Sounds of Summer: July 10–Aug. 31, 2023

From the Purple One to a folk music legend, this year’s Sounds of Summer will bring in a variety of musical styles, all under one roof at the Jacob Burns Film Center. Starting the party with Prince’s 1987 concert film SIGN ‘O’ THE TIMES as well as his earlier movies PURPLE RAIN and UNDER THE CHERRY MOON, the series will go on to explore the work of musicians and singers like Carole King, David Crosby, Selena, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and more. We’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with the iconic documentary RHYME & REASON, explore innovations by women in electronic music in SISTERS WITH TRANSISTORS, transport ourselves back to the heyday of doo-wop with HEART & SOUL, commemorate Tito Puente’s centennial with his appearance in THE MAMBO KINGS, and then toast the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with JAZZ FEST: A NEW ORLEANS STORY. Finally, we’ll close out the series with a triple screening featuring Bob Dylan as an actor in PAT GARRETT & BILLY THE KID, a performer in a series of rare shorts, and the subject of Todd Haynes’ I'M NOT THERE.

This year, we’re trying something new with Sounds of Summer. Our cinematic mixtape will expand beyond strictly concert films and documentaries to include a few dramatic movies with music at the center. This way, we can pay tribute to artists like Ryuichi Sakamoto, Celia Cruz, David Bowie, and Selena, as well as highlight performances from Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Julie London in THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT. Plus, there will be several special introductions, one-night-only events, and even a class that will take your music and movie appreciation to the next level.