Filmmakers and professors Glenda Drew (of Design) and Jesse Drew (of Cinema and Digital Media) have completed a project decades in the making — a documentary about the roots of American Country Music titled Open Country. It tells a longer arc of country music that is not rooted in ‘God and Country’ but in working class people telling their stories, seeking freedom from government interference and a good, dignified life.

“The film pays more attention to the social phenomenon of country music as a people’s music, and less on the stardom associated with the music industry and with Nashville.” —Jesse Drew

Open Country is being screened at the Davis Odd Fellows at 415 Second Street on March 10 at 6:30 p.m., preceded by a performance with Casey Thompson and special guest Connie Reeder. The entrance fee is $10 in advance or in person. Proceeds will benefit KDRT 95.7FM, a local low-power grassroots radio station.