CHIRP Radio writesCOMING SOON: “Wattstax” at the CHIRP Music Film Festival

Wattstax (1973)
Sunday, September 17th 2:15pm

Wattstax was a benefit concert organized by Stax Records to commemorate the anniversary of the 1965 Watts riots. The label presented its biggest acts, including the Bar-Kays, Albert King, Carla Thomas, and Chicago's own Staple Singers. Isaac Hayes, in all his '70s Hot Buttered Soul glory, was the headline performance.

Mel Stuart's documentary of the event, which also features appearances by Black icons like Richard Pryor, captures the vitality of the performances and audience while also preserving a window to a part American culture that often doesn't get it tell it's own story.

"Just when you figure that the film industry has exhausted every possible avenue of exploration in the quest to present still another music festival documentary, along comes something with a nice, fresh twist. Such is the case with Wattstax." --Jack Lloyd, Philadelphia Inquirer

"It’s a memorable display of African-American pride—and extravagant 1970s sartorial style—that also makes room for such leading Black cultural figures of the moment as Richard Pryor, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee and Melvin Van Peeble..." --Dennis Harvey, 48 Hills

The CHIRP Music Film Festival takes place at the historic Davis Theater in Chicago September 14th-17th. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

CHIRP Radio writesCOMING SOON: “Amazing Grace” at the CHIRP Music Festival

Amazing Grace (2018)
Sunday, September 17th 12:00pm

Aretha Franklin's 1972 double album Amazing Grace is conidered a crowing achievement in her massive career. Recorded at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, it remains the best-selling Gospel music recording of all time.

Unlike many live recordings, Franklin's performance was also extensively and crefully filmed in preparation for a documentary release. But technical issues and lawsuits against the producers by Franklin herself delayed the release of anything until 46 years later. Since 2018, Alan Elliott and Sydney Pollack's poduction has been making the rounds, thrilling audiences with the sights and sounds of a monumental achievement by the Queen of Soul.

"In Amazing Grace, Aretha Franklin transcends the blues by saying a little prayer - or singing one - for all of us." --Owen Gleiberman, Variety

"87 minutes of pure joy." --Nell Minow, Movie Mom

The CHIRP Music Film Festival takes place at the historic Davis Theater in Chicago September 14th-17th. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

CHIRP Radio writesCOMING SOON: “Almost Famous” at the CHIRP Music Film Festival

Almost Famous (2000)
Saturday, September 16th 8:00pm

Before social media, before 9/11, before Covid, before so many things, the idea of the rock-star life was shrouded in myths and legends. Life on the road, the screaming fans, the nonstop antics - to not only document the party but also be a part of it is what some would call a dream come true. Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical love letter to finding a place in the world tells the story of a young man who gets the chance to do live that dream as he attempts to tell the story of the band Stillwater, and in doing so, gets a front row seat to the highs and lows of the ultimate lifestyle.

"A blissfully sweet coming-of-age movie in which everyone, young and less young, comes of age." --Peter Rainer, New York Magazine/Vulture

"Almost Famous is a time capsule, a vessel into the past that beams with life. A coming of age jewel with fantastic performances and a nurturing musical embrace. It’ll never stop singing.." --Kristy Strouse, Cinematic Lovelies

The CHIRP Music Film Festival takes place at the historic Davis Theater in Chicago September 14th-17th. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

CHIRP Radio writesCOMING SOON: “Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me” at the CHIRP Music Film Festival

Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me (2013)
Saturday, September 16th 5:00pm

Hailing from Memphis Tennessee at the dawn of the '70s, power pop band Big Star only made three albums before their first breakup, and and did not reach superstar status during their era. What they did do was create a body of work that, by buoding a bridge between '60 British Invasion and '80s Alternative Rock, would echo through the decades while claiming the title of "Your Favorite Band's Favorite Band."

Directors Drew Oinicola and Olivia Mori document this singular group's formation, critical suceess, and eventual emergence as one of the ultimate cult music groups.

"[Documents] the band's coming together and falling apart and [offers] a passionate tribute to its brilliant, beautiful music." --Bruce Diones, New Yorker

"... a complete picture of Big Star from its inception to its demise - and later resurrection - and of course, it's loaded with awesome tunes." --Amie Simon, Three Imaginary Girls

The CHIRP Music Film Festival takes place at the historic Davis Theater in Chicago September 14th-17th. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.