Missing Kris Kristofferson? Here Are Some Ways to Process

There was no one like Kris Kristofferson. Talented, insightful, charismatic, on the right side of history even when it wasn’t popular, the songwriter and actor endeared himself to millions.

Upon learning of his death over the weekend at age 88, I felt lucky to have once talked to him on the phone, in 2007. It was supposed to be a simple preview for his upcoming local show, but it turned into something much deeper: a meditation on mortality and kindness.

“There is a freedom in accepting the fact that there is a difference at this end of the road,” he told me, about getting older.

“I’ve watched a lot of my friends and heroes, like Johnny Cash and Waylon, I’ve watched ’em slip and fall. And be gone. And it’s gonna happen to all of us. So I think the acceptance of it gives you a freedom to be less critical of yourself when you make mistakes, and to not be so hard on others.”

How could you not love the guy?

Those wanting to get their Kristofferson fix among like-minded admirers have two opportunities in the next week.

On Monday, Oct. 14, the 4-Star Theater in San Francisco screens A Star Is Born, the 1976 Oscar-winning classic with Kristofferson and co-star Barbra Streisand. The screening, planned before Kristofferson’s death, is a benefit for the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation; Bob Barsotti, who began his decades-long working relationship with Bill Graham in 1970, hosts. Details here.

On Friday, Oct. 11, the Lost Church in Santa Rosa hosts a A Tribute to Kris Kristofferson, with local musicians like John Courage, Solid Air, Schlee, Sally Haggard and others performing his songs. Expect deeper cuts alongside the big hits — “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “For the Good Times.” (I see no other way to end a night like this than a grand-finale singalong to “Me and Bobby McGee.”) Details here.