“The Land Where the Blues Began” / Custom House Museum Explores Roots of the Blues

Film-maker Alan Lomax (center/1915-2002) has been described as “one of the greatest American field collectors of folk music of the 20th century.”
Film-maker Alan Lomax (center/1915-2002) has been described as “one of the greatest American field collectors of folk music of the 20th century.”

Thursday, December 3 at 6pm the acclaimed film “The Land Where the Blues Began” will be screened in the Helmerich Research & Learning Center on the third floor of the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street, followed by a post-film discussion led by celebrated Key West-based musician Larry Baeder who has performed world-wide with giants of blues, soul and rock n’ roll.

Key West Art & Historical Society Board member Michael Shields, who is director and host of the ongoing film series, “Art as History, History as Art,” selected the film to compliment the current Custom House Museum exhibit “Bars, Brews & Blues: Carousing in Key West.” The film explores the social and musical origins of the blues through contexts as diverse as barrooms, revivals, riverbanks, railroads and picnics.

Shot in Mississippi in 1978 by Alan Lomax, the 75 minute film reveals the conditions and personalities that birthed the blues tradition and features interviews and performances by artists including Sam Chatmon, Lonnie Pitchford, Jack Owens & Bud Spires, Sonny Boy Nelson, Belton Southerland, Othar Turner, Napoleon Strickland and Joe Savage.

Doors open at 5:45. Admission for Key West Art & Historical Society members is $5; $10 for non-members, and may be reserved at http://www.kwahs.org/learn/art-as-history-history-as-art-film-series/

For more information, contact Adele Williams, Education Specialist, at 305-295-6616, ext. 115.

Your Museums. Your Community. It Takes an Island.

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