Sounds of Summer 2017: Music Films, Old and New
June 29–Aug. 17, 2017
This year’s abundantly diverse selection includes both celebrated classics like Stop Making Sense and excellent newer releases such as Two Trains Runnin’, all showcasing brilliant musical acts and soulful characters. Featuring performances from artists Patsy Cline, The Band, Otis Redding, Talking Heads, The Beatles, Eagles of Death Metal, and more! Join us for the epic experience of watching and listening to great music films on the big screen with a crowd of like-minded fans. There’s nothing like it.
This series is programmed by Brian Ackerman, Karen Sloe Goodman, and Andrew Jupin.
SERIES TRAILER
Deconstructing Rubber Soul
July 13, 2025
Live presentation with “Beatleologist” Scott Freiman
In October 1965, the Beatles were faced with an impossible task—produce a new album of original music for a Christmas…
Buena Vista Social Club
July 14–27, 2025
Join the cast and crew of the Buena Vista Social Club musical, including director Saheem Ali and producer Orin Wolf, on July 14.
Traveling with a small film crew, Wim Wenders accompanied his old friend Ry Cooder—who did the fantastic score for Paris,…
Stop Making Sense
Aug. 4–10, 2025
Newly restored in 4K to coincide with its 40th anniversary, the 1984 film was directed by renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme…
Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock ’n’ Roll!
Aug. 7–10, 2025
The unforgettable life and music of the pioneering legend are celebrated in Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll capturing…
The Last Waltz
Aug. 25–31, 2025
In 1976, The Band decided to throw a party when it was time to call it quits. Their farewell concert…
Jimi Plays Monterey & Shake!: Otis at Monterey
Aug. 25, 2021
Two short films, two legendary musicians, two mythic performances: Pioneering filmmakers D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus present Jimi Hendrix and…
Dont Look Back
Aug. 5, 2021
Bob Dylan is captured onscreen as he never would be again in this groundbreaking film from D. A. Pennebaker. The…
Monterey Pop
July 8, 2021
On a beautiful June weekend over 50 years ago, the Monterey International Pop Festival ushered in a new era of…
Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man
Aug. 17, 2017
“…the portrait of Cohen that emerges is a fascinating one.” (San Jose Mercury News) “Cohen is clearly a songwriter’s songwriter,…
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World
Aug. 16, 2017
Blues master Taj Mahal recalls that the 1958 single “Rumble”—by Link Wray, who was born to Shawnee parents—actually made him…
Deconstructing the Beatles’ Revolver
Aug. 14, 2017
These screenings of Deconstructing the Beatles’ Revolver are pre-recorded performances. This 1966 album launched a period of studio experimentation for the…
A Matter of Time
Aug. 10, 2017
“A Matter of Time is part concert film, part family portrait, and part call to action.” (The Tyee) In 2007…
A Gesture and a Word
Aug. 9, 2017
7:30: With an introduction by filmmaker Dave Davidson
When singer/songwriter Rob Morsberger was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2011, he and filmmaker Dave Davidson were already working…
Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis (Our Friends)
Aug. 8, 2017
“an engrossing portrait of the power of honesty and friendship, the permanence of art, and the perseverance of the human…
Deconstructing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Aug. 7, 2017
These screenings of Deconstructing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band are pre-recorded performances. Rolling Stone called Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club…
Bill Frisell, A Portrait
Aug. 2, 2017
A masterful musician, prolific composer, and bandleader, Bill Frisell has won a Grammy and was DownBeat’s Guitarist of the Year…
Deconstructing the Beatles’ White Album
July 31, 2017
These screenings of Deconstructing the Beatles’ White Album are pre-recorded performances. Come into Abbey Road Studio for a look at the…
Patsy Cline: American Masters
July 25, 2017
With rare performances of such classics as “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray,” “I Fall to Pieces,” and…
I Am the Blues
July 24, 2017
“The music both comes out of and is an antidote for suffering, and the result is often joyful and exultant.”…
Gimme Danger
July 18, 2017
“An important addition to our understanding of early ’70s anarchy.” (Time Out) “A brainy and funny look at the creation…
Samba & Jazz
July 17, 2017
“…probably the most revealing look we’ll ever get of its subject, and the most loving evocation of his music.” (Washington…
Roll Up!: Deconstructing Magical Mystery Tour
July 13, 2017
New live show!
Explore the music written for the Magical Mystery Tour TV show, as well as the additional songs that appeared on…
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!: Deconstructing the Early Beatles
July 12, 2017
New live show!
In 1963, The Beatles went from four unknown musicians to musical superstars. The singles and albums they released that year,…
Four Lads from Liverpool: Deconstructing the Birth of the Beatles
July 11, 2017
New live show!
In the late 50s, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Richard Starkey were just four Liverpudlian teenagers who decided…
Two Trains Runnin'
July 5, 2017
“A powerful meditation on the origins of an African-American musical genre and the painful reasons for its existence.” (RogerEbert.com)…
This series is sponsored by:
- The Lucille and Paul Maslin Foundation
- Janet Maslin and Ben Cheever
The exclusive media partner of this series is:
