As one of the most innovative artists in reggae music, Lee Scratch Perry was one of the first musicians to use sampling (a crying baby sound) in his music—way back in 1968. Creating his own label, Upsetter, that same year, Perry became one of the seminal pioneers of vintage reggae and dub. Writing and producing material at his Black Ark studio in the ’70s, Perry produced music for everyone from Bob Marley to Paul McCartney and the Clash, and cemented his rep as a legend of the Jamaican beat, culminating in a Grammy win in 2003 for his work. This fascinating documentary, featuring a Q&A by filmmakers Ethan Higbee and Adam Bhala Lough, traces Perry’s life through his youth in rural Jamaica and notorious years in Kingston, and up through his Black Ark days. Hailed as a “fascinating character study of genius and madness,” The Upsetter is narrated by Oscar-winner Benicio del Toro and features some of the most amazing archival concert footage ever seen on the screen. If you love reggae, don’t miss this eccentric man who Rolling Stone included on their list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, and who Variety calls one of music’s great “unsung heroes.” (Jane Mast)
What: The Upsetter screening and Q&A.
When/Where: 11PM April 2 at the Art Theatre, 2025 E. 4th St., Long Beach.
Info: Visit www.arttheatrelongbeach.com or call (562) 438-5435. $11.
