Max’s Kansas City’s 50th Anniversary Benefit: A Tribute to the Velvet Underground & Lou Reed, New York, NY

Max’s Kansas City is one of those unique places that defined an era.” It was the exact spot where Pop Art and Pop Life came together in the 60’s,” stated Andy Warhol, the center of the universe in the late 60’sand 70’s for all segments of the arts, a ‘home away from home for Everybody who was Anybody, from Warhol and his Superstars to William Burroughs, Patti Smith, Robert Mapplethorpe, Debbie Harry, Mick Jagger, Edie Sedgwick, Lou Reed, Abbie Hoffman, Truman Capote, Betsey Johnson, and Robert Rauschenberg to name a few, and it was the launching site for emerging bands like the Velvet Underground after which ‘ Pop Culture’ would never be the same again.

To commemorate Max’s 50th Anniversary, the Max’s Kansas City Project, established in 2001, by Yvonne R. Sewall, will recreate some of the Magic with two special events in January and February to start the New Year with an infusion of electrifying energy, a tribute concert to the iconic Velvet Underground and Lou Reed, January 14, and a Meet and Greet the artists and photographers 50th Anniversary reunion party/exhibition/auction, February 11. The Max’s Project embraces Mickey Ruskin’s ( the creator of Max’s Kansas City and a staunch supporter of the arts), philosophy, of helping artists in need by providing emergency relief and resources for individuals in the arts in crisis, and has in development a teen empowerment through the arts program FEARLESS YOUTH featuring and interactive virtual club, supporting teens in developing their uniqueness through the creative arts with a focus on substance abuse and suicide Prevention.

The Velvet Underground/Lou Reed Tribute Concert will be a night to remember withan amazing line-up of talent with a Max’s All Star Band featuring musicians from Lou Reed’s various bands: Mike Rathke (guitar), Ellard-James “Moose Boles (bass) Michael Suchorsky (drums) Marty Fogel (sax). Other special talent includes Garland Jeffreys, Marshall Crenshaw, Lenny Kaye, Jenni Muldaur, Richard Barone,Bebe Buell, Tim Moore, Connor Kennedy, Sylvia Reed, Donna Destri, Monica Behan,Will Hermes, Kimberly Hill (formerly lead singer with the Black Eyed Peas), poet Anne Waldman, Angela McCluskey, Paul Cantelon, and the “Cadillacs,” a Lou Reed tribute band featuring Andrew Kowalczyk on vocals. Cadillacs musicians: Chieli Minucci, Brian Kelly, Pete Best & Clint Bahr. “Surprise Guests” can be anticipated, which was always a tradition at Max’s. Perennial Max’s ‘master of ceremonies’ Jimi LaLumia and Sylvia Reed will emcee the show.

Max’s 50th Anniversary Meet and Greet the Artists and Photographers Reunion Party/Exhibition/Auction will take place at the Chelsea Hotel Gallery in partnership with The Chelsea Hotels and Paddle8, FEBRUARY 11, 222 W 23rd St. 7:30-10pm, $100. The exhibition includes selected artworks, rock photography, rock memorabilia, and originally designed jewelry from their impeccable donated collection. A sampling of these works include Lawrence Weiner, Dan Christensen, Larry Bell, Ronnie Landfield, Larry Poons, Joseph Kosuth, Francine Tint, Barbara Thomas, Bob Gruen, Marcia Resnick, Anton Perich, Dustin Pittman, Roberta Bayley, and many more. Some of the collection can be viewed in the gallery on our website: www.maxskansascity.org

Venue Information:
The Cutting Room
44 E. 32nd St.
New York, NY, 10016
http://thecuttingroomnyc.com/