In 1927 Ma Rainey, “Mother of the Blues,” is recording new sides of old favorites in a rundown studio in Chicago. Fiery and determined, she fights for respect and to retain control over her music against the white power structure, while her complex, tormented trumpet player Levee is fighting to make his own name in the business with new sounds. 

This project is supported by the State of Hawaii and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts through appropriations made by the Legislature of the State of Hawaii.