Hendrix had wanted to play Carnegie Hall but was turned down. Lincoln Center agreed to two concerts at Philharmonic Hall (later re-named Avery Fischer Hall, provided a classical artist open the show. Harpsicordist Fernando Valenti was tasked with the unenviable challenge. A raucous audience eager for the headliner made matters miserable for Fernando. Taking pity, Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell emerged to provide some percussion late in his set. Hendrix delivered an electrifying set that left ushers as the classical venue shellshocked.
