Rooftop Films: Heavy Load and Z-Rock (Event Over)

Fri., August 15, 2008

Heavy Load and Z-Rock
A joyous and hard-rocking documentary about a band overcoming learning disabilities, as well as their own differences, to prove they can still rock on. Preceded by a preview of Z Rock, the new series on IFC.

Venue: On the lawn of Automotive High School
Address: 50 Bedford Ave, between N. 12th and Lorimer (Williamsburg Brooklyn)
Directions: L to Bedford Avenue OR G to Nassau Avenue
Rain: In the event of rain the show will be held indoors at the same location
8:00PM: Doors open
8:30PM: Sound Fix presents live music J.A.C.K.
9:00PM: Films
11:30PM - 1:00AM: Open Bar After Party at Matchless (557 Manhattan Avenue @ Driggs ) Courtesy of Radeberger beer
Tickets: Free!

Preview: See short films from this and other programs at www.IFC.com
Presented in partnership with: IFC.com, New York magazine, Council Member David Yassky & Automotive HS

PROGRAM NOTES:

Heavy Load (Jerry Rothwell | England | 1:31:00)
“A triumph of disfunctionalness!” —Wreckless Eric

Heavy Load are a UK punk band, and like any emerging band they’re subject to the combustible flux of ego, ambition, fantasy, expectation and desire. The singer’s an emotional sweetheart, fawning over his shy girlfriend, but at times he’ll ruin a recording session by screaming curses into the mix and giggling. The guitar player keeps an even keel, in his playing and in his life, but he’s been known to be so lax as to drift off in the woods on nature hikes he’s supposed to be leading, not even noticing when his friends cheer him on. And the drummer is fierce on the kit, but longs to sing and play guitar and make his own songs, though sometimes he’s a bit scared to get on a high stage.

Heavy Load have been around for nine years, steadily building a niche following but never truly breaking through to the mainstream. But the members of the band have found happiness, a sense of purpose and joy, in making music. They are unique in that the lack of success hasn’t dampened their spirit, in part, perhaps, because the band is made up of musicians with and without serious learning disabilities.

For most of the band’s existence, seeking fame hasn’t been their main struggle. The band’s survival is a precarious negotiation between two different worlds: on the one hand the institutional timetable of day centers, work placements and social workers; on the other hand the chaotic slacker life of rehearsal rooms, studios and gigs. But when the band sets out to record their first album, The Queen Mother’s Dead, and takes on a national health care issue regarding caretakers for the disabled, feuding ambitions start to interfere with the easy pleasure of small-time gigs and friendly camaraderie.

As they move out of the ghetto of disability club nights to test whether their dreams can survive in the mainstream, this hilarious and charming documentary captures the excitement, sweat and romance of playing in a band through the eyes of these very unique characters.

Watch a trailer and meet the band on IFC.com.

PRECEDED BY:
Z Rock (IFC TV | 20:00)
Z Rock is a 10-episode semi-scripted, comedy series that follows a group of musicians leading a double life: by night they’re a hard-partying rock band and by day they’re a Wiggles-style kids’ party band. Z Rock is loosely based on the real lives of its three New York based stars, brothers Paulie Z and David Z, and lifelong friend Joey Cassata and their actual band, Z02, giving a satirical look at the dark underbelly of the rock n’ roll dream. Guest stars include: Joan Rivers, Musicians Dave Navarro, Dee Snider, John Popper (Blues Traveler), Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), Comedians Dave Attell, Gilbert Gottfried, Greg Giraldo, ‘Big” Jay Oakerson, Lynne Koplitz, Patrice Oneal, and Joe DeRosa.

IFC Season Premiere on Sunday, August 24, 11:30PM.