Gorge on Movies, Music at CIMM Fest

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 3, 2010 4:40PM

The Chicago International Movies and Music Festival is back for its second year, damn near bursting at the seams with visual/aural goodies. Unfurling March 4 - 7 at venues ranging from Schubas and Lincoln Hall to the ethereal interior of St. Paul's Cultural Center, there's something for everyone.

And we really do mean everyone. There are documentaries on dub godfather Lee "Scratch" Perry, Paul Stanley of KISS, electronic music pioneer Jean-Jacques Perrey, Patti Smith Group, Mogwai, the most perfectly preserved Stradivarius violin, System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian, and Tom Zé. Into hip-hop? West Coast Theory. Rural hip-hop? Where You From. You can check out the full lineup here.

Some of the special events are still being finalized but already there are two that stand out. Robyn Hitchcock will be performing live at Schubas in conjunction with the Chicago premiere of his concert film Robyn Hitchcock: I Often Dream of Trains. And for the festival's closing night, provocateur DJ Spooky will do a live remix of the classic soul documentary Wattstax.

In these cash-strapped times, the CIMM Festival Pass is probably one of the best entertainment bargains around. For a measly $30 you get admission to any and all of the more than 30 music/movie events scheduled. But hurry up, because the pass will only be available for a limited time.