Janis Joplin & The Grateful Dead on the Festival Express

“FESTIVAL EXPRESS” is a rousing record of a little-known but monumental moment in rock n’ roll history, starring such music legends as Janis Joplin, The Band, and the Grateful Dead. Set in 1970 — and consisting largely of footage that hasn’t been seen anywhere since — it chronicles the eponymous event, which followed on the heels of Woodstock. Like its predecessor, it was a multi-band, multi-day extravaganza that captured the spirit and imagination of a generation and a nation. What made it unique was that it was portable: for five days, the bands and performers lived, slept, rehearsed, and did countless unmentionable things aboard a customized train that traveled over 2,000 miles from Toronto, to Winnipeg, and Calgary with each stop culminating in a mega-concert.

The site, WWW.FESTIVALEXPRESS.COM, features some of the “never-before-seen footage” from the film, which will open in theaters across the country in July. In addition to providing exclusive clips, theatrical trailer, and release information, the site sheds light on the film’s amazing 35-year journey from the summer of 1970, when it was first shot, to its big screen debut this summer.

The entire experience, both off-stage and on, was filmed (by future Oscar-winner Peter Biziou and Bob Fiore) with the extensive footage remaining locked away — until now. “FESTIVAL EXPRESS” had its World Premiere at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, and has played the North America festival circuit ever since. The film recently won the Best Documentary Prize at Maui Film Festival. Early critical response to the film has been sensational.

The Theatrical Premiere, with members of the Grateful Dead in attendance, is scheduled for July 12th in San Francisco. The film opens in theaters in San Francisco on July 23rd, NY & LA on July 30th, followed by a national expansion through the summer and into the fall.