The Psychedelic Experience -- postponed

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If you’re a good culture monster, you most likely have already set aside time to fall by the not-to-be-missed Karl Ferris opening, scheduled for Oct. 18 at Hollywood’s Mr. Musichead Art Gallery. One thing you should know: There’s been more than a slight change in plans.

The big, ‘60s-style ‘happening’ to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the release of the Hendrix album ‘Electric Ladyland’ -- shot by Ferris -- as well as mark Ferris’ very first Los Angeles exhibition has now been pushed back to Nov. 15. Ferris was on track to make it, but his photographs -- 47 total -- weren’t. The images were thought to be missing en route to the gallery but now have been officially deemed stolen.

For those in need a bit of background, Ferris, armed with his giant fish-eye lens and a ‘secret’ infared film, was considered to be the innovator of that trippy, fluid psychedelic photography that’s become synonymous with not just the music but the era itself. Among the photos that have gone missing are some of the photographer’s most famous images of Hendrix -- who hand-chose Ferrris to both photograph and art direct all four of his US LP releases. (Ferris was also an expert multitasker, mixing work with pleasure: not only did he immortalize Cream, Donovan and The Hollies, he was known as the consummate party-thrower back in ‘60s Swinging London, hosting the British rock’s top shelf acts including Lennon and McCartney, Eric Clapton, T-Rex.

An optimist -- or spin-meister -- could view this turn of events as flattering, a ‘happening’ in its own right: that the work is still recognizable and valuable enough to be lifted. Except that Ferris is now left with much work to do at the 11th hour -- he will have to reprint the entire show.

For more info: Karl Ferris -- The Psychedelic Experience at Mr. Musichead Rock Art Gallery, 7511 W. Sunset Blvd., (323) 876-0042

-- Lynell George

Photo Caption: ‘Purple Haze’ The Jimi Hendrix Experience