SXSW '09 PODCAST: Wavy Gravy and Michelle Esrick

If you only know Wavy Gravy as a delicious ice cream flavor, or as that guy who warned the Woodstock crowd to beware the bad acid circulating, then you really should check out director Michelle Esrick's genuinely uplifting new portrait of the beatnik-cum-activist (and more!) in Saint Misbehavin': The Wavy Gravy Movie, screening at this year's SXSW:

Saint Misbehavin' reveals the true story of cultural phenomenon Wavy Gravy -- a man whose commitment to making the world a better place has never wavered. We experience the impact one person can have and connect to the hope that each one of us can make a difference while keeping our sense of humor. Wavy Gravy is known as the MC of the Woodstock Festival, a hippie icon, clown, and even a Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor. In Saint Misbehavin', we meet a true servant to humanity who carries his message through humor, compassion and a song he sings, called "Basic Human Needs." Weaving together intimate verite footage, reflections from an array of cultural and counter-cultural peers, and never-before-seen archival footage, the film tells a story that is bigger than the man himself.

Though I had never walked into an interview with the disclaimer question, "Are you allergic to incense smoke?", that one wasn't too surprising as my chat with Wavy G. and Esrick also featured a one-stringed instrument, a propeller hat, a clown nose, and bubbles being blown.

To listen to the podcast, click here.

Saint Misbehavin': The Wavy Gravy Movie screens again in Austin on March 21 (click here for SXSW screening info). For more info, visit the official site.

Posted by ahillis at March 18, 2009 2:38 PM