Levon Helm Documentary to Be Screened in His Hometown
On Saturday (April 13), nearly one year to the day after his death, ‘Ain’t In It For My Health: A Film About Levon Helm’ will be shown in Helm's hometown of Woodstock, N.Y.
The documentary has been in the works since 2007, when director Jacob Hatley began filming Helm's recording sessions for 'Dirt Farmer,' his first studio album since 1982. The movie focuses on the last few years of his life, as he resurrected his career while his health declined. The film also contains plenty of archival footage of his days with the Band. Helm died on April 19, 2012 at the age of 71 following a long struggle with throat cancer.
“Jacob was the perfect fly on the wall for many months as we experienced the ups and downs of a wonderful time in all our lives,” Helm’s longtime musical partner Larry Campbell tells Newsday. “The result is a rare, artful, and honest glimpse into the fascinating world of one of our true American treasures, Levon Helm.”
Following the screening at Upstate Films in Woodstock, Helm's beloved "barn" will host a special Midnight Ramble jam session complete with a barbecue dinner, a performance and Q&A by the Levon Helm Band and another screening of the movie.
Last month saw the release of 'Love for Levon,' a CD and DVD of the Oct. 3, 2012 tribute concert. The show featured friends and admirers from Roger Waters and Mavis Staples to Dierks Bentley and John Mayer performing his songs. Proceeds from the concert went to his family to help them keep his barn -- the studio where he staged his Midnight Rambles, which featured performances from friends like Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones and many more.