The Livingston Film Series is delighted to present a special screening of music-based making of documentary Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two on Thursday, February 13th. The film begins at 7pm at the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts.
What started as a music video concept for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band evolved into a 1989 full-length film documenting the all-star session for the band’s album of the same name. The release won three Grammys and the 1989 CMA award for the Album of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
Produced by Joanne Gardner and Rosanne Cash, the film captures the band in the studio recording their groundbreaking project. Select clips will show performances by Johnny and June Carter Cash, Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, Bruce Hornsby, Jimmy Martin, New Grass Revival, John Prine and Earl Scruggs. Other highlights include Roy Acuff, John Denver, Chet Atkins, Randy Scruggs and Ricky Skaggs, among others.
“It was a joyful studio. Each day the musicians came ready to create and collaborate,” producer Joanne Gardner recalls. “We were honored to be in the room with it all. Being live made everyone really stay on top of their game. It felt like a family reunion on many days and there was always a lot of humor and laughter. The film crew were able to capture the conversations in addition to the music, which is what makes this so special. Many of the artists from this project are gone now: Johnny Cash, all of the Carter Sisters, Earl and Randy Scruggs, Vassar Clements, Chet Atkins, Levon Helm, Jimmy Martin, John Denver, Roy Acuff and Roy Huskey, Jr.”
Thirty-six years later, Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two is still living evidence of the power of music. The filmmaker will answer questions following the screening.
Continuing its latest season of screening independent features, documentaries, local films and vintage classics, doors open at 6:30pm with screenings to follow at 7pm. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Concessions available. For more information, please visit www.theshanecenter.org.
The Livingston Film Series is generously sponsored by Marilyn Clotz & Mary Ann Bearden and Donald B. Gimbel. •
