The '80s: A Tribute

Michael Jackson still had (his) nose, Ronald Reagan was President, and Bob Seger didn't look like Kenny Rogers; all was right in the universe. Yes, I am talking about the 80's. If I had the chance to promote any idea or message with unlimited resources, I would put on an event to promote appreciation for the 80's, arguably one of the most important decades to date. My 80's Festival would be a celebration of the three elements of 80's that I find the most captivating: music, movies, and styles.

Because I was born in September of 1989, I was only around for about four months of the 80's, but the decade has always been a source of fascination for me. This is a period that shaped my life. Until I was about six years old, both of my parents had mullets (granted, we did live in Idaho). I grew up with a die-hard Tiffany fan for a mother; when I got home from school she would be rocking out to I Think We're Alone Now while vacuuming the house. I had a Garfield phone until my little brother broke it. Even today, we drink out of the limited edition Star Wars glasses that my parents got from Burger King. I am a product of the eighties, and I would like to share my roots with the world.

To begin with, no 80's festival would be complete without musical performances from some of the decade's greatest artists. The music portion would be similar to a Farm-Aid event, just without the farmers. With artists like AC/DC, Bonnie Tyler, and Def Leppard, it is understandable that the 80's are most remembered for the music. After performances by Cyndi Lauper, Prince, and Journey, Blondie would conclude the music portion by singing Call Me: the perfect introduction for the host of the movie portion of the event and star of American Gigolo, Richard Gere.