closer to your favorite artist."

He added, "We make sure we appeal to all price ranges, to all music fans, not just serious collectors. It's something people can get excited about." Those who come to the show will also be able to read about the history of each piece. Segelbaum, who is passionate about the show and the music it represents, will be on hand to give even more detailed info about each piece. And, he says, the show represents all genres of music, from the Rat Pack to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with a heavy dose of classic rock acts like The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Grateful Dead.

Segelbaum started the show when he was working at a radio station in the L.A. area, as a one-time charity event. "Ron Woods and Jerry Garcia had just put out art pieces," he said. "It was interesting that all these rock and rollers were putting out art. I mean, it makes sense they're using their creativity in other respects." With the success of that event, attended by well known musicians such as Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Brian Wilson, he thought the idea had the potential to be expanded.

Segelbaum brought the show to the east coast in 1999, when he moved to Philadelphia. Then, in 2004, he created a production company and turned the Rock Art Show into a nationally touring show. This is the third time the show has come to Duck Walk and the East End.

Since people can purchase the artwork and memorabilia, the show is constantly changing. For example, Ron Campbell, who directed and animated The Beatles cartoon series and Yellow Submarine, creates new artwork based on that animation for each show. Also, there are a few special pieces in the upcoming show. The sister of Stuart Sutcliffe, the original bassist for The Beatles and who died in 1962, is an East End resident and has given the show several of his works. The show will also preview several never before seen drawings by Al Hirshfield, which won't be officially released until December.

The Rock Art Show, which is free to the public, will be open from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 21-23. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will be donated to charity. For more information, go to rockartshow.com.

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