Jim Rooney and Tom Rush Close This Year's White River Independent Film (WRIF) Festival
It is a documentary exploring the rich history of Club 47, the iconic 80-seat Cambridge, Massachusetts folk music mecca from 1958-1968. Narrated by Peter Coyote, it explores the influence the Club had on a unique group of folk musicians, from the evolution of the 60s folk revival to the singer-songwriter era. Featured are interviews with Joan Baez, Taj Mahal, Judy Collins, Tom Rush, Maria Muldaur, Geoff Muldaur, Jim Kweskin, Jackie Washington, Jim Rooney, Peter Rowan and many more. The film features previously unreleased audio recordings and photographs of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Eric Von Schmidt and new performances from the still-performing stars of Club 47 with today's emerging folk performers, as the folk process continues.
On hand for the screening were director Rob Stegman and historical archivist Betsy Siggins. Prior to the screening there was a brief question and answer period hosted by WRIF Board members Nora Jacob (Vice President) and Mark Williams. Quechee resident and film director Todd Kwait was unfortunately not present. Siggins said she wasn't sure why she had saved a bag full of old reel to reels from the Club 47 days but I'm sure now she's glad she did. She and Stegman received a grant from the Grammy Foundation to restore some of these tapes and with the help of the Harvard Audio Preservation Department, these precious recordings have been restored and archived. Some are being housed at the Folk New England in Somerville MA.
Siggins sent out a plea to folks to contact her if they have any old photographs, reel to reels or general memorabilia from the Club 47 days.
The film was very entertaining and well crafted but the treat of the evening was the live music performance. Jim Rooney and Tom Rush played a few of the folks songs that made Club 47 and themselves famous.
Siggins sent out a plea to folks to contact her if they have any old photographs, reel to reels or general memorabilia from the Club 47 days.
The film was very entertaining and well crafted but the treat of the evening was the live music performance. Jim Rooney and Tom Rush played a few of the folks songs that made Club 47 and themselves famous.
Rooney opened with "Ruben's Old Train" and closed with a Mick Jagger/Keith Richards song-"No Expectation," He then introduced his good friend of 53 years, Tom Rush.
Rush opened his set with a song he learned from Sleepy John Estes at Club 47 "Drop Down Mama, (Some woman might treat you wrong)." He closed with "Panama Limited" and invited Jim back on stage were the two played a great version of Woody Guthrie's "Do Re Mi." The two received a standing ovation from the sold out crowd.
More images from the event: http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/For-The-Love-of-the-Music
For the Love of the Music-The Club 47 Folk Revival
White River Independent Film Festival
Special Guests: Jim Rooney and Tom Rush
Tupelo Music Hall
White River Junction, VT April 28, 2014
Copyright ©2014 Nancy Nutile-McMenemy
www.photosbynanci.com
More Tom Rush images: http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/Tom-Rush/Pentangle/
More Jim Rooney images: http://photosbynanci.smugmug.com/LyleLovett/And-John-Hiatt/Lyle-and-John-2014/Flynn-Burlington-VT/