The One Thing Jesus and Satan Have in Common

Apparently, Jesus rocks! Or at least music made by people who love Jesus is capable of rocking. That seems to be the theme of Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?, a documentary about the Christian rock scene screening tonight at the 911 Media Arts Center Theater.

The film primarily covers a Christian rock festival in downstate Illinois, chockful of interviews with the performers as well as festival-goers. And whaddya know: Directors Vickie Hunter and Heather Whinna show that not all Christians are scary right-wing nutjobs. 'Course we never thought that about local boy done good David Bazan.

Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music? is a documentary film about the Christian rock underground, featuring interviews and commentary from musicians, critics and fans, both within the scene and outside it. Four years in the making, the film explores a subculture fraught with controversy, with many contrasting viewpoints. Includes interviews with Dan Sinker (Punk Planet magazine), Dave Bazan (Pedro the Lion), Dan Smith (Danielson Famile), Steve Albini, Pansy Division and live performances by Stryper, Pedro the Lion, MXPX, Supertones, Zao and others. Expect a broad range of perspectives, critical and personal.

The film's gotten some great reviews and won the audience choice award at the Chicago Underground Film Festival in 2004. Though the doc recently became available on DVD, it's always good to see films with an audience, especially when the topic at hand is this potentially conversation-provoking. Tonight's your one chance to do so.

911 Media Arts Center
402 9th Ave. N
7pm
$7/$5 911 Media/SIFF members