Friday, July 2, 2010

Rare Willie Nelson documentary comes to Houston, 7.10.10

Aurora Picture Show presents an outdoor screening of the rarely-seen documentary "Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration" in partnership with Buffalo Bayou Partnership and the Houston Area Alamo Drafthouse Cinema locations Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m.. The 35 mm film screening will be held at a Buffalo Bayou Partnership property located across the street from Tony Marron Park, at 808 North York.

"Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration" flashes back to an open-air affair in College Station, Texas, in 1976. The documentary is available only on 35mm and was never commercially released.  It was shot over the course of three summer days and nights at Willie Nelson's 2nd annual 4th of July bash. Drunken performers, crazy antics and heartbreakingly good music meld to create an incandescent record of a moment in American musical history. Artists like Waylon Jennings, Wolfman Jack, Leon Russell, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and many more musicians appear as part of this Willie Nelson concert film.

Acoustic performance by Robert Ellis precedes the screening. Ellis is a local country and western singer songwriter. His critically acclaimed debut album The Great Re Arranger, garenred Ellis rave reviews throughout the country and a reputation for impeccable live performances.

Patrons are invited to bring picnics or purchase treats from H-Town StrEATS, Banquet Depot and Lonestar Novelty Ice Cream. Lawn chairs or picnic blankets also recommended.

Special thanks to Saint Arnold Brewery and 29-95.com.  Film print courtesy of American Genre Film Archives. Music curated by SugarHill Studios.

WHERE AND WHEN:
Saturday, July 10, 8PM
Robert Ellis Accoustic Performance 8 p.m.
Film Screening Begins at 8:40 p.m.
Location: Park at Tony Marron Park at 808 North York, Screening will be across the street.

TICKET INFO:
Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for Aurora members and Bayou Buddies.  For tickets and information, visit www.aurorapictureshow.org or call 713-868-2101.

About Aurora Picture Show:
Founded in 1998, Aurora Picture Show is a non-profit micro-cinema that presents artist-made, non-commercial film and video. We are dedicated to expanding the cinematic experience and promoting the understanding and appreciation of moving image art. Aurora's human scale promotes a meaningful and community-oriented exchange between artists and audiences, and strives to not only be a launching pad for emerging artists but to create not-to-be-missed events for Houston.

Aurora Picture Show is funded by its stellar membership, Houston Endowment, Inc, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Brown Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, The City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, the Nightingale Code Foundation, the Oshman Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts. Aurora Picture Show is a proud member of Fresh Arts Coalition www.fresharts.org.