Pocket Full of Soul: Harmonica Documentary Comes to Connecticut Feb. 28

Several years in the making, Pocket Full of Soul: The Harmonica Documentary comes to New Haven and select cities across the United States for a one night screening on Thursday, February 28. 

Locally, the film will be shown at Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas, 86 Temple Street, New Haven at 7:30 p.m.  

Following the movie, Connecticut blues harp musician Mark Zaretsky of The Cobalt Rhythm Kings will offer a FREE harmonica lesson and jam with movie goers. Harmonicas will be available at the theater for $2, FREE with student ID. Everyone will leave the theater with a tune on their lips and a bounce in their step!

Tickets to the movie cost $12 and must be reserved in advance online via Tugg, an innovative web based platform that invites the public to bring the movies of their choice to local theaters. Consumers request a specific film and theater, then spread word of the event throughout the community. If a sufficient number of people commit to attending and reserve tickets, then the event proceeds. Credit cards are only charged if the ticket threshold is reached and the movie is a “go”. For Pocket Full of Soul, that threshold must be reached by February 21. 

Tickets to the February 28 New Haven screening of Pocket Full of Soul are available by clicking here.  

With Huey Lewis as narrator, Pocket Full of Soul travels the world to explore the history, versatility and cultural impact of the harmonica. Through interviews, stories and stirring performances by master players including James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, John Popper, Magic Dick, Lee Oskar, Delbert McClinton, Kim Wilson, Jason Ricci, Taylor Hicks and many, many more, this independent documentary illustrates the powerful and soulful connection between the musician and instrument.

This is no sleepy, pedantic film. This is a story about passion and intensity, and the music that players breathe through the harp. Through quick cut performance clips and dialogue, the movie explores the bond between player and instrument, and the use of harmonica across music genres. "We're trying to represent the universe that this instrument inhabits”, says director Marc Lempert. There are interviews with the pros, but conversations with common folk as well, including the adventurer who carries his harmonica with him deep into the wilderness. Humorous and quirky details are injected throughout the film. Did you know that Chantal tea kettles replace the whistle with a harmonica?

Anyone can play a harmonica, they say. Film director Marc Lempert insists, “If you can breathe, you can play.” It is the simple mechanics of breathing in and breathing out that make the instrument work, but make no mistake, when the masters play the harmonica, it will take your breath away.