Originally filmed in New York from 1983 to 1986, before relocating to the D.C. metro area at the invitation of filmmaker Jeff Krulik, the show featured a wide-ranging roster of independent punk, underground, and roots acts— including Butthole Surfers, Ben Vaughn, Half Japanese, Shockabilly, R. Stevie Moore, and a pre-hip hop Beastie Boys— performing before a live audience, interspersed with band interviews, skits, and off-the-cuff commentary from host Scott Lewis. Now, nearly 40 years later, the show’s legacy is closer to that of AMERICAN MOVIE than AMERICAN BANDSTAND, with its staunchly DIY aesthetic and alternative focus echoed in everything from future public access favorites like NEW YORK NOISE to major network programs like 120 MINUTES.
A special in-person presentation and Q&A with Scott & Gary, featuring an exclusive, never-before-seen compilation of highlights from the show.
The CLOSE UP series is generously underwritten by Sara Arno & The Ettinger Foundation. The Sonic Wave series is generously underwritten by Jack Sanderson