Illuminating the mythical origins of the visionary, cosmic jazz artist Sun Ra, this portrait of an industrial city in the segregated South is loving, political and magical. 

On May 22, 1914, Herman Poole Blount arrived on Earth in Birmingham, Alabama. Some years later, he transformed into Sun Ra, one of the most extraordinary and prolific jazz musicians of his century, as well as the bearer of a visionary cosmic philosophy.

Birmingham ('The Magic City') was an industrial place in the deeply segregated South. It was there that Sun Ra laid the foundations of his mystical thinking and forged his music, shaped by the signs he saw across the city.

He left Birmingham for Chicago at the age of 32, not returning until much later in his life. This documentary shines a light on the both the city and the artist. The tale of Sun Ra’s early years in an urban universe that was political and magical, common and fantastic, disturbing and fascinating.

First Tuesdays in association with Paul Whieldon (DJ 525) who will introduce the film. First Tuesdays are when we screen a music documentary in collaboration with a local business, musician or artist, keeping the bar open and the drinks flowing.