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Never being one to steal anything, Kenyata proceeded to track
down the filmmaker to get his permission. He
sent him a copy of the video to let him know what the
band was doing. He wasn't sure if
he'd be denied the right to use it or if the filmmaker would
want boatloads of money. To Kenyata's surprise, the man
wrote back with a couple of edit suggestions that he felt
would work better with the song.
After the final cut was agreed upon came the usual financial
negotiations. When Kenyata explained that there was no record
label or corporate representation, the filmmaker was impressed
and kind enough to give perpetual rights for a very reasonable
$2,000! When you see the video, you'll know what a bargain
that was. We estimated that this was easily a six-figure shoot.
After puffing a few smokes and drinking more $2.00 bottles
of Pabst Blue Ribbon (this would be a common thing for me while
here) came Ape
Fight from
Jersey City. They had matching uniforms, a bombastic sound
and a video screen with lyrics and absurdly funny vignettes.
There was a brief moment of nudity and the occasional strategically
placed flashlight which showed more than I needed to see. They
did keep us entertained in between songs by spouting out all
sorts of North Carolinian facts. Things like the state bird,
fish, mineral and so on. None of which I remember.
After the Show:
That night, after the bands ended, I was asked to come back
to the beach house being rented by Jersey Beat's Jim Testa
and several others for an after party. Joined by W.E. Fest
Grand Exalted Poobah Kenyata Sullivan, Gregg Yeti and Dave
from Syracuse and a handful of housemates, we sat on Wrightsville
Beach until nearly sunrise discussing the horrors of corporate
music, contemplating the idea of fame for fame's sake, drinking
beer and wading foot deep in a clean ocean.
Our walkway was lit thanks to the minor's style light on the
head of D. Michael McNamarra. He is a very talented writer
and publisher who travels the country in search of fun and
adventure. To kill time and curtail boredom on the long, dark
nights of driving, he writes. So when he says he keeps a travel
journal, he is being quite literal. I don't have the hand,
feet, eye, brain coordination to drive and write.
This night would spoil me
for the rest of the Fest. I've always loved the beach. I love
the sound of the waves and the soothing breezes, but living
in NJ, it is rare that you can find any privacy. I'm also not
so crazy about the hot sun and filthy water. Sitting in this
hushed night of cool air and warm friendship was perfection
to me.
I fell asleep on the beach house sofa at around 6:00. I'm
thankful to my new housemates D. Michael, Dave Jr., Nina, Zoe,
Margo, Jared and Jim. Without them I would have essentially
been homeless. I came to W.E. Fest with no place to stay. I
wasn't concerned though, I'd done this before and never had
a problem. It's part of the welcoming nature of our community
and the adventure of this trip
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