Three years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans remained part ghost town and part Third World country. Far from forgotten, however, was its music. In this moving documentary a group of well-known musicians use music as philosophy and a tool to save themselves and their abandoned, crumbling city. Lillian Boutté, Dr. Michael White and Armand “Sheik” Richardson use jazz to fight the adversity brought on by years of neglect since the Hurricane. The film follows these characters internationally and in New Orleans as they use the power of this “music that came from hardship” - reborn in response to Katrina’s devastation - to transcend the crisis threatening to destroy their unique city and culture. As these native New Orleaneans survive uncertain post-Katrina years, their paths cross and show that in tough times, the music lives on. Musician Lillian Boutté joins us for a Q&A after the screening. After 25 years living in Germany, Lillian Boutté is the Jazz Ambassador of New Orleans, an honour held previously only by Louis Armstrong. She packs clubs and stadiums to share her message: "The levee problem remains and each August is another hurricane Katrina just waiting to happen!"

Followed by a Q&A with Lillian Boutté.

Join us for An evening with the King of Jazz with Ricky Riccardi on Wed 4 March at 18:30.

Part of Bristol International Blues and Jazz Festival - happening across the city Fri 6 - Sun 8 March.

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