Albany promoter Greg Bell, of Guthrie/Bell Productions, has been a staple in the Albany music community for more than three decades. Starting in the early 90s, he began a journey that led him to give countless new and rising bands from the Capital Region a stage to play on.
For bands touring from across the country, Bell has made Albany a stop to look forward to, and always with the support and enthusiasm you might find from a fan, rather than a promoter.
“Grapplin’ Greg” is an upcoming full-length film slated for release in late fall 2022. The film is shot, edited and produced by Frankie Cavone of Mirth Films, and co-produced by Kim Neaton of Guthrie/Bell Productions.
The story told in ‘Grapplin’ Greg‘ will share how Bell fell in love with live music, then began booking a couple small bar shows for friends, and later events at venues like The Palace Theatre, Albany Armory and beyond. Greg Bell doesn’t just book shows, he has helped nurture a music scene that truly feels like a community.
To tell the story, Mirth Films is in the process of speaking with musicians, venue owners, fans, promoters, family and friends that help to piece together this three-decade legacy. Shot at venues including The Hollow in downtown Albany and the Palace Theatre with those that know him best, the interviews have proven to be full of stories both heartfelt and hilarious.
The title of the documentary derives from the Eastbound Jesus song, for whom Bell serves as manager, of the same name. The song tells a tale of Bell as a wrestler, defeating a bear that attempts to start a drum circle at his legendary festival, Bellstock. Perhaps he never went toe to toe with a bear, but from being a star wrestler to threatening to burn drums, much of the tale is true. The song, like his life, is an entertaining ride.
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