From modest childhood beginnings to international fame, this is the journey of the 'King of Pop,' Michael Jackson's complicated world. Unquestioned talent transcends years of scrutiny over the real superstar wearing the symbolic glove.
Every October, live entertainment creeps into every town in America. People are transformed into monsters, while others pay gladly for horrific performances. But sometimes, acting isn't enough for the spirits that rule Halloween. And this year... the spirits want the encore of a lifetime.
Members of the classic rock band THE ORCHESTRA, comprised of former members of ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA and ELO Part II, recount the history of the band and how the album of original songs No Rewind came to be.
A once-in-a-moment recording of the rock legends as they performed a surprise gig at the iconic Shepherd’s Bush Empire in June 1999. Announced only as they were preparing to play two nights at nearby behemoth Wembley Stadium that same month, it saw a small crowd of 1800 lucky fans treated to an intimate show in which the band eschewed their big hits in favour of rarely heard gems. This was a gig with many firsts; songs included Saint of Me, I Got the Blues and Brand New Car, while Melody was performed for the first time since 1977 and Moon Is Up brought to the stage for the only time in the band’s live career. Sheryl Crow, who opened the show, joined the band for a special rendition of Honky Tonk Women. As Mick Jagger shouted from the stage that night “If you want to see the hits, go to the big place down the road”. As promised, they didn’t disappoint.
Yet more archive film has been found from the famous 1972 tour, which formed the basis of the best-selling 2010 DVD Bird on a Wire. Concert material from the shows in Stockholm, Paris and the Albert Hall, with Cohen at the height of his powers performing Marianne, Susanne, Joan of Arc, The Story of Isaac, The Dealer and many other songs, has now been edited together by Tony Palmer, who shot the original material. This is interspersed with more backstage film of the band on tour, and even some fresh interviews with Cohen himself, together with some previously unreleased sound recordings of his early masterpieces.
In “Baul: Soul of Bengal,” traveler Kristina Houwer embarks on a transformative journey to West Bengal, India, where she discovers the enchanting world of the Bauls — wandering minstrels who pass down ancient spiritual teachings through music. Kristina’s adventure reveals the profound wisdom and deep-rooted traditions of the Bauls, whose music transcends time and cultural boundaries. Through intimate encounters and captivating performances, Kristina immerses herself in their unique way of life, uncovering the true essence of the Baul spirit. This documentary is a heartfelt exploration of music, spirituality, and the unifying power of song.
A Life in Blues both celebrates and explores the personal and musical life of one of Mississippi's most treasured sons. Having travelled the world sharing his own unique brand of blues music, James 'Super Chikan' Johnson, at the age of 73, still strives to balance a musical career while providing for his family. This film endeavours to not only lay bare Chikan's own story, but also examines how the culture and setting of the south has ultimately influenced his journey.
Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali (Conventions and Inconveniences of the Stage) is a two-act opera that shines an exaggerated spotlight on the behind-the-scenes working of a theatre and the rehearsal process, showing what can go wrong when the egos of the performers get in the way of putting on a good show. A regional (and mediocre) operatic troupe is rehearsing a new work and faces numerous obstacles. The prima donna acts every bit the diva, refusing to rehearse. The Tenor finds himself in the wrong production and quite out of his depth. The Seconda Donna’s mother (played by a baritone) demands that her daughter be given a more prominent role, before deciding to take on several roles herself. Not be outshone, the Prima Donna’s husband takes to the stage too. When the show eventually collapses and the company tries to flee under cover of night, rather than pay back all the investors (whose money has already been spent), the Impresario has other plans…
Composed for the Paris Opéra, the romantic but ultimately tragic narrative of Donizetti’s grand opera La Favorite is set amidst the Moorish invasions of Spain and the power struggles between religion and the state in the 14th century. The novice Fernand abandons his monastery having fallen in love with the noble Léonor, not knowing that she is the King’s mistress and favourite. Drawing on traditions established by Rossini and Meyerbeer, La Favorite is noted for Donizetti’s innovative use of the orchestra and for some of his most renowned and enthralling arias. This acclaimed production opened the 2022 Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo, and is performed with its original French libretto.
Joni Mitchell has been called the queen of folk music and one of the biggest pop stars of the 60s and 70s. Even today, her lyrics and unique guitar style continue to inspire new generations of singers and songwriters.
A rising music producer lands a career-defining record deal with everything on the line — but as the deadline looms, so does the risk of losing his family. Caught between chasing his dreams and the chaos at home, he must choose what matters most before it all falls apart.
From his harsh childhood in the burnt-out Lower East Side, musician Harley Flanagan burst onto the punk music scene at age 11 as drummer for his aunt’s band, the Stimulators. The founder of the Cro-Mags tells his incredible story, while interviews with hard rockers and icons like Flea, Ice-T, Henry Rollins, and Anthony Bourdain add insights. Featuring gritty footage of NYC’s downtown 1970s and ?80s music scene, this passionate film showcases Harley’s against-the-odds transformation from chaos to peace, driven by music, family, and personal growth.
The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit explores the landmark influence of Detroit’s innovative jazz musicians. Framed by Detroit’s dramatic rise and fall as an industrial power and its dynamic Black community, the documentary weaves a compelling tapestry. Great jazz musicians roll off Detroit’s assembly line—nurtured by profound mentorship and the resiliency of a city that never quits.
The strange patrons of a bar become even stranger when the moon falls from the night sky. Confusion reigns; a business mogul’s pedantry clashes with a diva’s hypnotic lyrics, the bartender’s smile grows suspicious, and the bus boy spills every drink he touches. And all the while the moon herself wanders the unfamiliar earth, her search for balance pulling on the tide of human emotions that awaits her in the bar.
She was not the standard Jersey girl. Whitney Houston was best known by fans as 'The Voice' for her mezzo-soprano vocal range. Whitney's world was a roller coaster ride plagued by drugs, drama, and an untimely death.
Featuring holiday classics like "Little Drummer Boy" and original songs, it retells the Nativity story with themes of hope, love, and redemption in a stunning live performance.