The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane (2026)
An oft-unsung musical
voice will finally get her due in the new documentary The 9 Lives of Barbara
Dane, screening at The Broad Theater on Thursday, October 8 at 7 p.m. This
special screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Maureen Gosling
and producer Jed Riffe, as well as a special live performance by vocalist Dayna
Kurtz.
This
feature documentary chronicles the trials and triumphs of musician and
political activist Barbara Dane, an oft-overlooked but pioneering protest
musician who influenced the likes of Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt. A Pete Seeger
protégée, Dane went on to launch the musical career of the psychedelic soul
band The Chambers Brothers, and her outspoken political activism even inspired
Jane Fonda. A multi-talented vocalist, guitarist, and eventual producer, Dane
was known for her work in the jazz, blues, and folk genres and was considered
by some critics to be one of the greatest interpreters of classic blues music
of the last century.
The
Broad will present The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane as part of Protesta
Productions' "Women's Rebel Voices Film and Music Tour," a traveling screening
and music series highlighting women activists and artists in Dane's spirit.
From New Orleans, the series will head to San Francisco on Sunday, October 18
for another screening and special musical performance by musician Miko Marks.
The accompanying live musical performances will help honor Dane's inspiring
blend of art and activism.
Director
Maureen Gosling hopes the documentary will not only educate audiences on this
under-appreciated trailblazer's musical and political legacy but also inspire
them to the kind of action which Dane fought so fearlessly for. Gosling noted,
"[Dane's] story fills out a missing piece of women's and feminist history. I
want the public to know Barbara Dane, so that they may feel empowered to take
action in their own way, just as she did. That change can take time, but it is
worth it. And you just keep at it."
For
more information about this screening at The Broad Theater on October 8, and/or
to purchase tickets, please visit The Broad Theater's website.
