On March 20, production starts on Live at the Agora, a feature length documentary film about the famous concert venue. Henry “Hank” LoConti founded the Agora Ballroom back in 1966. Bruce Springsteen, the Cars, Todd Rundgren, U2, the Police, Rush, Peter Frampton and Ted Nugent are among those who have played at the venue and gone on to incredible fame. Directed by Kevin Kerwin, the movie will feature interviews with Todd Rundgren, Eddie Money, Southside Johnny, Ian Hunter, Richard Patrick, Pat McGee and more. “I came up with this project when I was working with Hank on something else,” says executive producer Jay Boland. “I wanted it to be out for next year's 50th anniversary. We’ve identified some film festivals where we’d like to debut.”
The filmmakers have also reached out to prog rockers Rush about an interview. “My pitch to the artists is that we would love to film the artists into Cleveland, but we might have to go out of town,” Boland says. “We want to film as much as we can in Ohio. It's a Cleveland production. If Springsteen says we need to come to New York, we’ll be there.” The filmmakers are working with the Western Reserve Historical Society to access Agora-related materials in its archives. “There’s a huge collection of audio recordings. [LoConti] saved everything — old contracts and photos. Most of that hasn’t been released. We have some material that hasn’t been used. The Agora was known for filming live concerts and then having a TV program that was syndicated in 340 different markets and 46 or 47 different states.”
As it’s put in a press release, the film is “part-autobiography, part rock ‘n’ roll moment in time, part historical document and part family love story.” It’s the first feature length film for Boland. The production is currently looking for corporate sponsors to help complete the budgetary needs. Go to facebook.com/LiveAtTheAgoraMovie for more info.
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