DJ Wendy May’s Summer Music Meltdown

Join the party at the Electric Palace for another summer of handpicked, blistering music-related films, including firm favourite Summer of Soul, plus The Jazz Loft According to W. Eugene Smith, Becoming Led Zeppelin and more, says Annie Waite. This year, renowned DJ Wendy May has chosen a trio of Americana, Punk and Soul-inspired selections for your enjoyment.

Didn’t snag a ticket to that expensive music festival? Fear not, no need to travel, the Electric Palace cinema in Hastings Old Town is once again bringing the festival vibe to your doorstep over the summer instead.

Mark your calendars for music films covering Soul, Punk, Jazz, Reggae, and Americana, including the Summer Music Meltdown choices of DJ Wendy May.

“I am delighted to be taking part in this year’s Electric Palace Summer Music Meltdown,” says Wendy. “It’s an opportunity to share some of my favourite music films with those who haven’t seen them yet, and those who already love them!

“I’m looking forward to sharing my love of varied genres, including Americana, Punk, Soul and Rock, and it’s great to be able to encourage folks to head along to the gorgeous asset for the town that is the Electric Palace cinema. Come down and enjoy the music!” Wendy urges.

Discussing one of her trio of film choices for Summer Music Meltdown, Summer of Soul, which launches this year’s selection, Wendy says:

“Summer of Soul is quite possibly the best music documentary film ever made! It is a beautiful, colourful, joyous film, which will make you want to dance in the aisles! And at this screening you can – dancing welcome!” she says. The night also includes a livestream from Glastonbury festival after the screening, plus late bar.

Something for jazz fans

Over the season the Electric Palace will also be sharing other music film titles, selected by Dark Circles Coffee & Music Bar in St Leonard’s, alongside other picks from the Electric Palace team.

Jazz lovers and photography afficionados will revel in The Jazz Loft According to W. Eugene Smith, a rarely screened profile of brilliant photographer W. Eugene Smith’s vibrant Manhattan loft building.

The film makes use of a remarkable archive of material created by the legendary photographer W. Eugene Smith in and around his Manhattan loft home. It is believed to be the largest ever audio/photo resource documenting a single place over several years – The Jazz Loft Tapes and Photos. The night includes a live Zoom interview with the film’s director Sara Fishko and some serious jazz sounds at the late bar after the screening.

What’s on for 2025’s Summer Music Meltdown:

• • Summer of Soul …(Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), plus Glastonbury livestream and late bar. Chosen by DJ Wendy May – Friday 27 June and Sunday 29 June
    Questlove’s outstanding documentary of a series of 1969 summer concerts in Harlem, including the late Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone, and Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone,Gladys Knight and the Pips, B.B. King and more. An absolute joy!

• • S/He is Still Here – The Official Genesis P-Orridge Documentary – Friday 4 July
    

    Genesis P-Orridge in profile as part of Summer Music Season

    Intimate documentary revealing the life beyond boundaries of the pioneering artist, Throbbing Gristle musician and gender revolutionary, Genesis P-Orridge. Featuring William Burroughs and Timothy Leary.

  • The Jazz Loft According to W. Eugene Smith – chosen by Dark Circles Coffee and Music Bar – Friday 11 July
    Profile of renowned photographer W. Eugene Smith’s vibrant Manhattan loft building. Plus, live interview with the film’s director.

• • The Blank Generation + Hastings Punk Choir, live! – chosen by DJ Wendy May  – Friday 25 July
    Raw footage capturing the birth of NY punk music legends in their humble beginnings including Talking Heads, Ramones, Patti Smith, Television, New York Dolls, and Blondie. With punk choir, live!

• • Becoming Led Zeppelin – Friday 15 August and Saturday 23 August
    

    Led Zeppelin’s story explored in an experiential cinematic odyssey

    Follow the meteoric rise of rock group Led Zeppelin in this, the only documentary the band members themselves have participated in.

  • Fallen Angel: Gram Parsons + Jason McNiff live set – chosen by DJ Wendy May – Friday 22 August
    The legend of country rock musician and million-dollar heir Gram Parsons: his extraordinary life, his tragic death and its bizarre aftermath, and his profound influence on music history. This screening will be introduced by Wendy May, with a short acoustic set from Jason McNiff, musician and host of McNiff’s Folk Sundowner at the Jenny Lind pub.

Wendy May’s life in the music world

Legendary DJ Wendy May has curated three of the music titles showing at the Electric Palace this summer, and she’s led a full life within the music industry.

In the ’80s Wendy joined the hillbilly punky ska band The Boothill Foot Tappers. Labelmates with Billy Bragg and The Housemartins, the Foot Tappers toured extensively and had a radio hit with their first single Get your feet out of my shoes. In 1987 Wendy co-presented the final series of The Tube for Channel 4 whilst also being the only female DJ and youth presenter on London’s Capital Radio.

DJing for the past 35 years, including at Glastonbury, Wendy started Wendy May’s Locomotion club night in London’s Kentish Town, which featured in Nick Hornby’s book 31 Songs. Frequented by Madness, Elvis Costello and Paul Weller, Locomotion also became a home from home for Camden boys The Pogues. Wendy May’s Locomotion now takes place regularly in Hastings.

Wendy created a playlist especially for her Summer Music Meltdown – have a listen for some summer festival vibes and a taster of what you can expect over the season.

Book for Summer Music Season 2025

Book now for all the Summer Music Meltdown events at the Electric Palace cinema, 39a High Street, Hastings, TN34 3ER.

 

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