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Aspen, CO (September 1, 2020): Aspen Film announced today a collaboration with the Aspen Art Museum (AAM) and Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) to present two rooftop screenings of the 1959 classic documentary/concert JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY. Described as, “one of the greatest jazz documentaries ever made and perhaps the most sumptuously ever filmed,” the screenings will take place on the AAM rooftop (637 E Hyman Ave., Aspen) on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12.

Tickets, which are $35 for General Admission and $30 for Aspen Film, AAM & JAS members, can be purchased at AspenFilm.org. Seating is limited to 48 people per night in accordance with social distancing, health and safety protocols, and tickets are non-refundable. Doors open at 7:30 PM and the film will begin at 8:00 PM.

Table seating at the museum can accommodate up to four people – guests can be seated at two tops or four tops and can request to be seated with other specific guests. Patrons are asked to email info@aspenfilm.org with seating requests. Snacks, beer and wine will be available for purchase.  The screening is on the AAM rooftop; there will be no heaters so bringing additional layers and/or a blanket is encouraged.  The screening will be held rain or shine.

“Aspen Film is thrilled to be presenting this iconic and defining documentary as an in-person event in the heart of Aspen. I remember this film from the beginning of my career, and the fact that it has been restored and infused with gorgeous, updated color, gave us good reason to bring this back to the big screen,” says Susan Wrubel, Aspen Film’s Executive + Artistic Director. “We had been looking to do a live screening outdoors with both the Aspen Art Museum and Jazz Aspen Snowmass and offering this masterpiece against the backdrop of Aspen Mountain feels like the perfect way to wrap up the summer.”

Filmed at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island and directed by world-renowned photographer Bert Stern, JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY features intimate performances by an all-star line-up of musical legends including Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan, Anita O’Day, Chuck Berry, Dinah Washington, and closes with a beautiful rendition of The Lord’s Prayer by Mahalia Jackson at midnight to usher in Sunday morning.

The 1959 classic is considered one of the most extraordinary and possibly the first concert film ever made. Its sparkling new 4K restoration by IndieCollect recently premiered at the 2019 New York Film Festival. The film was named to the National Film Registry in 1999, and its restoration was funded by the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress in time to celebrate the film’s 60th Anniversary.

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ABOUT ASPEN FILM:
Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado’s most active film arts organizations, presenting dynamic programs and featured guest artists throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major film event in every season, along with an extensive education program: Aspen Filmfest, Academy Screenings, Aspen Shortsfest and FilmEducates. With a mission to enlighten, enrich, educate and entertain through film, Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue and broadens understanding of our world and selves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide. To learn more, visit aspenfilm.org.

ABOUT THE ASPEN ART MUSEUM:
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 1979, the Aspen Art Museum is a thriving and globally engaged non-collecting contemporary art museum. Following the 2014 opening of the museum’s facility designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, the AAM enjoys increased attendance, renewed civic interaction, and international media attention. In July 2017, the AAM was one of ten institutions to receive the United States’ National Medal for Museum and Library Services for its educational outreach to rural communities in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley communities and its fostering of learning partnerships with civic and cultural partners within a 100-mile radius of the museum’s Aspen location.

ABOUT JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS:
Founded in 1991 and entering its 30th season, Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The MISSION of JAS is to present and preserve jazz and related forms of music through world-class events, performances and education programs.