Wattstax
First screened in May 2013
Director: Mel Stuart. Documentary record of Stax Records-sponsored public concert in the Watts area of Los Angeles, years after the infamous riots. Performers include Kim Weston, the Staple Singers, Jimmy Jones, the Rance Allen Group, the Emotions, the Bar-Kays, Albert King, Little Milton, Johnnie Taylor, Mel and Tim, Luther Ingram, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, and Isaac Hayes. Twitter Capsule:
The funked-out papa of Dave Chappelle's Block Party. A fun bash and bouncy time capsule with subtle vibrations of unease
VOR:④
Compelling as concert documentary and as semi-direct social history, two projects that are tougher than they seem. Less epic but better contextualized than Woodstock.
