Afro-punk: The Rock n Roll Nigger Experience

This long-time-in-the-making documentary finally sees the light of day in our city this week with two screenings arranged by KPFT's Rad Richard. James Spooner's 75-minute film details the lives of four young black Americans currently involved in and contributing to rock music. Spooner, 27, drove across the country with a video camera and compiled 90 interviews and spliced them together with a focus on famous and semifamous bands such as Bad Brains, Fishbone and Orange 9MM. The result deals with the loneliness and ostracism that is often the black rocker's lot. While it remains to be seen if Spooner's film will become the documentary on black punk rock or possibly even black rock, it is nevertheless a vital step in the interest of continued integration in rock music. Additionally, the late Matt Davis of Ten Grand is one of the four protagonists in the story, and the film serves as a fitting eulogy to his life and work. Chris Kendricks, ex-lead singer of Houston bands the Suspects and Tread, will speak after the screening, and proceeds will benefit Anarchist People of Color. (Screenings at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., Helios, 411 Westheimer, 713-526-4648.)