Ace Hotel to Hold 60th Anniversary of Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’

Allen Ginsberg was the voice of a generation. While all his work is praised, it’s his poem “Howl” that highlights his legacy most. It caused quite the commotion back in the mid-50s by taking on taboo topics of the time and was even viewed as obscene. He was punk rock long before the Sex Pistols were a thought, thanks to his poems that took on conformity. That’s why actors and musicians alike are coming together for “A 60th Anniversary Celebration of Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’” at Ace Hotel on April 7.

While society is a bit more open today, except for places like Indiana, this was not the case in 1955 when Ginsberg penned “Howl.” The poem even went to trial for being too obscene as it talked about homosexuality at a time when sodomy laws were heavily in place. Luckily, the judge on the case didn’t see things that way and ruled in favor of the poet and his work.

It’s now been 60 years since Ginsberg put “Howl” down on paper. Hollywood is doing what they can to celebrate not only the man behind the words, but the words themselves at Ace Hotel. The show will obviously include readings from “Howl” set to music, and original material from those in attendance. It’s a definitely as star-studded as an awards show, that’s’ for sure.

“Saturday Night Live” alumni like Amy Poehler, Chris Parnell and Will Forte will be joined by music makers like Devendra Banhart, Macy Gray and the always entertaining Courtney Love. Others on the bill include The Americans, Sam Amidon, Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene, Andy Kim, John Mulaney, Beth Orton, Lucinda Williams and more – including special surprise guests throughout the night.

Tickets start at $45 and go up to $125 with all the proceeds going to the non-profit Foundation to bring Transcendental Meditation to at-risk populations suffering with PTSD. So not only is it a night of entertainment and appreciation of the arts, but it’s all for a great cause.

“A 60th Anniversary Celebration of Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’” is at Ace Hotel on April 7. Tickets can be purchased here.