Some people are really passionate about preserving history. Take Davin Michael Stedman for instance.
His recent mission has been to raise awareness of the Historic Everett Theatre, which turned 111 years old this year.
Stedman calls the theater a pearl. He’s helping to raise money for the theater as well with an eclectic, all-ages film festival planned for Thursday at the theater.
“And we are quite literally trying to save the theater,” Stedman said.
He said the theater is $3,000 in arrears on its city improvement tax. If the theater doesn’t come up with that money, there is a possibility the building could go up for auction, Stedman said.
“But if we bring in a nice crowd we can raise that in one night with this event,” Stedman said.
The Soul United Film Fest will present film shorts and music videos by a diverse group of artists such as local and regional favorites The Moondoggies, The True Spokes, Domenic Barbero, Omega Moo, Brian Southerland and Medium Troy, according to a press release.
In addition to films and videos, guests will be treated to the talents of organist Sharon Stearnes, who will accompany films by Buster Keaton and The Staxx Brothers on the theater’s vintage pipe organ, which was originally used to accompany silent films.
The Staxx Brothers, the festival founders, will perform after the event to try and boost concessions and give theatergoers the rare opportunity to dance at a film fest.
The Staxx Brothers will be screening “Sugarwalls,” a music video shot entirely on Super 8 film on location at The Historic Everett Theatre last January. The video is set in 1929, according to a press release.
Stedman believes that preserving local landmarks and culture falls on each individual. He said that by supporting this event, “we all can be in our own unique and humble way, patrons of the arts.”
“We believe that the Everett Theater Society is doing an incredible job making the Historic Everett Theater accessible to local theater productions, musicians, filmmakers, and fans of great film,” Stedman said. “The Historic continually offers quality entertainment and opportunity to citizens of Everett. Experiencing this kindness first hand, we are thrilled to present our Soul United Film Fest as a benefit for the Historic Everett Theater.”
The Soul United Film Fest was founded last spring as a quarterly event designed to fill a gap in the music scene and the local film industry.
Film festival
Soul United Film Fest; 7 p.m. Thursday at Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. Featuring live performances by The Staxx Brothers and organist Sharon Stearnes. Music videos and short films by The Moondoggies, Buster Keaton, Domenic Barbero, The True Spokes, Medium Troy and Hard Money Saints. Featuring trailers for “The Historic,” “Grassroots” and “Rat Rod Rockers” with a special appearance by After Midnight Cabaret.
Tickets are $6 or $5 with a canned food donation. The event is all ages, though some content is considered PG-13. Parental discretion is advised.
For more information go to www.soulunitedfilmfest.com.
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