"Carlo, Keep Swingin' " - A Documentary about the Birthplace of German Jazz with live music by The Thomas Gunther Trio

Although today it is mainly known for its airport and as a center of international finance, Frankfurt am Main can also be called the birthplace of German Jazz.

In 1952, with much of the city still in ruins, the jazz trumpeter Carlo Bohländer founded the "Domicile du Jazz," later renamed the "Jazzkeller," which became a legendary underground club and central destination for world-famous jazz musicians. Frequented by both European and American musicians, the Jazzkeller built bridges across the Atlantic and helped to strengthen the relationship between Germany and the U.S. after the war.

In this colorful documentary, German filmmaker Elizabeth Ok explores the strong desire for a cultural renewal in early post-war Germany. Through interviews with musicians, witnesses and companions, she brings to life the extraordinary personality of the "father of jazz," Carlo Bohländer, and shows the complicated and moving love story between him and his American wife Anita, herself a jazz singer who came to Germany from Harlem in 1964 and still lives in Frankfurt today.

The director will be in attendance and available for Q&A and discussion with the audience after the screening. In addition, the evening will feature live music by the Thomas Gunther Trio from Chicago.

Free Admission
Drinks & Snacks available for purchase

Please register if you would like to attend this event.

Free parking in the MB Financial Bank lot after 6 pm.
(Entrance on Western and Gunnison)