Film examines life of music pioneer

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — When thinking about country music, one often thinks of the American South with hot spots such as Nashville and Memphis. A new documentary, entitled “The Eventful Life of Al Hawkes,” hopes to change that perspective by showcasing the life and work of pioneer music producer, musician and Mainer Al Hawkes. A free showing of the film will be held at The Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library on Saturday, July 17, at 5:30 p.m.      The film describes Hawkes’ life-long relationship with country music, from stringing antennae wire as a boy as a means to catch Southern radio stations to forming his own pirate radio station as a teenager to starting Westbrook-based Event Records in 1956. Event Records would go on to produce records by several Maine musicians, including Hal Lone Pine and Betty Cote, guitar legend Lenny Breau and Fort Fairfield’s “Baron of Country Music,” Dick Curless. Through this relationship between local musicians and the local independent record label, Maine began to form its own identity in the world of country and rockabilly music.
Hawkes has also made a name for himself as an influential bluegrass musician, earning over 25 state, regional and national awards. Today, he continues to tour and make public appearances, including several festival performances in Maine this summer. In addition, he continues to work diligently through the process of digitizing his collected recordings and film performances for future preservation and distribution.
The film is currently touring around the country, with showings at the Maine International Film Festival and the American Folklore Society annual meeting in Nashville. The July 17  showing provides a special opportunity for one of the film’s directors, Timothy Findlen, to travel home to Aroostook County and share the film with friends and family. Findlen, a native of Fort Fairfield, will be on hand after the showing to answer questions and discuss working with Hawkes.
The Mark and Emily Turner Memorial library provides access to a collection of nearly 60,000 items, including books, DVDs, magazines and audio resources. The library also provides regular art shows, book discussions and film events to patrons free of charge. For more information on the “The Eventful Life of Al Hawkes” film showing and other library events, please contact Dianna Leighton at 764-2571.