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Andy Rihn, Armadillo Comics, Austin, Hammer Choir, Ramona Flume, Texas, Texas Longest Hammer Choir
Who would have guessed that a comic book could inspire a psychedelic art happening in Austin, Texas?! On November 24, 2011 CultureMap: Austin reported on the unconventional sights and sounds of the Texas Longest Hammer Choir.
What? People making music by banging hammers together for two hours? Accompanied by a Rhodes Piano? Author Ramona Flume writes,
“One of [director Andy] Rihn’s main inspirations for the Texas Longest Hammer Choir is a Jim Franklin comic book from the early 70s, featuring psychedelic images mixed with Lone Star imagery and armadillos. And Rihn’s choir has the same aspects of authentic Texas culture and a surreal, artistic vision.”
You can view the comic book cited as inspiration for this musical mischief: Armadillo Comics by Jim Franklin. Also, drop in on the studio of Andy Rihn.