Bayou Maharajah

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Director Lily Keber in person for Q&A!

BAYOU MAHARAJAH explores the life, times and music of piano legend James Booker, who Dr. John described as “the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.”

This roller coaster portrait traces Booker’s life from his early years as a chart-topping child prodigy, to his star- studded years touring and playing as a sideman, through his outrageous solo career in America and Europe. First-person narrators lead the viewer through Booker’s unbelievable onstage performances, occasionally in his underwear, dishing out drug-fueled conspiracy theories. Featuring interviews with the likes of Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint, together with a generous helping of archival footage, the film brings to life the unforgettable story of this amazing musician.

Q&A moderated by journalist Brian Pace, a longtime contributor to numerous TV and radio stations.

Photo credit: Anton Corbijn

Screening as part of the Blue Note Jazz Festival.

  • Country USA
  • Running Time 98 minutes
  • Director Lily Keber

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.