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IMDbPro

Blues on Beale

  • 2020
  • 1h 20m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
16
YOUR RATING
Blues on Beale (2020)
Offiicial Trailer
Play trailer1:49
1 Video
1 Photo
DocumentaryMusic

'Blues on Beale', filmed entirely in the Blues clubs on famed Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, captures the people, the soul, and music of the 36th International Blues Challenge, an annua... Read all'Blues on Beale', filmed entirely in the Blues clubs on famed Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, captures the people, the soul, and music of the 36th International Blues Challenge, an annual event organized and staged by The Blues Foundation. Starting in the early fall of 2019, ... Read all'Blues on Beale', filmed entirely in the Blues clubs on famed Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, captures the people, the soul, and music of the 36th International Blues Challenge, an annual event organized and staged by The Blues Foundation. Starting in the early fall of 2019, Blues Societies from across the globe held local competitions for Blues bands and solo/duo... Read all

  • Director
    • Larry Lancit
  • Writer
    • Cecily Truett
  • Stars
    • Sandra Bouza
    • Justina Lee Brown
    • Nikki Brown
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    16
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Larry Lancit
    • Writer
      • Cecily Truett
    • Stars
      • Sandra Bouza
      • Justina Lee Brown
      • Nikki Brown
    • 3User reviews
    • 2Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Blues on Beale
    Trailer 1:49
    Blues on Beale

    Photos

    Top cast15

    Edit
    Sandra Bouza
    • Competitor
    Justina Lee Brown
    • Competitor
    Nikki Brown
    • Competitor
    Castro Coleman
    • Music Celebrity
    Shemekia Copeland
    Shemekia Copeland
    • Self
    Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys
    • Competitor
    Akeem Kemp
    • Competitor
    Janiva Magness
    • Music Celebrity
    Aaron Pollock
    • Competitor
    Jamell Richardson
    • Competitor
    Bobby Rush
    • Self
    Shakira S'Aida
    • Music Celebrity
    Felix Slim
    • Competitor
    Memphissippi Sounds
    • Competitor
    Bluzy Threesome
    • Competitor
    • Director
      • Larry Lancit
    • Writer
      • Cecily Truett
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews3

    7.116
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    Featured reviews

    8rannynm

    Provides A Rich Insight On The Blues And Its Place In American History

    If you love the blues genre of music, Blues on Beale is the perfect documentary for you! If it is not your favorite style of music, or you don't know much about it, this film written by Cecily Lancit and directed by Larry Lancit (also producers) provides a rich insight on this art form and its place in American history. As a music lover, I found this exceptional work beyond entertaining.

    Some background: The International Blues Competition on its 36th edition was one of the last events that took place before the lockdown in January, 2020. Over two hundred acts (bands, solo or duo) from around the world got together at the iconic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee to compete in a challenge organized by The Blues Foundation. Only 16 acts make it to the final and 5 are awarded winners. This documentary covers this competition and intertwines live performances and interviews with the musicians, judges and music experts. The montage brings the audience back to the origins of blues with footage and photos from legends like BB King and Elvis Presley and others that gave birth to this touching music. Stories about those blues pioneers contrast with contemporary artists like Bobby Rush and Shemekia Copeland, making Blues on Beale educational as well as fun to watch.

    I am impressed by the talent and the different ethnicities and performers from countries like Croatia and Australia that share the love for blues, despite the fact that it is a secular folk music created by African-Americans early in the 20th century in the South of the United States of America. The producers excel at getting these artists to share their stories. You learn how blues is perhaps the music genre that better connects with the human condition and how it transcends boundaries. Despite the connotation of the word "blues." this music is uplifting and meaningful. Blues also connects with the audience by telling a story whether is about slavery and oppression, longing for a better job or love.

    The editing flows nicely and surprisingly-there's a good element of surprise. It just feels that the narrative is sometimes redundant and lacks a deeper insight on the venues and idiosyncrasy of the city. Memphis is the perfect location, but feels a bit abandoned in the storytelling. My favorite part is the energy in how they present the information and ignite a spark in the audience. You'll appreciate the true craftsmanship in the performers and how they don't follow a trend nor are they part of a marketing campaign.

    The message of the film is that music is powerful and transcends gender, race and nationality; it unites people and goes beyond the competitive spirit.

    I give Blues on Beale 4 out of 5 stars and recommend for kids 10 to 18, plus adults. Blues on Beale is available now on VOD.

    By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST!
    10denklein-1

    As Bluesy as it Gets

    Blues on Beale is thrilling and heartbreaking. The artists showcased are so worthy and their backstories remarkable. The producers have done a great job capturing their energy and their artistry. Appropriately enough for a Blues competition, this story doesn't have a Hollywood happy ending. I came away feeling that the artists that ended up winning were chosen for all the wrong reasons. But I guess if the Blues teaches us anything it's how to face the unfairness of life with a strong voice and a knowing smile. The honesty, integrity and grit of the featured musicians taught me a lot about what it takes to be a winner even when you lose, and just as much about what it takes to be a great Blues artist in the 21st century.

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    Details

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    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Program info and trailer
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Memphis, Tennessee, USA
    • Production company
      • Lancit Digital Media
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $500,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 20 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 16:9 HD

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