Summer of Soul

Aug. 2 & Aug. 4, 7 pm

Universally acclaimed after winning the Grand Jury Award at its Sundance Film Festival

premiere, ‘Summer of Soul’ won the 2022 Oscar for Best Documentary. Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the film tells the story of a 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, when some 300,000 came to celebrate African American musicians and culture, and to promote the new politics of Black Pride Festival performances included Nina Simone, BB King, Fifth

Dimension, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson and the Staple Singers. Yet, in spite of attendance by some 300,000, the celebration was overshadowed by dominant media coverage of Woodstock that summer. Video footage of the “Black Woodstock” was virtually forgotten. “Questlove” (best known as leader of The Roots, house band of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) was driven to both produce and direct the film upon seeing vintage video footage and realizing the Festival’s historic significance was a keystone in black cultural history.

Summer 2022 Ritz Film Series: Tickets $5 or $15 for Party of 4 – All weeknight screenings are Tuesday & Thursday

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

July 26 & July 28, 7 pm

A biographical film about a surprisingly compelling story, depicting the rise and fall of the televangelist empire of Tammy Faye Bakker and her infamous husband Jim Bakker.

     Jessica Chastain won the 2022 Best Actress Oscar for her brilliant characterization of Tammy Faye, heavy Maybelline and all. Andrew Garfield also gives an amazing performance in the role of the eventually imprisoned Jim Bakker.

Summer 2022 Ritz Film Series: Tickets $5 or $15 for Party of 4 – All weeknight screenings are Tuesday & Thursday

Woodstock

July 19 & July 21, 7 pm

Not since three days in August 1969 has there been a concert of such magnitude that it defined a generation. Against the backdrop of a nation in conflict over sexual politics, civil rights, and the Vietnam war, 500,000 people converged on a small dairy farm in upstate New York to witness the concert of the century — ‘Woodstock’. What they experienced sparked a cultural revolution that changed the country forever.  

     ‘Woodstock’ won the 1970 Oscar for Best Documentary.  Featured music headliners include: Joe Cocker, Santana, Jimmy Hendrix; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; Janice Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Grateful Dead, The Who, Richie Haven, Jefferson Airplane, The Band, Joan Baez; and  Blood, Sweat and Tears among other amazing bands of the era.

Summer 2022 Ritz Film Series: Tickets $5 or $15 for Party of 4 – All weeknight screenings are Tuesday & Thursday

The Godfather

July 12 & July 14, 7 pm

A Ritz celebration of the 50th Anniversary of ‘The Godfather’ is appropriate for one of the greatest and most influential American films ever. Since its premiere in 1972, this film spectacle seeped into  America’s collective consciousness and stayed. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and based on the epic gangster novel by Mario Puzo, ‘The Godfather’ sits comfortably in the pantheon of great American film making. Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, it won the 1973 Oscar for Best Motion Picture and, for decades, was the top-grossing film of all time.  Marlon Brando, one of the most acclaimed American actors of the 20th century, won the Best Actor Oscar for his unforgettable performance of the title character Vito Corleone.

Summer 2022 Ritz Film Series: Tickets $5 or $15 for Party of 4 – All weeknight screenings are Tuesday & Thursday

Sean of the South

Thursday, June 30, 7:00 pm

Life in the American South. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Good Grit, The Tallahassee Democrat, South Magazine, the Bitter Southerner, Thom Magazine, The Birmingham News, The Mobile Press Register, and he has authored thirteen books. A mediocre sailor and fisherman, a biscuit connoisseur, and barbecue competition judge, when he’s not writing, he spends much of his time aboard his fourteen-foot boat (The S.S. Squirrel), along with his bloodhound, Thelma Lou. Sean has become a hugely popular Southern humorist, with over 260,000 Facebook followers, who amazingly get a 300-word post almost daily. Plus he’s a mean guitar picker too. Get ready for an encore evening of unending belly laughs, and perhaps bring along at least one Kleenex tissue to be safe. Don’t miss this special, up close and personal experience at The Ritz with the phenomenal Sean of the South.

All Seats: $18

Bron Yr Aur: Accoustic Tribute to Led Zeppelin

Friday, July 29, 7:00 pm

When someone says “Led Zeppelin,” the soundtrack in your mind may be an epic rock anthem. But die-hard fans know that some of their best and most inestimable songs were when they unplugged their instruments, as in much of LED ZEPPELIN III. In 1970, after two huge albums and a grueling tour of North American, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant retreated to an 18th century Welsh cottage called Bron-Yr-Aur to recuperate and write some new songs. It was the first time the two had spent time together away from the rest of the band, and Page has said that was when he really got to know Robert Plant. Most of the songs written there were quieter, and gentler, more introspective songs. It was from this cottage that the idea of an all-acoustic Led Zeppelin band was born. Fittingly called Bron-Yr-Aur, four of the best musicians in the Southeast have pulled together their knowledge and talent to gratefully recreate this more subtle side of Led Zeppelin. Allen Barlow, Jon Campbell, Chris Kozak and Mark Lanter are seasoned and in demand performers who faithfully bring you back to the pastural surroundings of the Welsh countryside where the songs were born. Bron-Yr-Aur. Prepare yourself for a spell bounding musical experience.

All Seats: $22

The Isaacs

Friday, September 9, 7:00 pm

The Isaacs is one of the hottest bands in American music today. You have to be if invited to open the 2022 Grammy Award broadcast only a few months ago. Across several generations, The Isaacs have been performing their signature family harmony for over 50 years. Known earlier in their career as a mainstay in bluegrass gospel, they appeared on Gaither Homecoming Videos and Tours for 20 years. The Isaacs have won 9 Dove Awards and were recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. However, with that renowned family harmony — mother Lily, sisters Becky and Sonya, and brother Ben have transitioned into one of the premier classic county bands in Nashville today. Their latest three albums have been Grammy nominated. After years of guest appearances, The Isaacs were enthusiastically welcomed as the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry last September. With their exploding popularity in recent years, a concert appearance by The Isaacs is a real coup for The Ritz. Don’t miss it.

All Seats: $28