Desolation Center

Desolation Center is a documentary film directed by Stuart Swezey, who also played a pivotal role in the creation of the historical events that the film portrays. The narrative revolves around a series of guerilla music and art performances that took place in California during the early to mid-1980s. The raw and rebellious spirit of the era, documented through an amalgamation of footage from that period, make Desolation Center a compelling and immersive trip into a post-punk subculture.

Desolation Center unveils a largely unknown chapter of music history that can be considered a precursor for major festivals, like Burning Man and Coachella. However, unlike its massive descendants, the Desolation Center was an anti-commercial endeavor by virtue of its intent and execution.

The film essentially paints a portrayal of a roguish musical movement that sought to parry the established norms of conduct and performance. It reveals how a band of music enthusiasts, art radicals, and cultural renegades brought forth the path-breaking and wildly innovative Desolation Center gigs, all conducted away from the predictable environments of music halls, auditoriums and bars.

The main figures that the audience gets to meet include Anthony Ausgang, Joe Baiza, and Bob Bert, characters that possess a unique charm and connection to the anarchic spirit of their time. The electrifying performances of these eclectic and accomplished musicians were not just gigs set in the middle of the Californian desert; they were a firm rejection of conventional norms, a vibrant celebration of unrestrained self-expression.

While Desolation Center discloses events which took place over 30 years ago, its relevance and appeal are purely contemporary. Given the current scenario of mega-commercialized music festivals, the rough and ready ethos Desolation Center pioneered represents a fascinating alternative. It counters the idea that successful music events must necessarily involve great masses of people, expensive tickets, and aggressive corporate sponsorship.

The film achieves its remarkable effect by weaving together a vast array of archival footage and offering viewers an organic, ground-level view of the events that unfolded. The film compels the audience to feel the essence of those extraordinary gatherings held under open skies and against breathtaking landscapes. The entire narrative is supplemented with interviews of individuals who were part of these historic occasions. These interviews are full of insights and anecdotes that give an intimate view of the punk-rock subculture of Southern California during that period.

In addition to showcasing the footage from these unique performances, the film also explores the socio-political context in which these events were conceived and executed. The racially restrictive and escalating rents in the cities like LA during the 1980s, which were driving young and creative individuals away, provide a significant backdrop to this story to understand why these radical steps were taken.

The endearing aspect of Desolation Center is its ability to reflect on the spirit of the era while also engaging in a lively dialogue about the essence of music, art, and rebellion. The purity and sincerity of these non-conformist music gigs, conducted in a spirit of camaraderie, stands in sharp contrast with the profit-driven music spectacle of today.

Instead of providing a mere playback of the past, the film becomes a testament of disgust against the commodification of culture. This makes Desolation Center a must-watch for anyone interested not only in music history but also in the evolution of youth culture and countercultural movements throughout the years. Moreover, the atmospheric visuals and the heart-thumping music scored for scenes provide an additional adrenaline rush to audiences.

In sum, Desolation Center is a heartfelt tribute to a time when a handful of free spirits sought to revolutionize the music and art scene on their own terms. Whether you're a fan of punk-rock, a history enthusiast, or a student of cultural movements, this documentary will captivate and inspire you to explore the edges of what music and collaboration can achieve, outside the constraints of commercialism. The film will leave you pondering the significance of such landmark events and the ways in which they have shaped the cultural and artistic landscapes of today.