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“Always Been A Rambler” at the Roxie

If you didn’t make it to the sold-out screening at the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley on September 9, come out to the Roxie Cinema in San Francisco for a special weeklong engagement of “Always Been A Rambler” (Sept. 25 – Oct. 1, 2009). In tribute to Mike Seeger, who recently passed away, this new documentary film from the Arhoolie Foundation and local director Yasha Aginsky will be paired with Yasha and Carrie Aginsky’s 1980 film, “Homemade American Music,” which accompanies Mike and Alice Gerrard in visits with some of their friends and mentors in traditional music: Tommy Jarrell, Roscoe Holcomb, Lily May Ledford, Elizabeth Cotten, Dewey Balfa, Marc Savoy and more.

Show times: 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:00.
Director Yasha Aginsky in person Sept. 25th, 7 pm show.
Roxie Cinema, 3117 16th St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 863-1087


Statement on the passing of Chris Strachwitz

Arhoolie Records Founder
July 1, 1931 – May 5, 2023

We celebrate the life of our founder, friend, and great record man Chris Strachwitz. He died peacefully at home in Marin County, CA, surrounded in his last days by dear friends and family. Over his 91 years, Chris captured the music that represents the best “down home music” the world has to offer.

He was at the forefront of nearly all the roots revivals over the last 60 years including blues, zydeco, Cajun, Norteño and Tejano music. His drive to document traditional music helped introduce the nation to our diverse musical heritage. He had the foresight to save music that might have otherwise been lost to obscurity and played a role in strengthening cultural traditions through his records, films, and most recently the Arhoolie Foundation. He cared for those around him, fought for royalties and recognition for Arhoolie artists, and provided counsel to countless musicians, writers, film makers, and academics.

Plans for a public celebration of his life will be announced in the coming weeks. Today we’re thinking of all that Chris brought to our lives and the lives of the musicians and fans with whom he shared his passion.