First Arizona Bluegrass Film Festival to be Held in Chandler!

The festival will be held in Chandler, AZ at the American Legion Post 35 located at 2240 W. Chandler Blvd. The event is FREE so come on out and enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family. Doors open at 5PM.

Two films have been selected for this first festival and both of the film’s producers will be on hand for Q&A after the show.

“Making History with Pioneers of Bluegrass: Tales of the Early Days in Their Own Words” hosted by James Reams is a true labor of love that preserves stories from over 40 early bluegrass musicians who helped pave the way for so many modern day performers of Americana music.

This full-length documentary is a tribute to those hardworking, dedicated, and selfless pioneers of bluegrass music. Everyone who truly loves this music should want to hear the stories from not just the big names in our business but from the likes of Bill Yates, Art Stamper, Melvin Goins, and Kenny Baker — words now preserved in this documentary, honoring their legacy. “Making History with Pioneers of Bluegrass” proves that their lives are no less important to the beginnings of bluegrass. Viewers will be treated to tales from the heart and encouraging words, captured by a fan and fellow musician.

“Herschel Sizemore: Mandolin in B — A Tribute to a Bluegrass Legend” hosted by Rick Bowman will also be presented.

Bluegrass legend Herschel Sizemore and his wife Joyce were both diagnosed with cancer on the same day in the Fall of 2011. On the evening of February 19th, 2012 bluegrass stars came out for a special benefit concert in Roanoke, Virginia and the music community that supported the event captures the spirit of the man being feted. With interviews and performances by The Seldom Scene, David Grisman, Doyle Lawson, The Travelers, Chris Thile, and a special reunion of Del McCoury and The Dixie Pals. This is a lasting tribute to one of the greatest mandolin players of our time.

The FREE event is set for Saturday, August 2, 2014, 5:00 to 9 PM, as part of the R&R Production’s mission to promote bluegrass in the Phoenix area. The films featured are independent films that were released in 2013. The event will be hosted by the Arizona Bluegrass Association’s Ned Robbins. For more information, contact Ned at ned@arizonabluegrass.com or call 718-374-1086. Refreshments will be provided and an “after party” will be held nearby.

DVDs will be available for purchase at the event or you can purchase your copy in advance by going to CDBaby or Amazon. For more information about James Reams & The Barnstormers (including music clips or photos), visit www.jamesreams.com. For more information about Rick Bowman and Backyard Green Films visit www.backyardgreenfilms.com.