Music under the lends

Hollywood has been trying to pair music with film since 1927, when the first talkie – “The Jazz Singer - was released, and the 18th annual Sonoma International Film Festival is carrying on the tradition with some great music-themed movies as a part of the festival weekend. They also have a slew of local talent in the Backlot Tent between movies. (See the “Set List” for the Backlot schedule.)

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A Shot of Whisky – Little did they know when they built the strip clubs on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip that they would actually become the venues that would make famous a number of bands from the ‘60s and beyond. The Whisky, the Troubadour, the Viper Room – they all had a hand in showcasing the Doors, Metallica, Motley Crue, Van Halen and more. “A Shot of Whisky” tells the story of those clubs. Showing Saturday, March 28 at Burlingame Hall at 6 p.m.

Free to Rock – As American teenagers were wallowing in the new sound of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s and ‘60s, the teenagers behind the Iron Curtain in Europe had a different name for the genre. “The sound of freedom” is what they called it, when they actually had the chance to hear any western music. We all know how that music changed America. “Free to Rock” shows that it wasn’t just America that was changed through rock ‘n’ roll. Showing Sunday, March 29, at 10 a.m. at the Sonoma Community Center.

Legends of Ska – Without ska there would be no reggae, or so it is said. “Legends of Ska” explores the mythos and mystery involving the creation of the genre in Kingston, Jamaica, focusing on the years 1962 – 1966, and includes vintage concert footage from the time. Showing today, March 27, 6:30 p.m. at Burlingame Hall and Saturday, March 28, 8:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Womans Club.

The Winding Stream – This documentary focuses on the Carter Family and their contribution, tracing the family back to its roots all the way to A. P, Sara and Maybelle, and how the circle is unbroken still today. The connection with June and Johnny Cash is also part of the story and tells the story of how the family is striving to keep the music alive. Showing Saturday, March 28, 2:30 p.m. at Burlingame Hall.