PUTNEY, VT — The next installment in the ongoing film series curated by local filmmaker Alan Dater brings audiences deep into the heart of country music history. The Nashville Sound, a rarely screened concert film captured at the height of the genre’s golden era, will be shown on Saturday, May 23 at Next Stage Arts.
Filmed in 1969 at the legendary Ryman Auditorium during the Grand Ole Opry birthday celebration, the film offers an intimate look at performances from some of country music’s most iconic figures, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn. With its unfiltered, onstage perspective, the film captures the energy and authenticity of a live Opry performance at a pivotal moment in American music.
Released in 1972 and directed by Robert Elfstrom and David Hoffman, The Nashville Sound also holds local significance. Early in his career, Dater worked on the film as its sound recordist, contributing to the immersive quality that brings viewers directly into the performance space. The film not only showcases musical legends but also includes glimpses of Nashville itself, offering a broader portrait of the city’s cultural roots.
Dater will be in attendance at the screening to introduce the film and participate in a post-screening discussion, offering insights into the filmmaking process and the historical context of the work.
The event will take place at Next Stage Arts (15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT). Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with the film beginning at 7:00 p.m. Admission is a suggested $10 general admission, and all ages are welcome.
This screening is part of an ongoing series highlighting notable works connected to Dater’s long career in documentary filmmaking, bringing both regional and national stories to local audiences.
