Hollywood Celebrates Poet Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’

Stephanie Hernandez

It has been 60 years since the great poet Allen Ginsberg penned his most impactful work, “Howl.” Causing quite the outrage back in the mid 1950’s, “Howl” dealt with various taboo topics of the day. From homosexuality, to drugs and capitalism, Ginsberg did not hold back. His refusal to conform and unique voice and was heard the world over. Ginsberg’s impact is still being felt today and was the reason actors and musicians alike came together for “A 60th Anniversary Celebration of Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’” at Ace Hotel on April 7.

The evening could more accurately be described as a tribute to the works of Ginsberg’s entire career than a celebration of a singular poem. Both playful and heartwarming, the evening was one to remember, with various musicians, actors and comedians taking the stage in homage to the legacy of the poet. Everyone from Courtney Love to Amy Poehler offered up their warm renditions of Ginsberg’s songs and poetry. The night included everything, blues, classical, even jazz renditions of pieces. Devendra Banhart’s re-imagining of Ginsberg’s “Vomit Express” (co-written by Bob Dylan) got the crowd going by transforming it into a joyous almost childlike sing-along, complete with an oversized bull’s head mask for flair. Courtney Love captivated the venue with her gritty take of Hole’s “Letter to God.” One of the night’s highlights came when actress Chloe Webb took the stage to perform excerpts of “Howl,” bringing the focus back to the night’s original purpose.

The celebration continued with a slough of memorable almost karaoke like takes on Ginsberg volatile classics. About halfway through the program, Amy Poehler was joined on stage by her former Saturday Night Live cast mate Chris Parnell, who transformed Ginsberg’s “Ballad of the Skeletons” into a lively hip-hop track. Macgruber himself, Will Forte joined Peaches in an electronic tribute to “Birdbrain,” complete with roaring saxophones and electronic beats. Nick Cave and Beth Orton came on towards the end of the night to perform a relaxed piano heavy version of “The Ship Song.” Country legend, Lucinda Williams helped close out the night with a delicate cover of the Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes.” Calling forward those watching in the wings to come on stage and lend their voices, Williams’ got what she asked for. She ended the night with a choir of talented performers joined together for one final salute.

It was clear that these artists had all been changed by the words of Allen Ginsberg in different and profound ways. The timeless power of Ginsberg’s words helped create a multitude of inspiration amongst some of today’s top performers. The night was proof that the pen is mightier than the sword, and that the work of a fearless talent like Ginsberg can have lasting and far-reaching effects on all members of society.

“A 60th Anniversary Celebration of Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’” was held at the Ace Hotel on April 7.