Jazz Film Night 2025
Brownie Speaks video screening
Date: Thursday, June 12
Time: 7:00 p.m. Dessert Reception
8:00 p.m. Film Screening
followed by in-person Filmmaker Q&A
Location: Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley Street
Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
About the Film
A native of Wilmington, Delaware, jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown made an outstanding and influential contribution to music.
photo credit: Robert Parent
In an era when many musicians were emulating Charlie Parker’s drug abuse, Brown inspired others to achieve greatness while living a clean life. Ironically, he was killed in a car accident at the age of 25.
This feature-length documentary presents a richly detailed account of Brown’s life, and examines his historical importance in the context of three criteria–innovation, influence, and individuality.
Features Interviews with Sonny Rollins, Benny Golson, Lou Donaldson, Jimmy Heath. Donald Byrd, Harold Land, Wynton Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, Clifford Solomon, Herb Geller, Clora Bryant, Vance Wilson, and LaRue Brown Watson.
Very touching, very moving. . . . A great film about a great man!
– Sonny Rollins
About Director/Producer Don Glanden
Don Glanden is a pianist, composer and educator
Gladen will attend the Jazz Film Night and will host a Q&A session with the audience after the film.
Glanden joined the faculty at University of the Arts in 1996 serving as Director of Graduate Jazz Studies and Piano Department Chair until 2024. Prior to joining the faculty at UArts he was a full-time faculty member at Temple University.
Don’s success as an educator includes countless former students currently teaching at major universities, writing for music publications, and touring with celebrated jazz groups. He has performed in concerts, recording studios and clubs with jazz greats including Donald Byrd, Ernie Watts, Eddie Gomez, Terrel Stafford, Henry Mancini, Marcus Belgrave, Marc Johnson, Robin Eubanks, John Riley, John Fedchock, John Swana, Larry McKenna, Randy Brecker, Patti Austin, and Dennis Irwin.
A must-see. [Clifford] said so much musically in a short life time. Amazing!
– Jimmy Heath
Incredible documentary….Moving, inspirational, uplifting. Beautifully done! Thank you for this great blessing!
John Patitucci
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Long time coming but an amazing view of my dad’s life and music.
Clifford Brown, Jr.
The Northampton Jazz Festival sponsors an annual Jazz Film Night, which includes a reception and a Q & A with the director and others associated with the film.
