A benefit concert entitled ‘Muscle Shoals Live: The River That Sings’ will be held Saturday, April 20, at 8:30 pm at David Lipscomb University’s Collins Auditorium, co-sponsored by the International Black Film Festival of Nashville (IBFFN) and the Mid-Town Music Academy (MTMC). The Nashville Film Festival (NaFF), IBFFN and MTMC will present an unforgettable evening of events. The screening of the critically acclaimed documentary Muscle Shoals, written and directed by Greg Camalier, premiered to a sold out crowd and rave reviews at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and will have its Tennessee premiere at Regal Cinemas in Green Hills on Saturday, April 20 at 6 pm, preceding the concert. That is the only scheduled screening, so be sure to attend if you can.
The concert features a spectacular line up of Muscle Shoals artists and local musicians, including: David Hood of the Swampers, Gino Speight , Harvey Thompson, Angela Primm of Still Waters, Thomas Cain, and more. Concertgoers will have a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to enjoy live performances of classic renditions of songs released from the infamous Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
The film highlights the impact of the music produced at Muscle Shoals’ Fame Studios and cites the groundbreaking role played by an integrated corps of phenomenal musicians under the guidance of studio head Rick Hall. Their musical vision prevailed, despite segregation serving as law and social practice during that era in Alabama.
“We are offering a double treat with both the film and musical production that will feature many of the original players and their music that still rocks today,” said Hazel Joyner Smith, IBFFN executive director and founder IBFFN.
Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Mavis Staples, Clarence Carter, Otis Redding, Little Richard, Art Garfunkel, The Rolling Stones, Percy Sledge, Candi Staton, Wilson Pickett, Gregg Allman, The Swampers and The Fame Gang, are just a few of the artists and musicians who made hit records at the studio located in a small town on the banks of the Tennessee River that Native Americans called the ‘Singing River.’
“This is one of those exciting programs that are a win for everyone—from the amazing artists from Muscle Shoals to the filmmakers, host organizations and the audiences at the film and concert,” said Ted Crockett, executive director of NaFF.
Jesse Boyce, MTMC founder and executive director and former bassist for Little Richard for over 30 years, also contributed to many hit recordings as a writer and bassist at Fame Studios.
“What we did at Muscle Shoals embodies the true spirit of America,” said Boyce. “It was about people of different backgrounds coming together and creating something unique and special. The songs that came out of Muscle Shoals have inspired people around the world, and this concert will give listeners the chance to hear them once more and get a renewed appreciation for that legacy and history.”
The Nashville Film Festival runs through Thursday, April 25 at Green Hills 16.
