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.

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

Stony Island (1978)
Saturday, September 16th 2:30pm

For many people, stories about musicians are only interesting if they talk about the superstarts who fill arenas and stadiums. But every day (and night) across the country, thousands of performers take the stage or head to the studio to take their next step in "making it." This film, shot on Chicago's South Side, follows one group of individuals as they engage in one of the most exciting and risky activities known to man - forming a band.

CHIRP Radio welcomes Andrew Davis, the film's director, who will introduce this screening on Saturday.

"Stony Island is an easy-going, cheerful city movie about a bunch of kids who start a rock band -- and since the city is Chicago, there's a familiar feel.." --Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"Part of Stony's charm is its ambition. It's an emotional portrait of and commentary on the musician's lifestyle at the same time that it's a gritty musical which shifts moods cockily and assuredly." --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.