OFF THE CHARTS DOCUMENTARY AND SONG POEM CONTEST WITH DIRECTOR JAMIE MELTZER, FIVE BANDS, AND CELEBRITY JUDGES!
THIS EVENT IS FREE FOR HOLLYWOOD THEATRE MEMBERS!
OFF THE CHARTS is a beautiful and entertaining documentary about the "song poem" industry. Starting in the 1940s and continuing on to the present day, ads have been placed in newspapers urging folks to send song lyrics along with some cash. Their lyrics, no matter how surreal, grotesque, satanic or just plain bad, would be set to music, pressed on a record and sent back to them.
Over the years, people got addicted to the excitement of hearing their lyrics on record and paid to get a whole universe of offbeat "outsider" music recorded by the companies placing these ads. Subjects varied from ginseng roots, being in love with a shark, non-violent taekwondo troopers, deep love and respect for Jimmy Carter, and rug bugs. These songs were churned out by studio musicians for hire who had little understanding or affinity for the lyrics they were paid to set to music. Nonetheless they invest emotion and care in their performances.
The documentary explores the lives of the song lyric writers and musicians who participate in this industry. A surprising amount of great art results from this oddball capitalist venture.
Director Jamie Meltzer will be in attendance to introduce the film! After the movie, bands will perform song poems written by Portland locals, including a performance from a couple secret surprise guests!
YOU CAN GET INVOLVED! If you’d like to submit song lyrics, they will be considered for live performance and prizes. Please send in your lyrics by March 24th. If your lyrics are selected, they will be performed live AND you'll be eligible for one of the following prizes:
1st Place - $300 cash
2nd Place - A Mississippi Records gift certificate for $50
3rd Place - A Hollywood Theatre gift certificate for $25
Mail poems to songpoems@hollywoodtheatre.org or 4035 NE Sandy Blvd, Suite 212, Portland, OR, 97212
In general, the Hollywood Theatre does not provide content advisories about the subject matter shown in our theatre. Films exhibited don't necessarily reflect the views of the Hollywood Theatre. Information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media and DoesTheDogDie.com.