• By Jonathan Furr
• Posted Monday, June 6, 2022

African American Music Appreciation Month Film Series

In celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month, the Central Library is hosting a film series featuring titles that highlight African American musicians. The films will be screened on Thursdays through June 2022, beginning Thursday, June 9. The film series will include: "Get on Up," "Purple Rain," "Straight Outta Compton," and the Oscar-winning documentary "20 Feet from Stardom." All screenings will take place in the Central Library Auditorium and are free and open to the public.

"Get on Up"
June 9 at 2 p.m.
A chronicle of James Brown's rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Jill Scott, Aunjanue Ellis, and Craig Robinson.
For more information about this film click here.

"Purple Rain"
June 16 at 2 p.m.
A young musician, tormented by an abusive situation at home, must contend with a rival singer, a burgeoning romance, and his own dissatisfied band, as his star begins to rise. Starring Prince, Apollonia Kotero, and Morris Day.
For more information about this film click here.

"Straight Outta Compton"
June 23 at 2 p.m.
The rap group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood. Starring O'Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr., Paul Giamatti, Aldis Hodge, Carra Patterson, Alexandra Shipp, and LaKeith Stanfield.
For more information about this film click here.

"20 Feet from Stardom"
June 30 at 5 p.m.
Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in popular music, but we've had no idea who these singers are or what lives they lead, until now. Featuring Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Botti, and Sheryl Crow.
For more information about this film click here.