Caffe Lena to Host Special Music Documentary Screening

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Caffè Lena will host the 45th anniversary screening of “Gospel,” a landmark concert documentary directed by Fred Ritzenberg and featuring music recorded and mixed by 7-time Grammy winner Joel Moss, co-producer of Lena’s Jazz series.

Originally released in 1980, “Gospel” captures traditional gospel music at its height. The film features performances by five of the 20th century’s most notable gospel acts: James Cleveland & His Choir, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Twinkie Clark & The Clark Sisters, Rev. Shirley Caesar, and Edwin Hawkins & The Hawkins Family.

After the screening, there will be a live Q&A with Ritzenberg and music producer Moss. The duo will share stories behind the film and reflect on its legacy 45 years later. (In a convenient coincidence, Ritzenberg’s brother is a decades-long resident of Saratoga Springs.)

“I know I’ve got a reputation as the ‘king of superlatives’, but this is one of the best concert films ever,” Moss wrote in an email.

The screening and Q&A will take place at Caffe Lena on Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. Ticket proceeds will be donated to support Lena’s programming.