Last night they showed Festival, Murray Lerner's 1967 documentary about the Newport Folk Festival 1963-1966. It's a bit like a black-and-white Jazz on a Summer's Day. (In one sense especially: the crowd shots stay in the mind as much as the music.)
Every minute of it is full of interest, and everybody seems to be there: Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Odetta, Buffy Sainte-Marie. Peter Paul & Mary. Howlin' Wolf, and Son House, Dylan going electric. Bluegrass bands, jugbands, kids in the parking lot with home-made instruments. A marvellous old-time gospel choir called the Sacred Harp Singers.
But I wasn't prepared for this joyous slice of Americana. It's perfect: no commentary needed, just press Play... The Blue Ridge Mountain Dancers at YouTube
4 comments:
Couldn't agree more!
It was on BBC 4 (UK)on Friday 13th February. And I've had to go to a Net Cafe to view it on YouTube (Third time so far) Running whole film again as I type(www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008490c)
- until 20 - 02 09
where can I get a copy of the film or video or dvd
Sorry: I didn't realise the clip had disappeared. I've put another YouTube clip back. The Amazon button links to the whole DVD of Festival.
Here's another good'un: same period, same style. Is the guy calling the moves the same in both?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs2j8f7H2WY&feature=player_embedded#
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