A Change is Comin’

Down at the Honeydripper Lounge locals aren’t keen on change. It’s the early 1950’s in Harmony, Alabama, and American music – like everything else -- is in a state of flux. Something big is coming. If the good folks of Harmony squint their eyes and stand with their faces towards...

By Jamie Laughlin

February 21, 2008

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Down at the Honeydripper Lounge locals aren’t keen on change. It’s the early 1950’s in Harmony, Alabama, and American music – like everything else -- is in a state of flux. Something big is coming. If the good folks of Harmony squint their eyes and stand with their faces towards the changing wind, they could be the first to see it -- a whirlwind of damnation known now as rock ´n’ roll.

In John Sayles’ new movie Honeydripper, you are given a glimpse inside a Southern scrapbook come to life. Waiting peacefully to be discovered is the Honeydripper Lounge, a withering local nexus that’s sitting on the brink of bankruptcy. Tyrone Purvis, the joint’s proprietor (played by Danny Glover) knows that something’s gotta give if he’s going to keep the lights on, so he throws all of his hope and resources into promoting an out-of-town act: a one-man savior named Guitar Sam. But when said finger-picker doesn’t arrive on his scheduled train, Purvis’ has to find someone else to help him sing for his supper -- ´cause if this ain’t the biggest bash that ever hit Harmony, the Honeydripper won’t survive long enough to welcome in the next era of music. Catch Honeydripper for one last day at the Lake Worth Playhouse (713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth) Thursday at 4 p.m. and again at 8:15 p.m. Tickets cost $6 to $8.
Thu., Feb. 21, 2008

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