Orchestra Santa Monica Releases Art Film “We Gather”

26 May Orchestra Santa Monica Releases Art Film “We Gather”

Combining archival footage, historical documents, and original music, Orchestra Santa Monica has created a film project called “We Gather.” It tells the story of Black life in Santa Monica “through music, visuals, and narrative.”

Composer Derrick Skye performs with musicians of OSM and Music Director Roger Kalia, underscoring images of neighborhoods that were destroyed to make room for the freeway; home movies showing the rich history of community gatherings, and celebrations with families, neighbors, and church congregations.

The film is broken into three movements – “Mending the Chasm,” “Front Porch View,” and “Bay Street Beach.” The last movement (about the area of the oceanfront that was an important gathering place for Black residents) includes spoken words from local historian Robbie Jones, as well as images created by painter Kevin McCants, celebrating the history of the community.

It was made possible by the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs program called “Art of Recovery.”