THE JACK KEROUAC HOUSE OF ST PETERSBURG launches its 2022 calendar on March 12 with a celebration for the 100th birthday of its namesake, famous author and Beat pioneer Jack Kerouac. Kerouac lived with his wife Stella and his mother Gabrielle in the house at 5169 10th Ave N from 1967 until his death on October 21, 1969. The Jack Kerouac House of St. Petersburg Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation of Kerouac’s last home in the Disston Heights neighborhood of St. Petersburg and the promotion of local arts, artists, and culture.
“We are excited to share the space with the people of greater St Petersburg and fill the house with the creative energy that this community embodies. Our non-profit has been hard at work and the house is looking great. We look forward to our future collaborations with the Kerouac Estate and hope that Jack is smiling down on our efforts; we certainly feel his spirit in the house.” said Ken and Gina Burchenal, Board of Directors JKHSP.
THE JACK KEROUAC HOUSE OF ST. PETERSBURG announces partnership with the Estate of world-renowned writer and artist, JACK KEROUAC. Plans include collaborating with SAL PARADISE MEDIA, the content development arm of the JACK KEROUAC ESTATE.
“Florida was a second home to Jack Kerouac if you really think about it. In fact, his second most popular novel "The Dharma Bums," which possessed what the New York Times called "exhilarating power and originality," was created in the Sunshine State. And while it is well known that Jack Kerouac died in St. Petersburg, Florida, what's more consequential really is life he lived, the friends he found, the home he adored. It seems to me that the folks of The Jack Kerouac House of St. Petersburg's main aspiration is to ensure that Kerouac's time here is not eclipsed by the darkness but remembered for the light, and we fully support them, and will be working with them, in this beautiful endeavor." said Jim Sampas, Literary Executor of the Jack Kerouac Estate.
On the centennial of Jack Kerouac’s birth, the Kerouac house will hold an open house from noon to 6pm, so the community can become acquainted with the property and the charitable organization that maintains it. There will be tours of the house, music, readings, refreshments, and more. At 7pm the party will shift to the Flamingo bar at 1230 9th St N, Kerouac’s favorite watering hole. At the Flamingo there will be live music provided by some of St. Petersburg’s finest performers, poetry readings, and general merry making.
