Based on the legend of the Bell Witch from Tennessee in the early 1800’s, the movie BELL WITCH has a soundtrack full of bluegrass and old-time music. On September 24th, 2005 the movie will make cinema history by kicking off the premiere with a satellite/fiber broadcast projected live in full-bandwidth high definition to theaters throughout the United States. At this point they have near eighty theaters set up to receive the digital broadcast.

Of interest to readers of The Bluegrass Blog is the fact that the premiere is to be preceded by a red carpet gala event held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.

The red carpet gala will also feature interviews with the director and producer, S. Shane Marr and with stars from the movie, including Betsy Palmer. There will also be an hour-long concert showcasing music from the soundtrack followed by the world premiere of Bell Witch: The Movie.

Artists for Bell Witch: The Movie premiere concert will include: Jimbo Whaley, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, The Jeannette Williams Band, The Jeff and Vida Band and Becky Buller.

While the movie premiere website does not list them, Valerie Smith’s website also says the Wells Family is playing on the concert.

As I understand it the concert will be broadcast live as part of the event. This is a great opportunity for bluegrass to find a new audience.

More information about the concert, and other premiere events, is available here.
Tickets are $30 and are on sale through TicketMaster.