O Brother, Where Art Thou?: Music of the Depression Era

Overview

George Clooney wandering around the Deep South. John Goodman as a one-eyed salesman. Jailbreak comedy based on the ancient epic poem The Odyssey. Yes, O Brother, Where Art Thou? really does have everything. The Coen brothers’ movie also boasts a killer soundtrack of bluegrass, gospel, country and folk tunes that won the 2002 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. You read that correctly: it is one of only three film soundtracks to ever win the most prestigious prize in the industry.

It is little wonder that The New Globe Theatre is paying tribute to the movie, the music and the time both depict, albeit for one night only. Songs such as 'I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow' will undoubtedly feature; however, The Soggy Bottom Boys’ hit is just a starting point for a celebration of the sounds of the Depression era.

Local artists Tuxedo Kitten, Dirt Hand, Dusty Stockroute, Emily Massingham and Henry James have been given the task of doing O Brother, Where Art Thou?’s soundtrack justice, while also exploring other tunes from the 1930s that you might not be as familiar with. Expect banjos, harmonies and harmonicas — and maybe a good ol’ fashioned hoedown too.