Film Showing: "Buena Vista Social Club" (G)

Suggested Donation $5.00

"Aging Cuban musicians whose talents had been virtually forgotten following Castro's takeover of Cuba, are brought out of retirement by Ry Cooder, who traveled to Havana in order to bring the musicians together, resulting in triumphant performances of extraordinary music, and resurrecting the musicians' careers". (IMDb)

The Buena Vista Social Club, originally a members' club in Havana, Cuba, held dances and musical activities, becoming a popular location for musicians to meet and play through its closing in 1940's.

In the 1990s, nearly 50 years after the club was closed, it inspired a recording made by Cuban musician Juan de Marcos González and American guitarist Ry Cooder with traditional Cuban musicians, some of whom were veterans who had performed at the club during the height of its popularity.

In 1999 "Buena Vista Social Club", directed by German filmmaker Wim Wenders, made its debut.  This important film documents elements of Cuban life, culture, and its music. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature in 1999. It won best documentary at the European Film Awards and received seventeen other major accolades internationally. A segment of their historic performance by these classic musicians at Carnegie Hall in April 1998 is captured in the film.

There is a rich history surrounding the Club, the musicians, the film, and what has come to be an unofficial branding of the unique sound of Cuba.

Thisfilm is a part of The Packing House Film Series hosted by the Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance (EC-CHAP), a 501.3.c non-profit membership-based cultural organization. To learn more and how you can become a member, visit www.ec-chap.org.

Cabaret and group seating. Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Soft drinks and snacks available. "BYOB&F" - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required).

 Call 518-791-9474 for information and table reservations.