Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., in association with Evan Saxon Productions, is launching a theatrical run of the film Jimi Plays Berkeley. The film features footage from the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s two concerts at the Berkeley Community Theatre on May 30, 1970, as well as anti-war student riots which had roiled the city and campus community two weeks prior to Hendrix’s performance. |
The first dates in this new roll out will be at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood in Berkeley on November 14 and 17, followed by screenings in Sebastopol, Cape Cod, London, Cleveland, Santa Fe, and Salina, KS with more dates and venues to be announced. Screenings will also come to Hungary, Israel, Belgium and Canada, with additional countries coming on board. As part of the grand opening of the Jimi Hendrix: West Coast Seattle Boy exhibition at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in the music legend’s hometown of Seattle, Jimi Plays Berkeley will screen on November 21, followed by a Q&A with producer/Experience Hendrix CEO Janie Hendrix.
Watch the trailer for Jimi Plays Berkeley
This special, expanded edition of the 1971 film Jimi Plays Berkeley showcases some of Jimi’s finest ever performances juxtaposed against the political unrest and student uprisings in Berkeley. Hendrix’s set list not only encompassed older favorites such as “Purple Haze” and “I Don’t Live Today,” but also exciting renditions of new songs such as “Straight Ahead” and “Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)”. Jimi’s riveting, high velocity take of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” stands as one of the hallmark moments of his career, as does his breathtaking, extended reading of “Hear My Train A Comin’”.
This expanded edition was first released in 2012 on DVD/Blu-ray, but it has been newly restored this year with a 4K transfer from the original 16mm negative. Initially released theatrically in mono, Hendrix’s engineer Eddie Kramer newly mixed the soundtrack in stereo. More than fifteen minutes of additional documentary and performance footage never before shown in cinemas of such classic songs as “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” “Machine Gun” and “Hear My Train A Comin’” are now included in this special theatrical presentation.
“Jimi’s performances were never simply concerts; they were experiences,” said Janie Hendrix. “His music, his energy, and the way he connected with an audience were extraordinary. More than 56 years later, that magic is still there. I’m happy that longtime fans and a whole new generation will have the opportunity to experience Jimi on the big screen.”
As a bonus, screened together with Jimi Plays Berkeley is the 25 minute short film Jimi Hendrix: Miami Pop Festival. This film, directed by John McDermott, showcases the original Jimi Hendrix Experience at the May 1968 pop festival organized by future Woodstock promoter Michael Lang. The film features an interview with Lang together with dramatic performances by Hendrix that include “Fire,” “Foxey Lady,” “Purple Haze” and the only known footage of the guitarist’s rendition of “Tax Free.”
This is Evan Saxon Productions’ fifth collaboration with Experience Hendrix. ESP has also overseen the recent global theatrical distribution for Jack Johnson: Surfilmusic, Matter of Time featuring Eddie Vedder, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, and many other music-centric films. Evan Saxon commented, “Decades on, Jimi continues to inspire and drive fans to cinemas around the world so they can ‘experience’ him on the biggest screens, where Jimi Hendrix belongs. It is an honor to once again collaborate with Experience Hendrix.”
In conjunction with Jimi Plays Berkeley, Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, have released Magic Boy: The Jimi Hendrix Experience Live At Berkeley (First Show) on 2LP vinyl, CD and all streaming platforms. Captured by the band’s front-of-house engineer Abe Jacob and newly remixed by longtime Hendrix producer/engineer Eddie Kramer from the original multi-track tapes, Magic Boy was mastered by multiple-Grammy Award winner Bernie Grundman. It was co-produced by Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer and John McDermott.
Jimi Plays Berkeley theatrical dates:
November 14th & 17th - Berkeley, CA - Rialto Cinemas Elmwood*
November 16th - Sebastopol, CA - Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol*
November 19th - Dennis, MA - Cape Cinema*
November 21st - Seattle, WA - Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)+
November 26th - London, UK - The Gate Picturehouse Notting Hill#
November 29th & Dec 1st - Cleveland Heights, OH - Cedar Lee Theatre*
January 1st - Fall River, MA - Narrow Center for the Arts*
January 17th - Santa Fe, NM - Sky Cinemas Midtown*
February 16th - Salina, KS - Salina Art Center*
* - Includes screening of the short film The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Miami Pop Festival
+ - Grand opening of Jimi Hendrix: West Coast Seattle Boy exhibition, Q&A with Janie Hendrix
Showtimes and tickets for Jimi Plays Berkeley available at:
https://jimiplaysberkeley.com/
And MORE Jimi news ...
November 09, 2026: Washington Governor Ferguson chooses Jimi Hendrix for Washington’s U.S. Mint Innovation Coin
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson today announced he has chosen Jimi Hendrix as Washington’s submission to the U.S. Mint American Innovation $1 Coin Program.
The program, first launched by the Mint in 2019, honors innovation and innovators from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories by issuing four new $1 coins every year through 2032. Washington state is set for a 2029 release.
Governor Ferguson designated Washington Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti as the state’s official liaison to the U.S. Mint. Pellicciotti assembled an Innovation Coin Advisory Committee of state leaders in history and innovation to review public submissions, generate additional ideas, collaborate on concepts and formalize the state’s submission to the Mint. The committee unanimously approved five finalists for Governor Ferguson to choose from.
“Washington is one of the most innovative states in the nation,” Governor Ferguson said. “The finalists were all strong examples of this. The Innovation Coin program is a unique opportunity to honor our history and share Washington’s story. Picking just one example from the most innovative state in the nation was difficult, but Jimi Hendrix’s historic innovation on guitar and his deep roots in Washington make him a great choice to represent our state.”
Born in Seattle in 1942, Jimi Hendrix revolutionized electric guitar. He attended Horace Mann Elementary School, Washington Junior High and Garfield High School. His first musical gig was in Seattle. Hendrix was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 along with his band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
In 2023, Rolling Stone named Hendrix the greatest guitarist of all time, calling him “a true master of the instrument.” Hendrix was listed above iconic guitarists like Chuck Berry, Jeff Beck, B.B. King, Carlos Santana and others.
“Everyone was using tiny brushes and doing watercolors, while Jimi Hendrix was painting galactic scenes in Cinemascope,” Santana is credited with saying.
In its summary of his relatively short performing career before he died in 1970, Rolling Stone focused on his innovation and influence on music and culture.
“He popularized the use of feedback, invented his own fusion of blues and psychedelia, and influenced the development of rock, metal, funk, and much more,” Rolling Stone noted. “In an era when music was still largely racially segregated, the emergence of Hendrix — a Black artist who left white crowds gaping in awe — was a seismic event that obliterated cultural barriers.”
The next phase will include design development, consultation with the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and public review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. The final design selection will be made by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
I don't know about the rest of you, but dollar for dollar, I would MUCH rather have a Jimi Hendrix coin in my collection than a Donald Trump coin! (kk)
Todd Rundgren Announces Spring 2027 Tour Dates
Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is expanding his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour into 2027 with a major slate of newly added dates! This new leg of the tour includes new locations across the United States!
This tour promises to include plenty of fan favorite songs. Says Todd, “It’s always a challenge for me because my audience is so diverse, I never know what they’re in the mood for. I want to make sure we have all the musical ammunition we need to satisfy the spectrum.”
This new leg commences March 20th at The Plaza Live in Orlando, FL, and ends April 19th at The Ryman in Nashville, TN! The fan presale for the new dates begins at 10 AM ET on November 11th [PW: VICTORY26]. Local presales begin at 10 AM local time on November 12th, and tickets go on sale for the public at 10 AM local time on November 13th.
Todd’s band for the Damned If I Do tour features Gil Assayas (Keys), Bruce McDaniel (Guitar), Prairie Prince (Drums), Bobby Strickland (Horns), and Kasim Sulton (Bass).
TODD RUNDGREN “DAMNED IF I DO” TOUR
November 10, 2026 – Denver, CO –
Paramount Theatre
November 12, 2026 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre
November 13, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – ZOUK
November 15, 2026 – Boise, ID – Egyptian Theatre
November 16, 2026 – Spokane, WA – Bing Crosby Theater
November 18, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
November 19, 2026 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
November 21, 2026 – Salt Lake City, UT – Capitol Theatre
March 20, 2027 – Orlando, FL –
The Plaza Live
March 22, 2027 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
March 24, 2027 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head On Stage
March 25, 2027 – New Haven, CT – Shubert Theater
March 27, 2027 – Bensalem, PA – Parx Casino
March 30-31, 2027 – New York, NY – NYC City Winery (Two Shows)
April 2, 2027 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
April 3, 2027 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater
April 5, 2027 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur
April 7, 2027 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount
April 8, 2027 – Easton, PA – State Theater Center for the Arts
April 10, 2027 – Kent, OH – The Kent Stage
April 11, 2027 – Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre
April 13, 2027 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
April 14, 2027 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
April 16, 2027 – Memphis, TN – Graceland Soundstage
April 18, 2027 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre
April 19, 2027 – Nashville, TN – The Ryman
TODD RUNDGREN
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rundgren began playing guitar as a teenager, going on to found and front The Nazz, the quintessential `60's psychedelic group. In 1969, he left the band to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, the legendary Runt. But it was 1972's seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight, prompting the press to unanimously dub him 'Rock's New Wunderkind'. It was followed by such landmark LPs as The Hermit of Mink Hollow and the above mentioned A Wizard, A True Star, as well as such hit singles as I Saw The Light, Hello It's Me, Can We Still Be Friends, and Bang The Drum.
In 1974, Todd formed Todd Rundgren’s Utopia (renamed and reconfigured in 1976 as Utopia), an entirely new approach to the concept of interactive musicianship, and embarked on an extensive round of touring and recording. Standout Utopia offerings included Oops! Wrong Planet, Adventures in Utopia, and Oblivion. Along the way, Todd Rundgren’s Utopia combined technical virtuosity and creative passion to create music that initially, for millions, defined the term "progressive rock”, and subsequently, as Utopia, the term “powerpop”.
Rundgren's myriad production projects include albums by Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, Meat Loaf, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, and Hall And Oates. Rounding out his reputation as rock's Renaissance Man, Rundgren composed all the music and lyrics for Joe Papp's 1989 Off-Broadway production of Joe Orton's Up Against It (the screenplay commissioned by The Beatles for what was meant to have been their third motion picture). He also has composed the music for the hit film Dumb and Dumber, as well as a number of television series, including Pee Wee’s Playhouse and Crime Story.
In 2009 Rundgren performed his iconic 1973 album A Wizard A True Star in concert in its entirety for the first time ever, and several years later did the same with a double bill: Todd & Healing. He has toured with Ringo Starr as an erstwhile member of the All-Starr Band since 1989, and continues to perform with symphony orchestras both domestically and internationally. In 2018 he toured North America with original Utopians Kasim Sulton and Willie Wilcox for the first time in 33 years. After the release of his long-awaited autobiography The Individualist, he spearheaded the world’s first hybrid concert/book tour highlighting music across his 50-plus-year career.
In 2017 on successive weekends he was awarded honorary doctorates from both the Berklee School of Music and DePauw University.
In 1998 Todd debuted his new PatroNet technology which for the first time allowed fans of a musical artist to subscribe directly to the artist’s musical output via the Internet. This caps a long history of groundbreaking early multimedia "firsts", including:
•1978: The first
interactive television concert, broadcast live over the Warner/QUBE system in
Columbus, Ohio (the home audience chose each song in real time during the
concert by voting via QUBE’s 2-way operating system).
•1978: The first live nationally broadcast stereo radio rock concert (by
microwave), linking 40 cities around the country.
•1979: The opening of Utopia Video Studios, a multi-million dollar
state-of-the-art facility. The first project produced by Todd there is Gustav
Holst’s The Planets, commissioned by RCA Selecta Vision as the first
demonstration software for their new videodisc format.
•1980: Creation of the first color graphics tablet, which was licensed to Apple
and commercially released as The Utopia Graphics Tablet.
•1981: Time Heals, the first music video to utilize state-of-the-art
compositing of live action and computer graphics (produced and directed by
Todd), becomes the eighth video to be played during the launch of MTV on August
1, 1981.
•1982: The first live national cablecast of a rock concert (on the USA
Network), simulcast in stereo to over 120 radio stations.
•1982: The first two commercially released music videos, one of which was
nominated for the first-ever Grammy awarded for “Best Short Form Video” in
1983.
•1992: The first commercially available music downloads via CompuServe.
•1993: The release of “No World Order”, the world’s first interactive record
album on CD-i.
•1994: The release of “The Individualist”, the world’s first full-length
Enhanced CD.
•1994: The world’s first interactive concert tour.
•1998: Launches PatroNet, the world’s first direct artist subscription service
-- predicts that someday "music will be sold by the pound".
•2016: The production of the world's first full length concert shot with
multiple Virtual Reality 360º cameras.
•2021: Spearheaded the “Clearly Human” virtual concert tour, featuring 25
live-streamed performances geo-fenced and tailored to a different US city each
night.
