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Music
Live music performances from great local and regional acts
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Poetry
Hear poetry and partake in open mics with talented writers
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Tours
Discover Kerouac's most notable locations and history in Lowell
Jack Kerouac
Author. Beat Poet.
Jack Kerouac, born in Lowell, Massachusetts, is one of the most important American authors of the 20th century. Kerouac is best known for his classic On the Road, a novel that captured the spirit of the time and continues to inspire readers.
Kerouac shaped a unique literary consciousness that has influenced readers, writers, musicians, and artists for more than fifty years. He died in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1969, and is buried in Edson Cemetery in Lowell.
Welcome to Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Website
Thanks to Mike Flynn, Steve Edington, John McDermott, and his daughter for all their work to update our LCK website. As you know, due to the pandemic LCK did not hold our traditional festivities in October, 2020. Mike, Steve, John and photographer Jon Stevens have assembled a sampling of events for your viewing pleasure.
Included is a tribute to the late Alan Crane, musician, composer and friend of LCK, who regularly performed at our opening program at Cappy’s Copper Kettle; a Kerouac themed art exhibit including paintings by Judith Bessette and photographs by Paul Bessette (thanks to Dracut Access TV), and Steve Edington’s tour of Kerouac family sites in Nashua, NH.
More postings to be added in the coming weeks and months. Hoping to see you all in October, 2021. Judith Bessette, President Lowell Celebrates Kerouac.
Our Mission
Lowell Celebrates Kerouac! Inc. (LCK!) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote a better understanding and appreciation of Jack Kerouac’s life and literature.
Founded in 1985, LCK! sponsors literary programs year round, including a festival in the first weekend of October. We also produce a spring program tied to Kerouac’s March 12th birthday, as well as other educational and cultural activities. LCK! volunteers help maintain Kerouac Park and Jack Kerouac Commemorative in Downtown Lowell.
Kerouac Tours in Lowell
LCK members give walking or bus or car caravan tours of Kerouac sites for a donation fee, depending on the tour. Fee is just $10 per person.
From the Guest Book
A powerful influence in my youth and I've never let go...this Dharma Bum is On the Road again. So grateful I was here and left a thank you.
jennifer morgan
02-23-2021
checking in on an important day in Kerouac history....and hope to see you all later in the year
Bill Niland
03-29-2021
Dear LOWELL CELEBRATES KEROUAC, The new and improved web site is absolutely outstanding! Thank you for keeping the flame of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness alive and well. Jack Kerouac honored all three of those cherished American values, for sure! He instilled the regeneration of those original values in THE BEATS through hus quintessentially, modern, American literature. Uncle Billy always said that “Jack was a genius,” and he was right. We, who - like Jack - were also born and bred in Lowell, Massachusetts understand his genius and have a real responsibility to honor it and preserve his memory. LCK is doing an outstanding job of honoring this tradition, and tor that, we should all be very grateful. God bless you, one and all. - George Nicholas Koumantzelis 👍🌵🌅🌲😇
George Nicholas Koumantzelis
05-27-2021
For kerouac's fans this is a must. I hadn't been back in years, so seeing the new memorial headstone and seeing that people still follow the tradition of leaving offerings was a great joy. "The Road is Life"
faustgirl
09-03-2020
Iconic Author who defined an era in america culture!
Ken Risher
09-04-2020
As someone who loves the Beat Generation and Jack Kerouac I gotta say this gravesite had so much meaning to it. Lots of ppl placed things on his grave and just shows how much of an icon he truly was to so many people
Brandon Williams
09-04-2020
