Keeling’s Caribbean Showcase

Sunday, March 4th, 11th and 18th

Curated by Keeling Beckford

The Story of Lovers Rock

Menelik Shabazz, 2011, 101 min.

The Story of Lovers Rock documents a musical movement in Britain that defined a generation in the late 70s and 80s. Lovers Rock is romantic reggae that was uniquely British. It developed from a small UK scene to become a global brand through the likes of UB40 and Maxi Priest. Lovers Rock was particularly influential to a new generation of black British young women and men who identified with this music that reflected their experiences. Female artists like Louisa Marks, Janet Kay, Brown Sugar, Carroll Thompson led a ‘girl power explosion in it’s early phase. The music provided a coping mechanism against a backdrop of racial tension and riots across the UK as well as being a counterpoint to the male dominated ‘roots’ scene. The film combines live performances with some of the Kings and Queens of Lovers Rock with comedy sketches, interviews and archive material. Interviews include Denis Bovell, UB40, Levi Roots Linton Kwesi Johnson, Angie La Ma, Maxi Priest, Mykaell Riley, The comedy sketches are provided by the likes of Eddie Nestor, Robbie G, Wayne Rollins, Glenda Jaxson. Rudi Lickwood, John Simmit., Annette Fagon.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uyJwZwkqg8U

Keeling’s Carribbean Showcase

Curated by Keeling Beckford

The Four Aces Story: Legacy in The Dust

Winstan Whitter, 2007, 100 min.

The Four Aces in Dalston played host to some of the biggest names in music during the Sixties and Seventies: Desmond Dekker, Prince Buster, Jimmy Cliff, Ann Peebles, Percy Sledge, Ben E King, Billy Ocean, Bob Marley, Chrissie Hynde, The Slits, Sex Pistols and Bob Dylan to name but a few.

During the Eighties the club became Labyrinth, playing an integral part in the birth of Acid House and the then nascent Rave scene - before taking Rave to an international audience, The Prodigy played their first ever show in the club on Dalston Lane.

Sadly, as with so many areas of East London, Dalston succumbed to Olympic regeneration, and the club was demolished in 2007. Winstan Whitter has preserved the legacy of this hugely important venue with his documentary film 'The Four Aces: Legacy In The Dust', a comprehensive history of the club as told by those who played there.