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.

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

Moonage Daydream (2022)
Friday, September 15th 7:15pm

In his six-decade career, David Bowie both set the standard for Rock and Pop stardom and constandly pushed the boundaries of art and performance. Few individuals have had as much influence on modern music. In the first documentary to be officially authorized by Bowie's estate, director Brett Morgan takes a look at the mythic figure and his earthly journey of transformation.

"Moonage Daydream is a kaleidoscopic and unique venture that radiantly and stylistically explores the magisterial talents of one of the best artists ever to grace the stage." --Hector A. Gonzalez, Loud and Clear Reviews

"...a thoughtful, meditative, almost trance-inducing rumination on the meaning of art and life." --Adam Kempenaar, Filmspotting

The film will be preceded by a Bowie costume contest with a prize awarded to the best showing!

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 Elephant 6 Recording Co.” at the CHIRP Music Film Festival

The Elephant 6 Recording Co. (2023)
Thursday, September 14th 7:00pm

CHIRP Radio kicks off its inaugural Music Film Festival with the Chicago Premiere of a documentary about the influential 1990s experimental rock collective that included influential bands like Neutral Milk Hotel, The Olivia Temor Control, and of Montreal.

"The music is at the heart of the story, and one can enjoy the experience by letting the sounds wash over you." --Bradley Gibson, Film Threat

"Though Stockfleth’s documentary acts mostly as a primer for the Elephant 6 collective, it separates itself from the legions of other musical history docs by staking out new territory and demanding Elephant 6’s rightful place in the mix." --Zach Lewis, In Review Online

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