Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

The Story of the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969

Director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson

In 1969, during the same summer as Woodstock, a different music festival took place 100 miles away. More than 300,000 people attended the summer concert series known as the Harlem Cultural Festival. It was filmed, but after that summer, the footage sat in a basement for 50 years. It has never been seen. Until now. Questlove’s dazzling directorial debut erupted at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award, Directors Award, and a Grand Jury Prize — and this summer it returns for locals only, free of charge.

Summer Of Soul is a stunning unearthed treasure destined to become a pillar of American music and African American history. This transportative documentary reincarnates the energy of an epic event that radiated the wholesale reevaluation of Black history, culture, fashion, and music. This rich tapestry deftly incorporates an unforgettable musical revue that includes many rare gems, such as a Stevie Wonder drum solo and a duet between Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples. Summer Of Soul shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music.

Visit our Meet the Artist video to learn more about Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and the film.

Pack a picnic and bring your friends!

Gates open at 8:00 PM and the film begins at 9:30 PM. Please enter through the Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre gates.
The Amphitheatre is located at the mouth of Red Butte Canyon—it can get chilly at night so be sure to bring a jacket and blankets.

To allow for the best view of the movie screen for everyone, blankets and/or low-back chairs are preferred.

All films are shown rain or shine but will be canceled in the case of dangerous lightning or high winds.
No ticket purchase is necessary—but pre-registration is required.

Only service animals are allowed in Red Butte Garden and Amphitheatre. Please leave pets and comfort animals at home.

Learn more about Sundance Institute.

Sundance Institute’s Utah Community Programs are supported by Principal Sponsor Zions Bank; Major Supporters State of Utah, Utah Division of Arts & Museums, and University of Utah Health; and Community Supporters Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) Program; Peggy Bergmann; George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation; Salt Lake County Community Services; and Salt Lake City Arts Council.

Check out the Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre parking map.