Life After Woodstock, The continuing story of Wavy Gravy

Film Review of Saint Misbehavin: The Wavy Gravy Movie

I was born too late to really go to Woodstock even though I turned 16 that summer. Had I been just a little bit older I would have joined my sister on the journey (but doubt she would have wanted me along).

I have spent the last 40 years trying to make up for the loss of the one experience that, in its own way, defined my generation.

I knew the name of Wavy Gravy, mostly from an obscure Woodstock reference to "don't take the brown acid" and from a Ben and Jerry's Flavor. This comment is jointly attributed to Wavy Gravy and Chip Monk, a Woodstock M.C. I did not fully understand his impact on the world until I saw Saint Misbehavin.

This film made me want to tie-dye some shirts, hang out in Washington Square park, make a watermelon seed necklace and say "Groovy".

I now have a life, while not perfect, that is better than I could have imagined in my youth but now Wavy Gravy is more than a just a cultural icon, he is my hero.

You will have to see this film to truly understand the impact he has had and continues to have upon humanity.

30 years ago a devoted group of activists began SEVA (www.seva.org). Wavy Gravy is on the board of SEVA and continues his work as a Social Activist, Clown, Author and Co-Director Camp Winnarainbow. Seva is a word used to refer to "selfless service", performed without any thought of reward or personal benefit. The person performing this service is called a Sevadar. Wavy Gravy is one of those Sevadars.

This film gave me the sudden urge to run off to the Hog Farm and finally have my Woodstock. Unfortunately the bills need to be paid for the life I have now but at least for awhile I was able to escape my reality.

I am hoping that this film wins best documentary since I want to see it again on Monday night at the Little if it does. If it wins I may show up in my 60's best and carry a daisy. Peace!

More information on Director Michelle Esrick’s can be found on her website at
http://www.wavygravy.net/