Waxing Nostalgic

Bryan Adams sang fondly about the summer of ’69, but folks who lived through the era know that not everything was groovy patchouli. Back in those days, Elliot Tiber was unhappily deep in the closet and struggling with his own emotional issues. He’d moved back home with his parents in an effort to help them manage their rundown motel. And nobody had a clue he was about to transform sleepy Bethel, New York, into a hippie mecca the likes of which the world had never seen before. Without Elliot Tiber, there might not have been a Woodstock.

Tiber had the vision and foresight that put his tiny town on the map. Today he’s recognized as a gay hero, and his book Taking Woodstock reveals the struggles behind one of the most celebrated rock music events in the world. In the 40 years since, Tiber has had some amazing adventures of his own; rumor has it that his life story is set to hit the silver screen in a film directed by Ang Lee! Find out more about the author and his incredible life at the Miami Beach Cinematheque, 512 Española Way, Miami Beach. There’ll be a meet-and-greet reception at 7 p.m., followed by the screening of a documentary about Tiber’s crazy life at 8. This is a fundraising event for Gay American Heroes. The “adoption of a hero,” wine and cheese, film, and admission to a wicked afterparty at Halo are all included in the ticket price of $40, and the organization is also filming its own documentary on-site. So dress nice. Call 305-67-FILMS, or visit www.mbcinema.com.
Tue., Aug. 12, 2008