‘Miss Sharon Jones!’

Tampa – WMNF Community Radio will premiere the new movie, Miss Sharon Jones! Wednesday, Aug. 24  at the Tampa Pitcher Show at 7:30 p.m. This will be the Florida premiere of the movie. Academy Award winning director, Barbara Kopple has created a film that not only captures the thrill of Sharon Jones’ performances, but also follows her through her life’s blows, especially the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, and her stunning recovery.

“They said I was too fat, too black, too short, and too old” she said, “and look at me now.”

Sharon Jones kept her eyes on the prize throughout a life filled with roadblocks. She didn’t fit into the typical soul and R&B singer package. She kept entering talent contests and hoping for a lucky break while working as a security guard and corrections officer (at Rikers Island!). Her break happened when she was a backup singer for the legendary soul singer Lee Fields.

Eight years ago WMNF brought in Sharon Jones and her Dap Kings to town for a night of musical epiphany.  Anyone who wasn’t a fan was instantly converted. Her powerful voice has been hewed by gospel singing, and her charismatic stage presence is balanced in the movie by the normal troubles of a touring band, and the ominous threat of cancer and surgery.

Yet as with her life story, the movie delivers moments of triumph that put the heartbreak in its place. While not sugar coating a single thing, the movie manages to capture the force of her personality and will to keep fighting for what she things is right.

Tickets are available for Miss Sharon Jones! Through WMNF’s website, and are $11. If the event sells in advance there may be a second showing that night.

The Tampa Pitcher show is located at 14416 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. They have food and drinks available. Go to www.tampapitchershow.net

WMNF is a listener-supported community radio station that celebrates cultural diversity and is committed to equality, peace and economic justice. WMNF provides broadcasts and other forums with a grassroots local emphasis that promotes creative, musical and political vitality.