Eighty-Something
Eighty Something: Capturing stories of resilience, reinvention, and passion from creative souls in their eighth decade. Stories shaped by time, and an enduring drive to create.
Created by Valarie Allyn Bienas
From JFK to Psychedelic Light Shows | Inventor | Journalist | James | Eighty Something E2
What begins with a chilling moment—witnessing the shock of JFK’s assassination from the streets of Mexico City—unfolds into a fascinating personal journey through some of the most pivotal and vibrant eras of the 20th century.
In this intimate, unscripted story, we travel from segregated Washington D.C. in the early '60s, where Otis Redding played house sets and racism still ruled government-owned theaters, to the psychedelic scene of Austin TX. Along the way: journalism in Mexico City, activism entangled with fugitives in Berkeley, and an unexpected pivot into building wineries in Napa Valley.
A raw and honest reflection on identity, resistance, creativity, and reinvention across borders and decades.
70's In New York | Disco | Art | Fashion Photographer Donald | Eighty Something E1
Step into the dazzling world of 1970s New York where disco ruled the nights, and a young gay photographer found freedom on the dance floors with icons like Cher, Diana Ross, and Elton John. From a childhood spark behind a Brownie camera to working on films like Bonnie & Clyde in Hollywood, this is a raw and inspiring story of creativity, resilience, and self-discovery.
Follow the path through the fear-based propaganda of the "ugly 50s," to artistic awakening at Chouinard Art Institute, to fashion shoots in Paris and India and hear about a love story that would forever shape his life.
Stay Tuned
Kay McCracken | Eighty Something E3