The Film + Bonus Content

The Film + Bonus Content

UPDATE: Available in English Closed Captions and Japanese Subtitles.

Bluegrass music emerged from the Appalachian Mountains as seemingly simple yet reveals a rich history of influences, sounds, and future directions. The Porchlight Sessions explores the voices, attitudes, and progression of the bluegrass movement, featuring Doc Watson, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, Bobby Osborne, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Steve Martin, Mumford & Sons, Trampled by Turtles, the Infamous Stringdusters and many more. Filmed across the USA in lush mountain settings, festivals, and homes, this documentary is the first time the community has come together to characterize the energy and demonstrate the appeal of this influential and uniquely American musical form.

For private screening purposes ONLY.
Produced & Directed by, Anna Schwaber
Co-Produced & Edited by, Chris Cloyd
Cinematography by, Anna Schwaber
Sound by, Grant Johnson
Color by, Bobby Lam & Shahriar Rahman
VFX by, Chris Facek & Shahriar Rahman
Animation by, Nick Guth
Graphics by, Robin Easter Design
© Pineview Pictures 2017

The Film + Bonus Content
  • The Porchlight Sessions - Full Length Film, TRT:61min

  • "Golden Vanity" - Crooked Still

    Full extended performance of "This Golden Vanity" by Crooked Still. Filmed in Roseland, VA at The Infamous String Dusters' first year The Festy in 2010.

    L to R
    Brittany Haas
    Aoife O'Donavan
    Corey DiMario
    Tristan Claridge
    Greg Liszt

    Directed and Shot by, Anna Schwaber
    Edited by Chris ...

  • "Steam Powered Aereo Plane" - Yonder Mountain String Band

    Yonder Mountain String Band performing "Steam Powered Aereo Plane" by John Hartford.

    Originally intended for the scene about John Hartford in the movie but was deleted from the final cut. This version is now part of the bonus features and includes the full performance including special footag...

  • The Dobro Guitar

    Musicians Jerry Douglas and Andy Hall discuss the history of the Dobro, the elements unique to it, and how they have evolved as artists using it as their tool.

    This scene was created from a storyline that ran in the editing room only during early rough cuts. This is the deleted content from th...

  • "17 Cents" - The Infamous Stringdusters

    The Infamous Stringduster sing "17 Cents" live on the radio at 106.1 The Corner in Charlottesville, NC in promotion of the first ever The Festy festival in 2010.

    This was the full version of the scene before it was recut in 2016.

    Filmed by, Anna Schwaber
    Edited by, Chris Cloyd
    Color by,...

  • "What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?" - Abigail Washburn

    Filmed in 2009 as one of the original sessions for the feature film, The Porchlight Sessions, this song was captured with Abigail Washburn on her porch during a quiet fall day in Nashville, TN. Shot simply with one camera and one microphone, this session has quiet subtleties that meditate on the ...

  • "Cherokee Shuffle" - The Porchlight Band

    The Porchlight Band performed this one before the sun set over Bill Monroe's home. This song was the first one we captured and without much practice, these artists were able to sync up effortlessly to perform this all instrumental classic.

    From L to R

    Brittany Haas
    Matt Wingate
    Andy Hall...

  • "Once More" - Bobby Osborne and Glen Duncan

    Bobby Osborne and Glen Duncan recount the ways the song "Once More" made history for The Osborne Brothers career by adding the high lead style.

    Shot in 2009 as one of the original Sessions for The Porchlight Sessions feature film. This is an extended version of the interview performance.

    © ...

  • "Matterhorn" - Steep Canyon Rangers

    The Steep Canyon Rangers perform the Country Gentlemen song, "Matterhorn" at the Station Inn in Nashville, TN. Filmed exclusively for a scene about the spread of bluegrass both geographically and lyrically.

    Shot in 2012 as one of the final sessions recorded for The Porchlight Sessions feature ...

  • "Long Journey Home" - The Porchlight Band

    The Porchlight Band came together as the "house band" for the film The Porchlight Sessions. Initially conceived as a character in the film, these performances now represent the pure musicality and instrumental dexterity of bluegrass musicians. This all-star gathering came together to film on Bill...

  • Teaser - History of Bluegrass [Official]

    The Porchlight Sessions offers a rare look at the inventiveness of the human spirit through reimagining the history of Bluegrass from Bill Monroe to today’s musicians. Filmed across the USA, this film evokes the endless appeal of this authentic and soulful music.

  • Teaser - The Porchlight Sessions [Official]

    The Porchlight Sessions offers a rare look at the inventiveness of the human spirit through reimagining the history of Bluegrass from Bill Monroe to today’s musicians. Filmed across the USA, this film evokes the endless appeal of this authentic and soulful music.