Wilco Document Solid Sound Festival on “Every Other Summer” (FESTIVAL PREVIEW/FILM REVIEW)

As we inch closer to the biennial Wilco-hosted Solid Sound Festival in North Adams, Massachusetts on the grounds of Mass MoCA, it’s crucial to remember the profound impact it has had on this quiet little slice of the Berkshires. And only a little ways into this year’s documentary about the festival titled Every Other Summer, it becomes clear as a local business owner breaks down in tears as she says of North Adams, “It was a town of low self esteem…Everyone feels so grateful that something has come along…To give them their self esteem.” In a place that’s “taken a lot of hits,” as she puts it, Solid Sound is deeply meaningful.

Situated across the grounds of the art museum and featuring music, comedy and art, Solid Sound is smack in the middle of a formerly economically devastated area. North Adams is known for once being a hub of booming electronics manufacturing, and though it was plagued by strikes, the ominous, empty factories loom like skeletal reminders of the past.

Directed by Christoph Green and Brendan Canty of Trixie Films, Every Other Summer tells the story of how Solid Sound came to fruition, and simultaneously plays out like a concert film, showcasing performances from the 2013 festival featuring Neko Case, White Denim, Yo La Tengo, Foxygen, The Autumn Defense, The Dream Syndicate and more. Breathtaking aerial shots of the Berkshires contrast with quaint scenes of the small, historical town, local residents and construction workers crane-lifting those iconic letters, W-I-L-C-O. And right at the center of it all is Wilco’s front man, Jeff Tweedy.

Beginning in 2010, Tweedy set out to create a more musical music festival, as he so eloquently puts it. At Solid Sound, artists and attendees have the opportunity to intermingle and “share the experience as opposed to [the artists] providing the experience.” This and many other aspects make this three-day festival totally unique. The film shows comedian Reggie Watts wandering around the museum, grabbing a bite to eat, and taking selfies with fans, all before he eventually runs into fellow performer Sean Rowe. You see Sam Amidon burst into impromptu song with his banjo and Lucius perform gorgeous harmonies all in the midst of fans seated eagerly on the floor, as if a flash mob descended upon them and made them drop everything and listen. It’s random and lovely, and makes these artists we hold so dear feel so much more accessible.

As you come to learn through interviews with the Mayor Richard J. Alcombright and Mass MoCA’s dedicated Director Joe Thompson, it wouldn’t be possible without the help of the locals. Shots of Rotary Club volunteers serving up hotdogs drive it home – Solid Sound has helped revive this magnificent place. Now in its fourth year, it can only continue to improve and to grow. In fact, this year’s shuttle bus from NYC to North Adams sold out.

Every Other Summer paints a vibrant portrait of a place and its people who have been given a second chance. Thanks to Mass MoCA and now Solid Sound, North Adams has been designated as an artsy destination for one-of-a-kind cultural experiences with a homey, comfortable familiarity and picturesque surroundings.

When the filmmakers follow Tweedy around as he meets the local officers and residents, and then hone in on festival-goers in the last few minutes in a series of intimate and personal close ups, they’re putting a face on this festival that has breathed new life into its hometown. If that doesn’t peak your interest and make you want to venture into the mountains this weekend, perhaps the three nights in a row of Wilco and Tweedy performances will have a strong pull. Either way, Solid Sound only comes around every other year, and it should not be missed.

Solid Sound Festival takes place this weekend in North Adams, MA  – visit here for more info.

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