Truth & Lies Music and Beam Editions are pleased to present: 'Music & Social #1' - Billy Bang 'Lucky Man' documentary screening, DJ set, drinks & food.
Sat 16th April, 6.30-10pm
Film starts 7.30pm (runtime 88min).
Book here (very limited spaces) - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/300593171267
Billy Bang ‘Lucky Man’ (Dir: Markus Hansen & Jean-Marie Boulet 2021)
A rare opportunity to see the documentary film of American jazz violinist Billy Bang, who returned to Vietnam to face the battlefields of his past, this time with a violin in-hand instead of a rifle.
Bang was conscripted by the US military in 1967 and served as a 'tunnel rat' on the front line. Traumatised and relying on drugs and alcohol to ease his tortured mind, Bang, like many Black veterans, found himself facing both racism and anti-GI hostility back home. Confused and unsurprisingly angry, he found himself involved with radical politics becoming an arms expert and buyer for underground political groups. One day, while trying to source guns from a pawn shop, he found himself buying a violin instead; the instrument of his youth. The instrument became a form of therapy for Bang and he later became heavily involved with the revolutionary loft jazz scene of New York releasing dozens of experimental jazz albums that defined Bang as the most dynamic and exciting violinist of his generation.
The film follows his journey through the rich musical traditions of Vietnam as he collaborates with local musicians, discovers the culture he never got to experience, and tries to find some closure for the haunting trauma that still lingers within.
The screening will be followed by a DJ set from Justin Turford (a.k.a Ex-Friendly) and Joff who will be playing Jazz from the late 60s and 70s, a time synonymous with revolution and activism.
With natural wines from Wright’s Wines and food from Ambigu Bakery Ltd & local beer from Cat Asylum Brewery.
Everyone welcome!
Film: £7
Film + Food: £17
Event format
- Food and bar from 6.30pm
- Screening at 7.30pm, runtime 88min
- Drinks and DJ set to follow