The “Legends of Ska” documentary explores the origins of Jamaican music. Using original footage and recent interviews, the film features clips from a 2002 concert in Toronto that boasted an all-star crew of pioneering ska musicians Singers like Prince Buster, Derrick Morgan, Stranger Cole, Patsy Todd, Justin Hinds, Alton Ellis, Doreen Schaffer, and Lord Tanamo. These stars were backed by a band composed of original Skatalites members and more. Director Brad Klein began a kickstarter campaign in 2011 and finished earlier this year.
The film has already earned quite a few awards and is currently on tour. Screenings come to the Boston area this August. See it at the Somerville Theatre on Tuesday, August 4 and at the Brattle in Cambridge on Wednesday, August 5. The Brattle screening has teased that the director and “special guests” will be in attendance.
Judging from the trailer, this should prove to be a must see film for any ska enthusiast.
(h/t Dan Vitale)