Festival

Filmmaker Murray Lerner (1927-2017) documented hours of music performances at key music festivals in the 1960s and ‘70s, including the Newport Music Festival from 1963 to '66, which yielded one standalone documentary about Bob Dylan's performances, and 1967's Festival, which offers a general look at the culture and folk music scene of this venerable institution. The roster of artists seen playing here either in snippets or complete performances is beyond impressive, mixing old and new worlds, folkie protest songs and raw blues. Lerner knew who the folk superstars were at the time and he showers them with the most attention: Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Dylan. But there are also generous helpings of Donovan, Judy Collins, Son House, Odetta, Mimi and Richard Fariña, Johnny Cash, Howlin' Wolf, and many more. At least half the film is dedicated to the young people in the crowd, and their discussions about the dynamics and power of music in a conflict-laden era serves up a rich reminder of what America was like at the time. Presented in a remastered edition from Criterion, extras include new retrospective featurettes, bonus performances, and a booklet featuring an essay by Amanda Petrusich and artist biographies. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)