Luther: Never Too Much

Date: Saturday, September 21st

Venue: Brower Park

Address: Prospect Place, Brooklyn, NY 11213

7 PM: Lawn Opens

8:30 PM: Film Begins

10 PM: Filmmaker Q&A

THE FILM

Luther: Never Too Much

Dawn Porter | US |100 mins

Luther Vandross always thought he would be a star. The film “Luther: Never Too Much” explores the formative years of Luther’s musical career, back to the epicenter of black culture, Harlem’s very own Apollo Theater. Luther was inspired by female iconic vocalists such as Dionne Warwick. Of her concert at the Brooklyn Fox Theater, he said “She came on stage and just killed me; the music was more serious, the song value was more serious.” His big break comes during a studio session with David Bowie, where he would go on to sing background vocals and arrange Bowie’s iconic Young Americans album. Love is joyous for Luther as in Never Too Much; it is pure, as in the duet with Mariah Carey in Endless Love and Dionne Warwick. For Luther love is harmony, and perhaps most exquisitely and painfully (for what is the dark side of love but pain?) If only for one night – who hasn’t made this Faustian bargain? Willing to live a life of loneliness for one perfect night with one true love. We explore his process of creation, an exacting style that culminated in the most exquisite compositions. A portrait of a master emerges. He would control what he could as best he could. His weight, his craft, his love of family and close friends. If romantic love eluded Luther, he made up for it in other ways. Luther is a man of passion, a man who delighted in beauty and luxury. The film explores the incredible investment the artist put into his musical presentation, only to be met with frustration from being pigeonholed as an “R&B” artist, struggles to crossover, and battles with the record industry. Vandross suffered a sudden stroke and passed away at the age of 51. The final chapters of Luther’s life are celebrated by the memories of his cherished friends, family, collaborators. Presented in partnership with New York City Council Member Chi Ossé.

.........................................

RSVP DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY. SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.

IN THE EVENT OF RAIN, SHOW WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT THE SAME LOCATION. NO ALCOHOL IS PERMITTED.

.........................................

FAQs

How will it work?

RSVP is encouraged but not required for entry. Seating is first come, first served.

Do I need to bring a chair?

Chairs will not be provided at this show. You are welcome to bring your own lawn chair or blanket for seating.

Can I bring food and drinks?

No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Feel free to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages!

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Rooftop Films are open to all ages.

How accessible is this venue?

This venue is accessible to all. If you have any concerns, please email us at [email protected] or call at 718-417-7362 for more information.

Host or Publisher Rooftop Films