For the Sake of the Song: The Story of Anderson Fair

This is an excellent movie for anyone interested in grassroots American music. It's not just a gloss but a real story about a Anderson Fair, a seminal venue in Houston, TX where songwriters are able to put themselves in front of a quality audience and, if they're good enough, let their songs weave the magic. It contains vintage footage and contemporary interviews with the likes of Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, Nancy Griffith, and a host of names you may or may not recognize. All of them have their special place in this weird, unlikely success story. After 41 years, Anderson Fair is still going strong presenting songwriters where lyrics still count and you'd better be able to present them stripped down and real.

Just under the glitz and swagger of Texas is a deeply authentic legacy of great songwriting. Which of course means authentic living. Anyone hearing the stories of Vince Bell, Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, and other stars in the night sky of true western culture as it morphed with the hippie movement of the 60s and 70s will be deeply moved.

While Houston was well on its way to becoming the center of energy and a capitalistic force of nature all on its own, a contrary spirit was also evolving. A little spaghetti restaurant in the Montrose neighborhood quietly build a rep as the place for serious songwriters to get their start.

This documentary tells the story.