Festival Express

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Festival Express ★★★★ 2003 (R)

In 1970, rock promoters Ken Walker and Thor Eaton orchestrated a lollapalooza featuring Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, the Band, the Flying Burrito Bros., Delany & Bonnie, Ian & Sylvia, Buddy Guy and Sha Na Na. For five days the musicians traveled by private train across Canada, playing concerts, socializing, trading riffs, and partying. A film crew recorded the event, but in the chaos following the tour the footage was lost for decades, only to later be restored by the producer's son. The electrifying sequences of Janis Joplin capture her at the height of a self-consuming talent months prior to her death. A mustsee for fans of the bands, the era, and its music. 90m/C DVD . CAD: Bob Smeaton; C: Bob Fiore, Peter Biziou.