Share
CLINTON — Three movies about music – jazz, rock, and a genre mix – are teed up for the Clinton Arts Council’s first annual Winter Music Film Series.
On Jan. 6, the first film, “Sloane: A Jazz Singer,” an award-winning documentary directed by Michael Lippert, tells the story of Carol Sloane, a little known and legendary American jazz singer. The film will be followed by a talk-back session with jazz aficionado and owner of the Side Door Jazz Club, Ken Kitchings. Tickets will be available at the door or click here for purchase.
On Feb. 10, “Carlos: The Santana Journey,” documents the soulful legacy and journey of one of rock’s great musicians. Chris Azzopardi of the New York Times, said, “the guitarist’s magic comes alive in performances and childhood recollections.”
On March 16, Connecticut filmmaker, artist and speaker Kolton Harris will show three selections from his short film series, “Breathe Rite,” including “Black Joy,” “Nightmare,” and “The Cure.” The films combine storytelling with music, exploring the themes of unity, equity and justice, and were shot in New London County. A talk-back session with Harris will follow the films.
Steve Van Ness, president of the Clinton Arts Council, said it’s the first year for the film series, with plans to continue and expand.
“The goal is to actually make this a yearly project that would become a sustainable event that would probably grow every year — as a way to bolster culture and economic development in Clinton, especially downtown,” he said.
Van Ness encouraged filmgoers to stay after “Sloan: A Jazz Singer” to hear Kitchings speak about the film.
“We’re very lucky to have a New York City level jazz club on the shoreline in Connecticut. And, Ken is a very knowledgeable person about jazz of all kinds, but also a bundle of energy,” he said.
He said that “Santana” will be similar to a full concert experience, shown on a big screen with a full sound system.
The series’ theme of music as well as inclusion of local filmmakers will be key components of the festival moving forward, he said.
“It’s a way to support local Connecticut based filmmakers, in music and the content within it,” Van Ness said. “I always want to try to promote and find at least one local up and coming filmmaker that we can work with.”
What: A Winter Music Film Series, sponsored by the Clinton Arts Council
Where: Clinton Town Hall, 54 East Main St., Clinton
When: 7 p.m. for all shows
Cost: $10, $5 for students
Info: https://experienceclinton.com/