Last week was the anniversary of the start of the documentary project! In January, 2024, after pestering Organ Grinder co-founder Dennis Hedberg for months about doing an interview, I met with him at his home, and convinced him to share his story with the world.
Our initial schedule was thwarted by January’s big ice storm, but once things got rolling, Dennis had a lot to say. In fact, I’ve now interviewed Dennis three separate times!
Since then, I’ve been working full-time on this project, and it’s taken me on an amazing journey of discovery. Every new person I meet and interview brings forth new, amazing stories, and more leads to chase.
As of today, principal photography is roughly 2/3 complete, with the majority of founder/builder/performer interviews which can be conducted in Oregon and Washington completed. (Most fan/patron interviews are yet to be conducted.)
There have been 32 shoots at 28 locations with 22 interviewees, generating over 40 hours of footage, with over a thousand scanned photos, news clippings, and documents. Not to mention dozens of contributed home videos, hours of digitized music, and five restored films. The interviews so far represent people in three states, and two countries, with a remote interview from a third country planned soon!
However, in order to get the project across the finish line, I need your help! Please read this article about the current state of crowdfunding for the film, and finding a way forward.
You can help support the project by purchasing from the Crowdfunding Shop.
