Cyndi Lauper, Paul McCartney And Carlos Santana Among Tribeca Film Festival’s Music Highlights

It’s that time of the year again in New York City: the Tribeca Film Festival returns starting this Wednesday Aside from the exciting crop of new works, this year’s events will have a slate of notable music-related documentaries and live events and performances—including appearances by Paul McCartney, John Mellencamp and Diplo. There’s a lot to sift through the festival’s 2023 schedule, so here’s a partial list of music-centric events to check out (Click on the title of the works and events for screening information).

Documentaries

All Up in the Biz

Director: Sacha Jenkins

June 17 and 18

Sacha Jenkins’ latest project focuses on the beloved New York City hip-hop legend Biz Markie (of “Just Friends” fame), who sadly died in 2021. Featuring a cast that includes Biz himself, Tracy Morgan, Big Daddy Kane, Nick Cannon, Doug E Fresh and more.

Milli Vanilli

Director: Luke Korem

June 10, 11 and 15

This doc highlights one of the biggest scandals in music industry history surrounding the ’80s pop duo Milli Vanilli – Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan— who, as it turned out, didn’t sing on their smash hits like “Girl You Know It’s True” and “Blame It on the Rain.” Among the participants in the film include Morvan himself.

Ron Delsener Presents

Director: Jake Sumner

June 11, 12 and 18

For decades, Ron Delsener was one of the preeminent and influential concert promoters—you probably heard his name mentioned in commercials and posters advertising whichever rock star was slated to perform in the New York City area. Jake Sumner’s latest film spotlights Delsener, who is in 80s, and his work in the music business.

Uncharted

Director: Beth Aala

June 10, 11 and 13

A look at singer-songwriter Alicia Keys’ She Is the Music songwriting camp that also explores the lack of access and opportunities for young women of color in the music business; Keys herself is among the camp’s professional mentors.

Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive

Director: Betsy Schechter

June 9, 10 and 17

A profile of the singer best known for her iconic late 1970s disco anthem “I Will Survive,” which not only highlights her life and career but also recounts her struggles amid health and mismanagement by her former husband.

It’s Only Life After All

Director: Alexandria Bombach

June 14, 15 and 17

Alexandria Bombach’s work examines the 35-year career of the Indio Girls—Amy Ray and Emily Saliers—known for their critically acclaimed folk-rock music and their advocacy for LGBTQ+ and Indigenous rights.

Let the Canary Sing

Director: Alison Ellwood

June 14, 16 and 18

After helming the successful The Go-Go’s documentary from 2020, Alison Ellwood’s latest project spotlights another pioneering female pop act: the legendary Cyndi Lauper, one of the dominant stars from the ’80s who continues to be both a beloved musical presence and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community,

Carlos

Director: Rudy Valdez

June 17 and 18

In a career now spanning seven decades, the legendary guitarist Carlos Santana—who is synonymous with passionate and spiritual rock music as well as hit albums like Abraxas and Supernatural via his namesake band—is the subject of this new doc by Rudy Valdez.

Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall

Director: Ben DiGiacomo and Dutty Vannier

June 8, 9 and 15

This new documentary examines the rise of dancehall in New York City, featuring stars from the genre like Sean Paul and Shaggy.

Retrospective

Wild Style

Director: Charlie Ahearn

June 10

Charlie Ahearn’s classic hip-hop movie from 1983 immediately conjures images of a then-still gritty New York City teeming with graffiti on subways and breakers; it starred Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, Fab 5 Freddy, Patti Astor, Andrew Witten, Busy Bee, and Grand Wizzard Theodore. Following the retrospective screening, Ahearn and some of the cast members from the film will take part in a panel discussion.

2023 Tribeca Festival Storytellers

John Mellencamp in Conversation with David Letterman

June 8

A talk between Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp and legendary TV host David Letterman—both of whom hail from Indiana, by the way.

Gov Ball x Tribeca Presents: Diplo

June 10

In town for the Governors Ball, for which he is one of the headliners, DJ and producer Diplo will participate in the festival’s Storytellers program.

Chance the Rapper

June 14

The Grammy-award-winning recording artist appears in conversation with Thelma Golden.

Paul McCartney in Conversation with Conan O’Brien for a podcast recording of ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend’

June 15

The legendary rocker will discuss his latest photo book 1964: Eyes of the Storm, featuring images taken by him during the Beatlemania era and unearthed from his archives.

For more information and a complete listing of all of this year’s Tribeca Film Festival screenings and events, click here.