Hambones' Blues Rumshack

While the Stomp crew was in New York City this July, a crew of music lovers, including Brian Gourley, the Butler Brothers, and acclaimed director Jeff Nichols, was putting the finishing touches on the first Ponderosa Stomp film.

Classie Ballou, Lil' Buck Senegal and Roy Head are integral Stomp performers—these three exemplary artists enjoyed early success, but found themselves toiling in obscurity later in life. Their first-person remembrances of their careers, their experiences playing on the Stomp, and the impact the Stomp has had on their lives are at the core of this riveting piece. The film also includes live concert footage and additional interviews with the likes of musicologist Peter Guralnick offering a rare peek inside the Ponderosa Stomp Foundation.

This film would not have been possible without the generous support and time of music fan, volunteer and the film's executive producer, Brian Gourley. Brian attended the Stomp and was transfixed by the music and amazed that such a small group with limited resources was able to bring so much music and cultural information to the fore. So, Brian asked what he could do to help. We are thrilled to share with you the realization of his hard work and vision -- Ponderosa Stomp: The Film.

The film was shot in Austin during 2009's SXSW, in Artists' homes, and at the 2009 Stomp Concert and Conference. Gourley explains, "The film presented itself at the right time; it let me pour my love of music into a project that I thought would help give props to its roots. Without roots, there are no trees." This moving film clearly shows the impact your support and our work has had on several of the hundreds of artists we have worked with.

We are asking for you to be a part of the music, to build upon our recent successes, and to continue to expand our unique and vital work. Our cultural preservation efforts require the technical skill, time, and expertise of our small, committed staff and volunteers.

It also requires the help of everyone who enjoys our shows and events; we need your help to ensure we can continue our work in the coming year. Please support our efforts and help us reach our fundraising goal of $40,000.00 by December 31st, 2009 with a donation in any amount that is meaningful to you. We look forward to you joining us to guarantee the music lives on.

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