Don’t miss a chance to see him; you are unlikely to hear anything – or anyone better in the field that Mann has chosen to master.” - The Times

'American Roots and Beyond' show features a film screening of Woody Mann's award-winning feature documentary Harlem Street Singer, the story of the blind American blues guitarist/singer Reverend Gary Davis, plus a performance by Woody Mann after the screening.

Tue 12 June - 7:30pm - £12.00 - The Storey, Lancaster

Among guitarists and critics, Woody Mann is considered a modern master. While the blues are his touchstone, he seems to draw inspiration from every direction with ease and grace.

Mann has pursued a rich and diverse career; he has performed in orchestra pits of Broadway to stages worldwide, recorded extensively, and schooled countless guitarists through his many books and DVDs.

As a producer, writer and filmmaker he has co-produced the award-winning feature documentary Harlem Street Singer, produced the soundtrack CD Empire Root Band, and penned his latest book Just Play - a combination of history and stories of artists Woody has known and worked with, including his early mentors Reverend Gary Davis and jazz great Lennie Tristano.

Throughout his career, Woody has not forgotten those early lessons in the Rev. Davis’ living room or the jazz traditions that were his wellspring. He has become one of the world’s renowned guitar masters – bringing the past up to the present – with his own contemporary improvisational style.

Harlem Street Singer tells the story of Reverend Gary Davis, the great blues and gospel musician whose unique style and remarkable skills on the guitar inspired a generation of musicians. The film traces Davis’s journey out of poverty in the Deep South to his iconic status in the folk and rock scene in 1960s New York.

Interviews with celebrated folk and rock musicians who knew and studied with Davis, including Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott are combined with rare archival footage and photographs. The film includes recently discovered concert footage of Davis and Peter, Paul & Mary from the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Harlem Street Singer celebrates the beauty and spirituality of Reverend Davis’s music as well as the human qualities that made him a beloved teacher and minister.

This is the exciting story of an American musical icon who inspired a generation of musicians and whose legacy continues to live on in today’s music scene.

Buy tickets online or call 01524 582394