A Mighty Wind

This is a little known movie by Christopher Guest master of the mockumentary genre. Guest also gave us Best in Show, and This is Spinal Tap among others.

A Mighty Wind is about a reunion concert of 1960s folk singers. A major figure in their careers (producers) dies and the family organizes a memorial concert with some of his favorite and most successful clients. These include The New Main Street Singers, The Folksmen, and Mitch and Mickey.

Keep in mind these artists haven't seen each other in thirty years, or that they weren't even on speaking terms with each other, or members of their own group for a few years.

Mitch and Mickey were the sweethearts of the folk scene, embodying love and romance, and sweetness. Then of course, the relationship exploded. They moved on. Mitch continued making music, but it took a dark turn and eventually Mitch experienced a mental break down. Mickey (a she) eventually got married, and left music behind her....

This is a film about reunions, about music, about friendships, about people. It's fun. And the music was all performed by the actors themselves. I find myself singing the songs throughout the day. The songs are genuinely good songs. It overflows with great writing, fantastic understated acting.

Here's a taste.

The Folksmen (one of them is Chrisopher Guest - both bald and having hair. Over Achiever.)




The New Main Street Singers - with Jane Lynch of Glee, and indie queen Parker Posey. (I just thought what else have I seen her in, oh yeah, Best in Show. She has one of those faces that you've seen somewhere but you don't know where..)



Mitch and Mickey - Eugene Levy of American Pie fame and Catherine O'Hara who everyone will probably recognize as Kevin's Mom in Home Alone.



One of the songs, A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow - a Mitch and Mickey tune - was nominated for an Oscar for Best Song. the Title song A Mighty wind won a Grammy.

I remember gathering around the tv watching PBS broadcast Peter, Paul and Mary concert. indeed every time they were on PBS we gathered around the tv and sang along with them. I remember this. Very vividly. Peter, Paul, and Mary performed at my university some years ago, and my parents were able to go see the trio before Mary died... The day she passed away was a sad day in my house hold.

Man I miss them.



If you watch more of Peter, Paul and Mary, and then watch some of Mitch and Mickey, you'll notice Catherine O'Hara does the Mary Head bob when she sings..... Imitation is the truest form of flattery... :)

Just some music for your to hot Wednesday.