Love, Peace and Soul

Those of us growing up in the Chicago area have fond memories of the Saturday TV dance program, Soul Train.  It's creator, Don Cornelius, died today.

NPR reporter Sami Yenigun remembers Cornelius and reminds us how influential this series was in many of our lives.  Listen to his tribute here and find links to more NPR coverage.

The Urbana Free Library owns the complete DVD set The Best of Soul Train. Check it out and dance along with Don , the kids, and the many guests who were showcased every week. Can't wait for your turn? Here's a taste of the fun.



 Peace, Love, and Soul!

The Socalled Movie

Socalled, Regina Folk Festival, by Cee-Bee

If you've seen his visually fascinating You Are Never Alone music video, you may be interested in the new DVD we have about the Canadian Jewish artist/musician Socalled. If you haven't seen this music video, see it now:



Place your requests now! Librarians are standing by.
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Roky Erickson in person

Brian R., whose DVD recommendation for the month is the Roky Erickson bio-documentary You're Gonna Miss Me, notes that Erickson will be in Chambana come September.  "Roky Erickson is gonna be playing at the Pygmalion Music Festival backed by Austin natives Okkervil River," he shouted to me on the platform as his train pulled out of the station.  "Kinda cool," I heard over an automated warning not to leave my bags unattended at the Illinois Terminal.  I hope he comes back to recommend something for July.

Keep an eye on the Pygmalion site for news about dates and tickets--or if you read Smile Politely, you'll likely catch any news there, thanks to SP's coverage of local music, as well as having an editor who happens to be the "founder and curator" of Pygmalion.

Peace through music: Playing for Change

If you saw any films at Ebertfest this year, you may have also been treated to a secret short from Peace through Music: Playing for Change.  Filmmakers traveled the world, recording artists performing the same song, and edited the sound and video clips together to produce unique music videos.  The performers also gather on stage to perform together in other parts of the film.

Stand by Me was the first of the clips shown at Ebertfest, and it's amazing.