NEWS
We are deeply saddened to share the loss of two artists who were featured in Les Blank’s films.
Legendary “conjunto” musician Flaco Jimenez was featured in Chulas Fronteras. He died on July 31, 2025 at the age of 86 (Rolling Stone obituary.)
Gerry “Maestro” Gaxiolia, the subject of two films. The Maestro: King of the Cowboy Artists, by Les Blank, with Maureen Gosling and Christine Simon. Followed by The Maestro Rides Again by Les Blank with Gina Leibrecht. The Maestro died on August 15, 2025.
May the music and art they created continue to bring joy and nourishment to all of us.
UPCOMING SCREENINGS
AUGUST 22-28, 2025
Sag Harbor, NY
Sag Harbor Cinema
The sale has succeeded!
Together, our vision is to make 10341 San Pablo Avenue a gathering place for music, film, and roots culture. Inspired by the work of our founders Chris Strachwitz and Les Blank, who spent their lives documenting and sharing culture, we see the building as a living museum, event space, and music store. It will be a place where our community can come together for film screenings, performances, exhibitions, and classes. More news as things move forward.
THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN, AND SUPPORTING US!
Sincerely, Harrod, Emily, Adam, Clark, Maggie, JC, John P., John M., and Lyuba.
Recent Restorations
Led by Les Blank’s eldest son, Harrod Blank, the following team has restored fourteen films since Les passed away in 2013. Many of these restored films have been distributed theatrically by Argot Pictures (Jim Browne) and the Criterion Channel.
Harrod Blank – Producer
Anthony Matt – Restoration
Nick Bergh – Audio Restoration
Paul Cope – Color Correction
David Silberberg – Digital Media & Archival
Films by Les Blank
- A Poem Is A Naked Person
- Burden of Dreams
- Chulas Fronteras
- Del Mero Corazon
- Dizzy Gillespie
- J’ai Ete Au Bal / I Went to the Dance
- Julie: Old Time Tales Of The Blue Ridge
- Motorcycle Moment
- Thailand Moment
- Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe
Films by Harrod Blank
Films by David Silberberg
Support The Restoration Work On Burden of Dreams
Wear A Tee Shirt!
In celebration of the restoration of Les Blank’s remarkable film, Burden of Dreams, we have reprinted the tee shirt designed by Tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy! Available in black or navy blue, (with red and silver ink) the two-sided shirt supports the restoration of the film.
Les Blank always delved deeply into the soul of whatever he focused on
In his films, Les gives us intimate portraits of American Bluesmen such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mance Lipscomb, he takes us to exuberant parties with Cajun music and food, we march along with Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, we dance with polka culture the Midwest, we listen to sweet fiddle music in Appalachia, and we learn about film making itself.
Les Blank has captured on film, the people, regions, foods, musical styles, dances, costumes and wonderful spirits that make America the unique cultural patchwork quilt that it is.
Read about Les Blank’s early experiences and training on the biographical page.
Thank you,
