Three films, three eras, and one common theme: musicians balancing the pressures of entertainment, the pursuit of personal expression, and the realities of race, class, and commerce that have long influenced who rises in the jazz world. Listen closely as the music shifts across decades, while the intimate dialogue between players and audiences remains unbroken. Together, these films create a living timeline of jazz—finding new homes and audiences without losing its roots.

Join us at Within Earshot for this cinematic set, perfectly complementing the live jazz performances happening on the BIMA stage throughout the month.