newportFILM & Newport Folk Festival to Host Screening of MUSICWOOD , Aug. 9 & 23

Helpman Productions announced today that their film MUSICWOOD, will screen at music festivals across the nation in advance of the film's theatrical release. The tour kicks off at Bonnaroo on June 15 before traveling to Wilco's Solid Sound Festival and newportFILM in conjunction with Newport Folk Festival, with additional dates to be added. MUSICWOOD opens in Portland, OR on August 9 and Juneau, AL on August 23. Additional theatrical runs in New York City, Washington DC and other cities will be announced soon, in addition to digital distribution.

MUSICWOOD, directed and produced by Maxine Trump, is an adventure-filled journey and political thriller with music at its heart. The film follows a group of the most famous guitarmakers in the world - Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars, Chris Martin of Martin Guitars and Dave Berryman of Gibson Guitars - as they venture into the remote Alaskan rainforest on a mission to protect the Sitka Spruce tree. Essential for the creation of high-quality acoustic guitars, oldgrowth Sitka Spruce are disappearing at an alarming rate for acoustic guitars as Native American loggers are clear-cutting enormous strips of the Tongass National Forest.

Set against the breathtaking beauty of Southeast Alaska and with a soundtrack featuring acoustic virtuosos including Yo La Tengo, Kaki King, Steve Earle, The Antlers and more, MUSICWOOD reveals a Culture Clash of staggering proportions. The film captures Native American loggers, corporate CEOs and the radical environmental group Greenpeace, as they battle over one the world's last pristine rainforests. The result is a complex, heartbreaking and sometimes humorous battle over natural resources in which the future of the acoustic guitar hangs in the balance.

There will be a screening of the film on Saturday, July 27 at Casino Theater in Newport, RI. There will be cocktails before the screening at 7 p.m. and the film will begin at 8 p.m. Producer/Director Maxine Trump & Nick Colesanti from Martin Guitars will host a post-film Q&A. Tickets will be $15. Bike Newport will provide a free bike valet. This event is presented by Horan Building Company in partnership with Newport Folk Festival

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best New Musical - Top 3

1. The Lost Boys

39.4% of votes

2. Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

26% of votes

3. Schmigadoon!

21.8% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats