100 Days of Blues: “The Blues Society”

In 1960s Memphis, Blues masters and Beatniks created The Memphis Country Blues Festival (1966-1970), an event that rocked thefoundations of a conservative world. This documentary weaves together hypnotic and unforgettable performances with animation, archival images, and a chorus of diverse voices, creating a moving image mixtape that  celebrates the music of Furry Lewis, Rev. Robert Wilkins, and Bukka White while re-evaluating the era.

Directed by the daughter of one of the festival organizers, The Blues Society is a kaleidoscopic documentary that asks viewers to draw their own conclusions about the events presented. Winner of an Audience Award at Indie Memphis and best Documentary at the Oxford Film Festival,the film encourages viewers to ask questions about race, music, and American culture and to reconsider their preconceptions about Blues music, Blues culture, and Blues history.

This screening will be followed by a panel discussion with director Augusta Palmer, appearing with iconic festival participants Jimmy Crosthwait, Misty Blue Lavender (also known as Marcia Hare), and Chris Wimmer.