Brooklyn-born fashion photographer Bert Stern's glistening, full-color document of the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island is as intimate and gorgeous a depiction of a live music event as one could hope to see. And the lineup of talent truly astonishes: Thelonius Monk, Big Maybelle, Dinah Washington, Chuck Berry, Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Anita O'Day, Gerry Mulligan and many others.

Shot on warm, saturated color film stock, the close-up camerawork captures every bead of sweat and dexterous improvisation. Blazing a trail for the entire concert-film genre, this restored cinematic landmark offers a chance to appreciate these master performers at the top of their game. D: Bert Stern, US, 1959, 1h25m

This virtual screening includes a brief intro by Coast Jazz Orchestra director Taylor Ho Bynum and Coast saxophonist Noah Campbell '21. They return after the movie to talk about concert films, jazz and its legacy.

When & how can I watch the film?

All Hop films are now presented virtually and on demand through Eventive. Once you rent the film, you will have until the last date listed below to watch it.
See our step-by-step instructions and FAQ for more information.