RIP-Michael Griffen

I’m only five months late here.

Back in January, Michael Griffith of Bellingham Washington DC died. Michael was a violinist and noise-maker of the finest caliber-performing with the improv duo Noggin and the hardcore band Behead the Prophet No Lord Can Live.

In the early nineties I had it in my head that I would either make it as a rock-star or a show promoter. Michael’s bands would tour often and I would book them around the SF Bay Area.  Audiences were always amazed by watching this senior citizen running around like a maniac performing with young punkers less than one-third is age. When I brought my bands (Family Home Evening and Space Masons) to the Northwest his door was always open to us. Mike’s house in Bellingham had the most amazing music room I’ve ever seen–dozens of instruments, many homemade.  In that room his love of fun, improvisation, chaos and collaboration seemed to create a timewarp. He could switch gears from frentic noise terrorist to mellow philosopher. I believe he was the one who introduced me to the writings of Freire and bell hooks.

I last saw him years ago at a show at the Cyclone in San Francisco. There’s not a whole lot else to say except that in a world where few understand the true value of play and joy, Michael got it and passed it on.