Saturn Biographies:
Jim Manion

Jim Manion (b. 7/19/54): I was lucky to have a mother who gave me an ear for jazz and a great aunt who dragged me to classical concerts where I always sat in the balcony and made up "movies" in my head to go along with the music. Teenage years ('68-'72) were a time of psychedelic music and free jazz, seeking both out from the unlikely outpost of Evansville, Indiana. First Sun Ra hearing came when my Mom bought Heliocentric Worlds and it was too much for her. Thanks again, Mom! First Sun Ra show was on my 23rd birthday, 7/19/77 at The Bluebird, Bloomington, Indiana. This date was released on Saturn as Somewhere Over The Rainbow which is weird to listen to on headphones now because I swear I can hear myself shouting "yeah". Other major Ra experiences over the years were the other shows in Bloomington, a number of gigs at Squat Theater NYC, and numerous gigs at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

I've done a lot of things work-wise - all areas of restaurant work, and media work in many creative mediums (photo, writing, video and audio production). Currently I am Program and Music Director of WFHB, Community Radio, Bloomington, Indiana. I also have a part-time job as a video producer at the local cable access television station, and I write a weekly music column for the Bloomington Independent.

I'm a self-taught drummer who has played everything from punk to funk to improv - not "jazz" necessarily, but the spirited approach af Ra and Arkestra have severely influenced my approach and attitude. Due to a hectic work schedule and two teenage daughters, regular gigs are a thing of the past - although I still play occaisionally with a long running space-funk improv project called the Octave Doctors, and I'm the "music director" of an annual Mardi Gras night-only band based heavily on Mardi Gras Indian music, The Wild Raccoons.

All forms of music (as long as they don't suck) are my first love, although cinema/film (as opposed to "movies") is a passion as well. Space Is The Place is an all-time favorite. I don't watch television, and wish I had more time to read, but a 70 hour work week and my daughters leave me little chillout time. Last book read: Space Is The Place.

While not a hard-core disciple who lives and breathes Ra 24-7, Mr. Ra certainly has had a profound influence on my life and viewpoints and I carry his spirit with me always. Thanks and praises to all still keeping the vibe alive. The Saturn email list is the only one I subscribe to!

email welcome.

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