Home of Les Blank Films, Down Home Music Foundation, and Arhoolie Foundation, El Cerrito, California.

NEWS

Thanks to hundreds of generous donors, we are ready to purchase our building! 10341 San Pablo Avenue, houses Les Blank Films, Arhoolie Foundation and Down Home Music Foundation (they are now a non-profit as well.)

The sale closes the week of April 15, 2025! All donations received go directly to the purchase, and restoration of the building.  It’s not too late to join our efforts. The building needs a lot of work so you can still be a part of this “Cathedral of Culture! “THANK YOU!

HARROD BLANK TALKS ABOUT THE BUILDING

Burden of Dreams

Beautifully Remastered to 4K

NOW SCREENING
(Updated regularly)

APRIL 2025

Walla Walla, WA
GESA POWER HOUSE THEATRE
APRIL 23, 2025
 

 

 
 
 
 

Support The Restoration Work On Burden of Dreams

Wear A Tee Shirt!

In celebration of the restoration of Les Blank’s remarkable film, Burden of Dreams, we have reprinted the tee shirt designed by Tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy! Available in black or navy blue, (with red and silver ink) the two-sided shirt supports the restoration of the film. 

Artwork By Don Ed Hardy

Les Blank always delved deeply into the soul of whatever he focused on

In his films, Les gives us intimate portraits of American Bluesmen such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mance Lipscomb, he takes us to exuberant parties with Cajun music and food, we march along with Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, we dance with polka culture the Midwest, we listen to sweet fiddle music in Appalachia, and we learn about film making itself.

Les Blank has captured on film, the people, regions, foods, musical styles, dances, costumes and wonderful spirits that make America the unique cultural patchwork quilt that it is.

Read about Les Blank’s early experiences and training on the biographical page.

Thank you,

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