Hamptons Doc Fest and the Parrish Art Museum proudly present “Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes,” a captivating documentary honoring the centennial of legendary drummer Max Roach’s birth and commemorating Black History Month. Directed by Sam Pollard and Ben Shapiro, this 80-minute film delves into the multifaceted career of Roach, exploring his role as a jazz pioneer, composer, bandleader, and social activist during the Civil Rights era. Join us at the Parrish Art Museum on Friday, February 16, at 6 p.m. for a special screening followed by a live Zoom Q&A session with co-director Ben Shapiro, moderated by Hamptons Doc Fest founder Jacqui Lofaro.
“Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes” features archival footage sourced from the Max Roach Archive at the Library of Congress, offering a rich tapestry of Roach’s journey from his upbringing in North Carolina to his influential presence in the Brooklyn jazz scene. Graduating from high school, Roach’s career soared as he collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. The film explores his evolution as a musician, from his classical percussion studies at the Manhattan School of Music to his pioneering work in hip-hop and experimental music.
Roach’s impact extended beyond the realm of music, as he became a vocal advocate for social change, using his platform to address issues of racial injustice and inequality. Through interviews and tributes from fellow musicians and artists, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of Roach’s enduring legacy and influence on generations of musicians.
Recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant and eight honorary doctorate degrees, Roach’s contributions to music and activism are celebrated in this award-winning documentary, which received the Best Music Documentary award from the International Documentary Association (IDA) in 2024.
Don’t miss this opportunity to honor the life and legacy of Max Roach, a true icon of jazz and social change. Tickets for this exclusive event are available at parrishart.org.
