Next Stage Arts invites the community to a powerful evening of music, history, and film with a special screening of Sing Sing Thanksgiving on Saturday, May 9 at 7:00 PM. This event is the second in a three-film series presented by acclaimed regional filmmaker Alan Dater.
Produced in 1973, Sing Sing Thanksgiving documents a remarkable live performance at New York’s Sing Sing Prison featuring legendary artists B.B. King, Joan Baez, and others. Filmed at a time when few such events were captured on camera, the concert stands as a moving testament to the power of music to transcend walls and connect people across divides. King himself later described the performance as one of the greatest of his career, while the New York Daily News called it one of the most extraordinary moments in live entertainment.
The film also has a strong local connection. Dater, early in his career, served as the film’s sound recordist. He will be present at Next Stage for this special screening, offering introductory remarks and participating in a post-film discussion. Audiences will have a rare opportunity to hear firsthand about the making of this historic documentary and its lasting impact.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes, the film captures not only unforgettable musical performances but also the emotional resonance of bringing art into a correctional facility. It remains a vivid snapshot of a unique cultural moment and a deeply human story.
The screening will take place at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney, VT. Doors open at 6:15 PM, and the event is open to all ages. Tickets are $10 general admission and are available at nextstagearts.org.
Don’t miss this chance to experience a legendary performance and engage in conversation with a filmmaker who helped bring it to life.
