Les Blank – IDLIX

Lagniappe

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:42:52 +0000

A film created by Les Blank and Maureen Gosling from footage that was cut from the documentary “Always for Pleasure” (1978) about Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

The Maestro Rides Again!

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:30:20 +0000

Les Blank continued filming the Maestro after the original film “The Maestro: King of the Cowboy Artists” was completed. Here are the Maestro’s latest creations and more on his uncompromising philosophy of art and life.

Sworn to the Drum: A Tribute to Francisco Aguabella

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:49:21 +0000

When you think of Latin percussion, think of Francisco Aguabella. Perhaps the finest Afro-Cuban master percussionist still living, he has become synonymous with his instrument — one of the highest compliments a musician can receive. Indeed, what Carlos Santana is to the guitar, Aguabella is to the conga drum.

My Old Fiddle: A Visit with Tommy Jarrell in the Blue Ridge

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:49:19 +0000

The long-awaited sequel to Sprout Wings and Fly is a gentle celebration of mountain living, a once-thriving American way of life.

The Maestro: King of the Cowboy Artists

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:49:17 +0000

What happens when a dedicated husband and father quits his job, adopts the persona of a Western-Movie Singing Cowboy, takes on the entire art establishment (including Christo and Andy Warhol), and refuses to accept money for his art ? Meet Gerry Gaxiola, AKA The Maestro, an ex-wage slave who gave up everything to make art for art’s sake. The Maestro’s story could inspire a whole new generation of Van Goghs.

Julie: Old Time Tales of the Blue Ridge

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:48:22 +0000

80-year-old Julie Lyon, sister of Old Time fiddler Tommy Jarrell, lights up this gem of a film as she spins tales of her Appalachian childhood in North Carolina – and her first romance.

Yum, Yum, Yum! A Taste of the Cajun and Creole Cooking of Louisiana

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:48:19 +0000

Les Blank marries his passion for spicy, down home food and his love for Cajuns and Creoles in this mouth-watering, exploration of the cooking, and other enthusiasms, of French-speaking Louisiana. Features tangy music, and food by Marc Savoy, Paul Prudhomme, and other greats.

Gap-Toothed Women

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:47:59 +0000

A charming valentine to women born with a space between their teeth, ranging from lighthearted whimsy to a deeper look at issues like self-esteem and societal attitudes toward standards of beauty. Interviews were conducted with over one hundred women, including model Lauren Hutton and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

In Heaven There Is No Beer?

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:23:32 +0000

A joyous romp through the dance, food, music, friendship, and even religion of the Polka. The explosive energy and high spirits of the polka subculture are rendered with warmth and dedication to scholarship in this journey through Polish-American celebrations. Polka stars like Jimmy Sturr, Eddie Blazonzyck and Walt Solek are featured.

Sprout Wings and Fly

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:23:24 +0000

Set in the North Carolina Appalachians, Sprout Wings and Fly honors the fiddle playing of 82-year-old Tommy Jarrell of Toast, NC. Tommy was quirky, gregarious and generous, and this film shows him at his best, in fine fiddling form.