Sunday, January 30, 2011

Experiencing Nirvana in the sidewalk cafe

 East Village, autumn, 1991

The unexpected success of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" in late 1991 by Nirvana propelled Never mind to the top of the charts at the start of 1992, an event often marked a turning point in popular music and culture of the time.
The moment the album-hit # 1 I happened to be at the Sidewalk Cafe at 6th street and Ave a right across the street from my first New York City apartment.

I was there with my newly made bohemian friend’s, aspiring filmmaker James and future rock star drummer Russell.
We were watching the TV monitor the news of the band Nirvana hitting number one on the charts was announced and we celebrated with Budweiser’s and burgers.
I felt a secret sweet revenge on the guy I was dating back home in Toronto.
The last time I saw him we were at a concert where the band Nirvana were virtually unknown at the time and about 25 people in the audience.
Jeff the ex turns to me and says - they suck don’t ya think?
  I said no! 
You are so wrong. They rock.


This moment symbolized a turning point in my life as well, I had just moved to the big Apple, New York city, the city of dreams, yes all the clichés were true.
My new life had arrived; I was hanging out in the lower east side
Smiling and laughing all the time, so happy and living in the moment.
Not a penny to my name but I didn’t care...
I was an ecstatic, young hot and vivacious but unfortunately I had no idea at the time.
All I knew is that I was in love with America, New York City, my guitar and the rock scene.
I was living a life that imitated art.
I was experiencing my own Nirvana.
Fascinated by all the artists and outcasts that came before me, and all of those I was about to meet.
Yes this was my personal Independence Day.

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