The Tao of Bluegrass - A Portrait of Peter Rowan

Considered a cult figure among current and progressive bluegrass fans, Peter Rowan has indulged in, led or participated in a vast and impressive array of bands, musical collaborations, studio recordings, tours, workshops and festivals since breaking onto the scene in 1964 as guitarist and lead singer with Bill Monroe.

Peter is a one of a kind singer with an astonishing vocal range and an instantly recognizable voice.

In the upcoming late 2012 documentary, The Tao of Bluegrass, we will weave together what Peter learned from Bill Monroe and how the spiritual side of Peter has created space to absorb other cultures creating new sounds. Musicians he has played with over the years will be talking about his talent for songwriting, singing and guitar playing.

Also highlighted throughout the documentary are geographical locations that have inspired many of Peter’s songs.

Interviews for the film include:

Vassar Clements, Tony Rice, Billy Bright, Sally Truitt (Planet Bluegrass), Sandy Monroe, Chris and Lorin Rowan, Manose (Nepali flute player), Rimpoche, Fully Fullerton, Tony Chin, David Nelson, Drew Emmitt, Hot Buttered Rum,  Richard Greene, Laurie Lewis, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Earle, Tim O’Brien, Wavy Gravy, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Sharon Gilchrist, David Grisman, Bryn Davies, David Rawlings, Jack Casady, Jody Stecher, Sam Bush and Larry Atamanuik...plus maybe a few more.

Thanks so much for watching and we are excited to edit and release this film for all of Peter's fans as well as educating the folks that don't know his music. His storytelling will inspire your imagination.

I feel it is very important to record and document our American musical history, especially music that comes from our roots like bluegrass. Peter has evolved over his many years with his music away from and back to bluegrass. I feel his place in history is important to share with the next generation.

We are ready to edit and need your support to make it happen - if you have any questions please feel free to email me at christine@south40films.com

Thank you!! 

Christine

BIOS

Christine Funk - Director/Producer - South 40 Films

I have been working in the film industry wearing a variety of hats since 1990.  I have worked as a producer and production manager on various infomercials, commercials and films in LA, Portland and San Francisco.  I feel that my career in the film industry has been well rounded, learning how to navigate each part of the process from development to editing.

I also have lived part-time in the mountains of Colorado where I was in charge of booking music for a local theatre in Creede.  I invited Peter Rowan to play one summer and then saw him play again out in San Francisco and had the idea that he would make a good subject for a documentary. 

I was able, over the past seven years, to work on collecting interviews and footage of Peter in various settings.  Without the help of my fellow production crew members in their spare time to run cameras, sound and lights for the interviews I would not be ready to edit.

I learned my interview skills from interviewing many testimonials in the infomercial world, but much prefer to interview the likes of Jerry Douglas, Tim O'Brien and Alison Krauss.

Meeting Peter and deciding to work on a documentary about his career has been daunting and rewarding.  I have learned so much about the genre of bluegrass and beyond.  

My website www.south40films.com contains my resume and more information on this project.   We are excited to move forward with editing phase to make the film a reality for fans and others to enjoy.  

Marc Snider - Editor - Exposure Films

Marc Snider began Exposure Productions in 2000 as a small, mountain oriented Production Company serving outside clients as well as producing in-house independent films and video.   

Marc graduated with a degree in philosophy and attended film school at Montana State University.  Prior to Exposure Productions, Marc worked on Hollywood features and commercials in a variety of departments, as well as a freelance cameraman for broadcast television.  

Marc learned to tell a great story early on and has used his writing talents and insight to create and edit several award winning documentaries.  We have a great working relationship and I feel he is the perfect person to help shape and edit the Tao of Bluegrass. For more information on Marc go to www.exposurefilms.com

Don Zimmer - Executive Producer - Floating Records

Don has been a part of this project for several years and has been very supportive in so many ways with his eye for imagery and ear for music.  His insight is invaluable to help shape this documentary musically. As a friend and fan of Peter’s music Don can hone in on the musical aspect of the documentary with a trained ear.

He recently started Floating Records to represent the best emerging local and independent music in the Bay Area.  Their commitment is to honor the music and the musician by providing not only an outlet for exposure, but also ensuring that the artists profit directly from their music. Floating Records wants to bring you great new music from a variety of genres and are constantly searching for new talent.

Check them out at www.floatingrecords.com