The documentary “Summer of Soul,” chronicling the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, is now in theaters and on Hulu. (Photo: Searchlight Pictures)
“Summer of Soul” Documentary - Now Playing in Theaters and on Hulu
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson makes his directorial debut with the music documentary, “Summer of Soul (Or When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised).” During the summer of 1969, while Woodstock, the mother of all rock concerts was underway, the Harlem Cultural Festival was also happening, and being filmed, in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was never seen and largely forgotten until now. The feature includes never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips and The 5th Dimension — to name a few. “Summer of Soul” won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Thompson is also an avid music collector, DJ and member of The Roots, as well as leader of the house band on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
The Cain Park Arts Festival takes place July 9-11. (Photo: cainpark.com)
Cain Park Arts Festival returns, and it's FREE!- July 9-11
After going virtual last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cain Park Arts Festival returns this year Friday, July 9-Sunday, July 11. This year’s festival features more than 70 artists. Musical entertainment will be provided by Charlie Mosbrook, Da Land Brass Band, Blue Lunch, The Alex Bevan Band and more. Hours are Friday 3-8PM; Saturday 10AM-8PM; and Sunday Noon-5PM. Free admission. No pets, bicycles, rollerblades or skateboards allowed.
The EEJ Firelands Trio returns to the BOP STOP Sunday, July 11 at 7PM. (Photo: The Music Settlement)
EEJ Firelands Trio featuring Michele Edwards, Bobby Selvaggio at BOP STOP – July 11
EEJ Firelands Trio returns to the BOP STOP Sunday, July 11 from 7PM-8:30PM for a live performance including special guest vocalist Michele Edwards and saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio. A limited number of tables are available ($60) for those music lovers wanting to attend in person; one table seats four guests. The show will also be livestreamed on the BOP STOP Facebook page. Accessing the stream is free but donations encouraged.
The eight-part CNN original series, “History of the Sitcom”, starts Sunday, July 11 at 9PM ET. Shows, clockwise from top left: I Love Lucy, The Bob Newhart Show, Good Times, Family Ties, and M.A.S.H. (Photo: CNN)
CNN Presents ‘History of the Sitcom’ – July 11 at 9PM
The first two episodes of a new CNN Original Series, “History of the Sitcom,” will premiere Sunday, July 11 at 9PM ET. This eight-part docuseries contains more than 180 original interviews with sitcom icons including Norman Lear, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Lisa Kudrow, Jason Alexander, Kelsey Grammer, Kim Fields, Jimmie Walker, Judd Apatow, Dan Levy and Mara Brock Akil, breaking down how sitcoms have helped generations of Americans navigate an ever-shifting cultural landscape. The series kicks off with “A Family Matter,” examining how sitcoms have evolved to reflect the changing face of American families. Episode 2, airing at 10pm ET/PT is titled “Sex & The Sitcom” and explores the revolution of sex in sitcoms, including the integration of LGBTQ+ storylines. The remaining installments will air at 9PM Sunday nights.
The PBS Short Film Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and will stream 25 films from July 12-23. (Photo: PBS)
PBS Short Film Festival – Streams July 12-23
The PBS Short Film Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with 25 new films, streaming from July 12-23. This year’s theme is “A Decade of Being Seen”. Starting at midnight on Monday, July 12, audiences can watch and share all 25 films. In addition, a panel of nine jury members will select their favorite film of the festival for the Juried Prize.
This year’s film lineup has been selected from, and provided by, 15 public media partners and PBS member stations. Browse the website and read the Behind the Lens Blog, where filmmakers share stories on what inspired their projects.
Comedian/actor DeRay Davis rolls through the Cleveland Improv July 15-18. (Photo: Cleveland Improv)
DeRay Davis at Cleveland Improv – July 15-18
Actor/comedian/producer DeRay Davis makes his way to the Cleveland Improv in the Flats for eight shows Thursday, July 15 – Sunday, July 18. Tickets are $42 and $52. On the small screen, Davis has a recurring role as “Peaches” on the FX drama, “Snowfall,” which was recently renewed for a fifth season.
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