A quarter of a century ago this November, the Berlin Wall came tumbling down.
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| Photo via Wikipedia |
On Thursday, Oct 2, The Palace Danbury will host the Connecticut premiere of the documentary film “Rockin' The Wall,” the compelling story of rock n’ roll's part in bringing down the Berlin Wall and smashing the Iron Curtain.
When the Berlin Wall went up in 1961, it became the worldwide symbol of communist oppression. While the Wall kept people in, it could not keep Western influences like rock n’ roll out. Through Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, rock music penetrated the Iron Curtain with messages of freedom and rebellion.
Rockin’ The Wall features the personal stories, remembrances, and music of rockers who played at the time on both sides of the wall. Among the musicians featured are Robby Krieger (The Doors), Mark Stein and Vince Martell (Vanilla Fudge), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot), David Paich (Toto), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets), and the group Mother’s Finest who played in East Berlin just weeks before the wall fell.
The artists reflect on rock n’ roll's unique position as a force for social change and relate the way in which rock provided a common language of subversion and solidarity for those trapped behind the Wall.
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| Lead singer of Vanilla Fudge, Mark Stein |
The film is part of The Palace Danbury’s new Meet the Filmmaker Series. Director Larry Schweikart will introduce his film and host a post-screening Q&A session moderated by Karen Saunders, Professor of Film and Television Production at Western Connecticut State University. Vince Martell, Vanilla Fudge lead guitarist and proud US Navy Veteran—just back from Vanilla Fudge’s worldwide tour—will perform live a rare acoustic set of ‘60s music with special guest, Denver recording artist, Peg Pearl.
Prior to the film, a complementary reception will be held in the theater’s lobby.
Rockin’ The Wall will be shown at The Palace Danbury on Thursday, October 2 at 8pm. Tickets cost $20 and include a complementary reception starting at 7pm. You can get your tickets online at www.thepalacedanbury.com, by phone at 203-794-9944, or at the box office starting at 6:30pm the evening of the screening.
Free parking is readily available behind the theatre. For more information about all upcoming events at the theatre, please visit their website at www.thepalacedanbury.comLabels: danbury, downtown, movie