Indie Memphis 2009

Wiping dust from a wonderful stack of forgotten vinyl, director Jennifer Maas offers a thoughtful, celebratory trip into the largely undocumented soul scene of the 1960s Pacific Northwest. Imagine Memphis's Stax Records without innovative marketing savvy or geographic blessing. Doing so will only increase your empathy for Robbie Hill, Patrinell Staten and other artists who decades after their zenith remain largely unheralded behind and beyond Seattle's misty veil. A must for locals who grouse that our city's own subterranean scene has yet to gain deserved acclaim, Wheedle's Groove resists becoming a sentimental pastiche of bittersweet Old School reminisces by deftly illustrating how music shapes community, breaks barriers and forges new paths. Turns out Seattle's gray-sky grunge owes a debt to musicians such as native Kenny Gorelick -- yes, Kenny G.-- who wailed soul sax in his hometown's mostly black Central District years before becoming the coy prince of marshmallow jazz. Kenny G., a funkified brother-from- another-mother and Seattle soul scenester... who knew! Herein lies absolution for him, and overdue recognition for many others.
~John Hubbell

Jennifer Maas is scheduled to attend.

** Tickets are $8 each / $6 for Indie Memphis members. Members and Silver & Gold passholders should log in to the member/passholder box office redeem benefits, pull tickets or purchase at the member discount. Not already an Indie Memphis member? Join today!