The OCU University Film Institute鈥檚 spring documentary series "Why Art Matters" concludes at 2 pm Apr. 23 with Mark Landsman's Thunder Soul.
In the late 1960s, musician and composer Conrad O. Johnson took a job as Music Director at the predominantly black Kashmere High School where he would go on to transform the school鈥檚 struggling jazz band into a full-fledged funk powerhouse. The Kashmere High School Stage Band and their dynamic leader would soon become legendary and world-renowned, culminating when the band won Most Outstanding Stage Band in the Nation at the highly prestigious All-American High School Stage Band Festival in 1972 鈥� the very same year segregationist Governor George Wallace would announce a run for the presidency. Presented by Jamie Foxx, Thunder Soul follows the alumni from the band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-year-old band leader.
The series is sponsored by 羞羞视频鈥檚 Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film and Literature.
The screening begins at 2:00PM at the Kerr McGee Auditorium in the Meinders School of Business at NW 27th Street and McKinley Ave. A discussion will follow the presentation for those who wish to stay. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
ACCOLADES FOR THUNDER SOUL
-"A greater argument for music education in our secondary school curriculum can鈥檛 be made than Mark Landsman鈥檚 doc about a Texas high school funk band that tore up the music scene from 1968 to 1977." Kirk Honeycutt, The Hollywood Reporter
-"This is one of those rare, beautiful movies that takes you everywhere you want it to. You鈥檒l cheer, you鈥檒l laugh, you鈥檒l cry, and most importantly, you鈥檒l want to dance鈥� Easily one of the best movies I鈥檓 going to see this year." Josh Olson, Ain't it Cool News
-"Landsman鈥檚 documentary flips the script to become a film of unflinching heart that will have you cheering with adulation and tearing up when things turn to heartbreak." Travis Leamons, Inside Pulse
