Friday was an outstanding day for Huntsville. First a terrific Master Class with John Sayles and Maggie Renzi, then the screening of this gem of a film, then an awesome after-party with phenomenal music from the Huntsville Honeydripper Blues Band: Our own treasured Microwave Dave and the Nukes, wonderful pianist Henderson Huggins, and the great Eddie Shaw. A special treat was the extraordinary jam with Reggie Smith, an A & M student with a stunning talent on the sax. A special grace was the gospel singing by Tommy Lockhart. As Derek Thornton, a Huntsville film producer, wrote to me the morning after, Huntsville was so privileged to have had John and Maggie here, and it was an evening he will “treasure.” I hope that, like Derek, those of you were a part of this event will get the word out so that Honeydripper has a great run here. Also, please think about buying seats or even an entire theater for groups who should see Honeydripper. There are directions on this website about how to do just that! There is also a study guide for teachers, and in the next couple of days we will post a discussion guide written by a Huntsville’s own Reverend Frank Broyles, for those who wish to form groups to focus on the social and spiritual aspects of the film, and especially those who work to promote racial harmony in our communities. Maggie and John loved their trip to Huntsville and were invigorated by our response to their superb work. Thank you, everyone, and let’s keep energized for Honeydripper!

Leave a Reply