THERE may be no “official” celebration planned for the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, but that other “Summer of Love” milestone — the 1969 film “Easy Rider” — is being honored with one heck of a party this year.
The iconic Dennis Hopper pic celebrated a lot of things, mostly the counter-culture hippie lifestyle and the freedom of the open road on souped-up Harley-Davidsons. It made instant stars out of writer/actor Peter Fonda, director/actor Hopper, and a young, unknown Jack Nicholson.
Much of the movie was filmed in and around Taos, New Mexico, which is celebrating 40 years with a summer-long list of events that includes a “hippie homecoming” parade, motorcycle rallies and talks on how the influx of artists and other free-spirits impacted the town.
Until the movie, Taos hadn’t been much more than a sleepy village of Native Americans and descendants of the Spanish conquistadors who arrived in the 1600s. Many post-movie arrivals evolved into serious artists, including Hopper himself, who has lived in Taos part time ever since, and whose photographs and mixed-media creations are part of an exhibit of local artists he curated, at the Harwood Museum.
What sweet irony that the man who became famous for marijuana, clothing-optional hot springs, communes, Harleys and other personal freedoms would be named Honorary Mayor of Taos earlier this month. Or that the movie itself is being shown at the Taos County Sheriff’s Posse Arena, on June 20. Even if you don’t ride a bike, concerts featuring bands like Hot Tuna and others playing the “Born to be Wild” soundtrack will help you turn back the clock to those bad old days.
Taos is a three-hour drive from the nearest major airport, Albuquerque, but the scenery is so spectacular you will love the trip, whether it’s a wind-in-your-face Harley or a rental car. Just roll down the windows, and remember to pack your tie-dyed T-shirts and love beads.