A Mighty Wind

As the curtain falls on the life of the fictional folk music producer Irving Steinbloom, his children – Jonathan, Naomi, and Elliott – embark on a heartfelt mission to organize a memorial concert that truly honors their father’s remarkable legacy. The concert aims to highlight a reunion of Steinbloom’s most cherished acts: The Folksmen, The New Main Street Singers, and Mitch & Mickey.

The Folksmen—consisting of Mark Shubb, Alan Barrows, and Jerry Palter—once dominated the folk music scene with their infectious melodies and harmonious vocals. Their classic hit, “Old Joe’s Place,” remains a beloved classic for fans. Despite years apart, their reunion exudes joy and nostalgia, as they share fond memories and seamless camaraderie. While rehearsing for the concert, minor tensions arise over their lesser-known yet poignant song, “Skeletons of Quinto,” written about the Spanish Civil War. Nevertheless, their undeniable chemistry highlights the joy they feel in reuniting.

Meanwhile, The New Main Street Singers represent a second-generation revival of the original group, led by George Menschell, the last living member of the founding act. George effortlessly combines nostalgia with a hint of melancholy as he plays his guitar and sings. The ensemble includes Terry Bohner, his wife Laurie—a former adult film star who has since founded Witches in Nature’s Colors (WINC), a coven celebrating the power of color—and Sissy Knox, daughter of original member Fred Knox, who once navigated a path through juvenile delinquency. Their enigmatic manager, Mike LaFontaine, often quotes his character Li’l Eddie Dees from the short-lived sitcom Wha’ Happened?, adding an air of mystery to the group. Known for their intricate harmonies, this collective creatively refers to their sound as a “neuftet,” a term that beautifully encapsulates their unique style.

In a poignant twist, ex-partners Mitch Cohen and Mickey Crabbe prepare to reunite for the concert. Their musical collaboration birthed seven successful albums and the unforgettable closing of their most famous song, “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow,” which typically concluded with a tender kiss. Years ago, their relationship soured, leaving Mitch emotionally devastated while Mickey moved on, finding happiness with a medical supply salesman. As they practice for the concert, the lingering feelings of their past complicate their current dynamic, reigniting old flames of romance.

As the three separate musical groups—the New Main Street Singers, The Folksmen, and Mitch & Mickey—prepare for their televised performance at The Town Hall in New York, excitement builds. Their rigorous rehearsal process is interspersed with candid interviews that reveal personal struggles and professional challenges encountered over the years. These intimate moments provide insights into the once-celebrated musical icons as they face the sobering truths of waning fame.

On the night of the concert, anticipation electrifies the atmosphere. However, events take an unforeseen twist when The New Main Street Singers kick off their set with “Never Did No Wanderin’,” only to be eclipsed by The Folksmen’s stirring rendition of the same tune. Tension mounts as Mitch seemingly disappears just before taking the stage with Mickey, his partner in both music and life. It is revealed that Mitch had slipped away to procure a rose for Mickey, which she graciously accepts just before they perform “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow.” The moment of truth arrives, and after a heart-stopping pause, the long-awaited kiss bridges the gap of time and past emotions.

The grand finale sees all three groups unite for a powerful performance of the iconic anthem “A Mighty Wind,” celebrating the enduring spirit of music. Six months later, the artists gather for more interviews, candidly reflecting on their lives post-concert. Mickey has discovered a newfound passion in promoting medical products alongside her husband Leonard at trade shows, while Mitch claims to be experiencing a creative resurgence, dipping back into his poetic roots. Though Mickey perceives Mitch as overly dramatic, he insists he has moved beyond their past, even as he struggles with the fear of reigniting those old affections.

Meanwhile, LaFontaine is busily drumming up excitement for his latest sitcom venture, “Supreme Folk,” in which the New Main Street Singers play Supreme Court justices during the day and folk musicians at night. The Folksmen also reunite, with Marta (formerly Mark Shubb) showing off an impressive transformation that includes a bold new style and a playful giggle that accompanies her deep bass voice.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 18:39