Boil That Cabbage Down
Can we go to the past and bring its music forward?
at the Modern Museum of Art Fort Worth
Sunday, March 21, 2027 2:00PM
Documentary screening followed by a live talkback between Boil That Cabbage Down Writer/Director, Candace Williamson and Artis/Activist/Radio Host La Bell.
Candace Williamson is a documentary filmmaker and novice banjo player. As she learns her first tune, “Boil That Cabbage Down,” she reaches out to historians, activists, and storytellers to uncover the complex history of the banjo. Through her journey, we are transported to the past, where the painting “The Old Plantation” is reimagined, revealing the instrument's origins. We learn that the banjo was created by enslaved Black people as a musical remedy and a vessel for ancestral spirits. Could they be calling us back to the instrument now? The beautiful melodies give way to discordant notes as Candace grapples with the darker aspects of the banjo’s history. Despite efforts to erase the history and joy of the displaced, the banjo was commodified through minstrelsy and other racist practices. We confront the challenge of navigating this history to find our place. Is there still room for joy here? Was that call, that sound, misplaced?
Boil That Cabbage Down
at
Sunday, March 21, 2027
Documentary screening followed by a live talkback with Writer/Director Candace Mae and Artist/Activist/Radio Host La Bell.
Modern Museum of Art Fort Worth
After a beginner Black Banjoist learns about the instrument’s forgotten history, it launches her on a lyrical journey to reclaim what has been lost.
Candace Mae is a documentary filmmaker and novice banjo player. As she learns her first tune, “Boil That Cabbage Down,” she reaches out to historians, activists, and storytellers to uncover the complex history of the banjo. Through her journey, we are transported to the past, where the painting “The Old Plantation” is reimagined, revealing the instrument's origins. We learn that the banjo was created by enslaved Black people as a musical remedy and a vessel for ancestral spirits. Could they be calling us back to the instrument now? The beautiful melodies give way to discordant notes as Candace grapples with the darker aspects of the banjo’s history. Despite efforts to erase the history and joy of the displaced, the banjo was commodified through minstrelsy and other racist practices. We confront the challenge of navigating this history to find our place. Is there still room for joy here? Was that call, that sound, misplaced?
La Bell
La Bell is a Dallas-based Hip Hop and RnB recording artist, producer, and radio DJ for KXT Radio. Her soulful sound and vibrant personality speaks through her music as boldly as her passion for creating change in her community. Considered a "Change Maker" by NBC LX, La has made appearances on KERA and has been featured in The Dallas Observer.
Map and Parking
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is located at 3200 Darnell Street in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, approximately 2 miles west of downtown Fort Worth and 3 miles north of Texas Christian University. Limited parking is available on the premises.
Free parking is available in the museum parking lots.
On Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays, free parking is available in the UNT Health Science Center garage and lots across Camp Bowie Blvd. at Boland and Clifton Streets.
Paid parking is available in the Will Rogers Memorial Center Lot and Garage, at Lancaster and Gendy Streets.
Trinity Metro (Route 2, 52, 53), Uber, Lyft, taxis, and TRINITY METRO BIKES also offer easy, cost-effective alternatives to driving your own car to the museum.
For more visitor information, including accessibility accommodations, click here.