Cancer Connection to Host ‘American Symphony’ Screening, Panel Discussion at Bombyx

NORTHAMPTON — On Wednesday, May 1, Cancer Connection will host a free screening of the acclaimed 2023 documentary American Symphony at Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, 130 Pine St., Northampton.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with the screening at 6:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion featuring artists who will offer reflections on creativity and their personal healing stories.

American Symphony follows musician Jon Batiste, who, in 2022 finds himself the most celebrated artist of the year, with 11 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. In the midst of that triumph, he embarks on his most ambitious challenge to date, composing an original symphony. This trajectory was upended when Batiste’s life partner, bestselling author Suleika Jaouad, learns that her long-dormant cancer has returned.

When Jean Einstein, Cancer Connection board co-chair, saw the film, she instantly found its message resonated with Cancer Connection’s mission. Executive Director Chelsea Kline was on board immediately, noting that “Cancer Connection has so many creative programs — writing, painting, music, and more — and this film tells such a powerful story about creativity and the cancer journey. Plus, Jon Batiste’s music is such a joy. This was a natural synergy for us.”

The event then found an ideal venue in Bombyx, a nonprofit performance space that aims to “serve our community as a venue for transformative arts experiences, spiritual growth, and challenging conversations.”

Following the film, a creative panel will explore experiences with the arts and healing. Panelists will include internationally renowned musician Rochelle Rice (formerly of Sweet Honey in the Rock), local visual artist Malaika Ross, librarian and cartoonist Francesca Passiglia, and writer Pam Roberts, who leads the Spirit of the Written Word workshop at Cancer Connection.

There is no charge for admission to the event, but tickets must be reserved in advance. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit bombyx.live/events/american-symphony.