director :     RC Raycraft

release date:    Aug. 2005

running time:   82 minutes

"The thrill maybe gone in Heyworth, but the legends live on...." - B.B. KING

"For those who may have forgotten, or more likely, are too young to remember, the Incident at Kickapoo Creek, as it was promoted, occurred on Memorial Day weekend in 1970 in a cornfield near Heyworth, Illinois. The result was a three-day bacchanal of rock 'n' roll 'n' sex 'n' drugs 'n' more bared flesh than Central Illinois had ever seen outside a high school locker room..."  -Dan Kraft, Pantagraph Newspaper

The Incident at Kickapoo Creek, is probably the most successful rock and roll festival you have never heard of.  It is also one of the most mysterious and scandalous festivals in rock and roll history. What people do remember about the rock fest is the promoter, L. David Lewis who disappeared shortly after the festival was overÉ leaving his farm, his family, and a warrant for his arrest. The festival cash (in sleeping bags) disappeared approximately the same time.

Among the 60-odd bands and acts on the roster: B.B. King, Ted Nugent & The Amboy Dukes, Canned Heat, Country Joe & The Fish, Genesis, REO Speedwagon, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Music mogul Irving Azoff was an 18 year old college student responsible for lining up the talent for the outlawed rock festival. Azoff is featured in the documentary as well as BB King and Ted Nugent among the numerous interviews of people who reflect on their experiences at the festival.

The film focuses on all aspects of that infamous weekend in 1970, not just what happened on stage. Local law enforcement officials termed Kickapoo a "policeman's nightmare" and refused to enter the grounds, so the promoter hired a motorcycle gang.

In addition, the movie's graphics -- titles, chapter headings, etc. -- have been done by Grammy-winning album cover artist Kosh, who designed such classic LP covers as the Beatles' "Abbey Road" and the Eagles' "Hotel California." The look, says RC Raycraft (director), is entirely in keeping with 1970 pop art aesthetics.