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.

CHIRP Radio writesCOMING SOON: “The Blues Brothers” at the CHIRP Music Film Festival

The Blues Brothers (1980)
Saturday, September 16th 12:00pm

Along with Ferris Bueller's Day Off, there is no movie more Chicago than The Blues Brothers. One of the few Saturday Night Live skits that actually worked as a motion picture, Chi-Town is as much a character as Jake and Elwood as they dodge police, old girlfirends, and Illinois Nazis to complete their Mission From God. It certainly doesn't hurt that a who's-who of R&B legends (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles) are featured, and the third act includes one of the most epic car chases ever seen in a theater. If you're of a generation that has only seen this all-time classic on TV, now's your chance to watch it in all its glory on the big screen.

"The Blues Brothers is the year's best film to date; one of the all-time great comedies; the best movie ever made in Chicago. All are true, and, boy, is that ever a surprise." --Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

"One of the great American comedy films... It’s just a joy to watch even forty three years on. John Belushi was never better as the lead. He’s funny just standing there." --Victoria Luxford, BBC.com

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: “Repo Man” at the CHIRP Music Film Festival

Repo Man (1984)
Friday, September 15th 9:45pm

Basically a giant middle finger to the Reagan era of the 1980s, this lower-budget satire became a cult classic as soon as it was released. It's a story about a young man, a crappy job, and a car that may or may not be carrying around something extraterrestrial in its trunk. At the same time, it's also about a time and place and attitude toward what passed for Modern Times. The soundtrack, which features Iggy Pop, Black Flag, Suicidal Tendencies, and Fear, remains a cornerstone introduction to hardcore punk. It also features a performance by one of the great "that guy" actors of all time, Harry Dean Stanton.

"Repo Man is the saltiest, sweetest, most sublimely sleazy tickle in the Los Angeles ribs. If it doesn't convulse you with belly laughs, then you're a stiff.." --Carrie Rickey, Boston Herald

"Repo Man comes out of left field, has no big stars, didn't cost much, takes chances, dares to be unconventional, is funny, and works. There is a lesson here." --Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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