Join us on Sunday, May 31 at the Rio Theatre for a screening of the iconic 1984 hip hop classic BEAT STREET.
BEAT STREET helped introduce hip hop culture to the world at a time when it was still a local movement centered in the Bronx, showcasing the four core elements DJing, MCing, breakdancing, and graffiti through real pioneers and crews like Rock Steady Crew and artists such as Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Melle Mel. The film gave international audiences a vivid look into 1980s New York street culture, inspiring generations of kids around the world to start rapping, breaking, DJing, and painting graffiti in their own communities, while also preserving an important snapshot of early hip hop history before it became fully commercialized.
At the forefront of early hip-hop culture, DJ Kenny Kirkland, his B-boy brother, Lee, and graffiti artist Ramon all have hopes of showcasing their talents outside the confines of South Bronx, N.Y. When Tracy Carlson, a composer and choreographer, runs into Kirkland and Lee at one of Manhattan’s hottest nightclubs, she offers Lee an opportunity to perform on TV. However, the crew has a long way to go before achieving their dreams. With Rae Dawn Chong, Robert Taylor, Guy Davis, Jon Chardiet.
“Holds up pretty well as one of the few hip hop musicals and a neat time capsule when hip hop was growing and still on the fringes of the mainstream.” (Cinema Crazed)
Presented in partnership with ICON Hip Hop, a local grass roots community focused on promoting cypher culture and unifying the elements hip hop through direct community engagement.
Sunday, May 31
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm
*Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets
HERE
BEAT STREET (Stan Lathan, 1984 / 101 mins / PG) Urban ghetto kids from the South Bronx find creative outlets in painting graffiti, breakdancing, rapping and developing new disco D.J. routines.
*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s box office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds, exchanges or transfers.
