The Highwoods Stringband have been revived in a brilliant new documentary film produced by Larry Edelman. Featuring narration from Paul Brown, extensive interviews and plenty of archival footage of the Highwoods in action, Dance All Night — The Highwoods Stringband Story gives a straightforward account of the band's history and their influence on the old-time scene then and now.
In addition to interviews with bandmembers Walt Koken, Bob Potts, Mac Benford, Jenny Cleland and Doug Dorchug, the film includes commentary from a number of other notable musicians, such as John Cohen, Richie Stearns, Sammy Lind and others. The film chronicles how the Highwoods got together, their extensive festival performances, their discography and diverts into amusing tales from the road, such as the time one member hitched a ride with the New Jersey State Highway Police after being left behind at a rest stop.
Produced by Piggysnout Productions and Mudthumper Music, the idea for the documentary actually began almost a decade ago by Horse Archer Productions, the company that produced two documentaries on old-time music in 2009, Why Old Time? and The Henry Reed Legacy. Five years ago, I wrote about the company's crowdfunding efforts to get their next project completed. At that time, the film was to be called Touched With Fire: The Highwoods Stringband Story.
I contributed enough to get a copy of the movie when it was completed and urged readers to do the same. Unfortunately, Horse Archer faced funding challenges and the film was delayed.
Walt Koken announced in 2016 that the Highwoods and Mudthumper Music were taking over the project. Two years later the film has finally seen the light of day. As one of the original patrons of the project, I got one of the first copies of the film. Additional copies were available for purchase at Mudthumper, but they quickly sold out.
I've read that there are some licensing issues that are making it a challenge to make additional copies available for purchase. The good news is that, while the producers are seeking permission for an additional run of DVDs for sale, they have made the documentary available for free on the Folkstreams website.
Dance All Night — The Highwoods Stringband Story is essential viewing for any self-respecting old-time music fan. At an hour and 18 minutes, it's a breeze to watch. Like listening to the Highwoods music, the experience of viewing this documentary will leave you wanting more.
Produced by Piggysnout Productions and Mudthumper Music, the idea for the documentary actually began almost a decade ago by Horse Archer Productions, the company that produced two documentaries on old-time music in 2009, Why Old Time? and The Henry Reed Legacy. Five years ago, I wrote about the company's crowdfunding efforts to get their next project completed. At that time, the film was to be called Touched With Fire: The Highwoods Stringband Story.
Walt Koken announced in 2016 that the Highwoods and Mudthumper Music were taking over the project. Two years later the film has finally seen the light of day. As one of the original patrons of the project, I got one of the first copies of the film. Additional copies were available for purchase at Mudthumper, but they quickly sold out.
I've read that there are some licensing issues that are making it a challenge to make additional copies available for purchase. The good news is that, while the producers are seeking permission for an additional run of DVDs for sale, they have made the documentary available for free on the Folkstreams website.
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