Art Dealers, directed by Roy Power and Adam Weiner, is an entertaining rock concert documentary. We follow Adam Weiner, who goes by the stage persona Low-Cut Connie, and his band, the Art Dealers. He is the band’s charismatic frontman with a talent for songwriting. Weiner believes normal people can do extraordinary things, and this documentary proves his statement. The film follows the band in two concert performances at Sony Hall and the Blue Note.
Interspersed between concert footage, Weiner tells us his life story in anecdotes and introduces us to each band member. Prior to starting his band, he worked various gigs and had a day job. Notably, he performed music for the drag balls at a gay bar called Pegasus, which introduced him to the wild life as a stage performer. This moment was significant, as it inspired him to write the song ‘Shake It Little Tina’ in tribute to his boss, who performed in drag as Tina Turner. Weiner started the Art Dealers at 31, aiming to make his bandmates feel like stars on stage. Each band member stands out with their individual personalities. Will Donnelly is the quiet guitar player who is in his own zone when performing. Amanda “Rocky” Bullwinkel, one of the backup singers, is feisty and crafts her own handmade soap on the side. Jarae Lewis, one of the drummers, hustles between his music career and working food delivery jobs.
“We follow Adam Weiner…and his band, the Art Dealers… film follows the band in two concert performances…”
The documentary also sheds light on Adam Weiner’s vulnerability and humanitarian attributes. He suffered a mental breakdown and currently uses antidepressants to keep himself in the moment. On a positive note, he is proud of his Jewish heritage. In 2019, he performed a charity concert after the tragic terrorist attack at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Power and Weiner deliver a phenomenal concert film! Weiner’s music is engaging, honest, and extremely catchy. It helps that he has a big personality, which gives the songs an electric energy. Adam Weiner has that classic rock star persona, greatly needed in an age of forgettable pop stars. He combines humor and honesty in his performances. His concerts are well-choreographed, as seen in rehearsal snippets. Weiner is also respectful to his fans, and it is great to see the enthusiasm in their faces while taking pictures with him. If you’re a fan of alternative rock bands like Counting Crows, Weiner’s music carries that same vibe. This documentary needs to be viewed in a theater with the best surround sound.
The band has a great camaraderie, and they feel relatable in their moments together hanging out backstage. Seeing the tight friendship between the two backup singers, “Rocky” and Abigail Dempsey, is sincerely captured in wonderfully shot close-ups. Besides the documentary footage, there is dynamic still photography by Skylar Watkins and Shervin Lainez. The photography shows off each bandmate in their element. Lovers of alternative rock will enjoy this film, and it is a must-see documentary!
"…he is proud of his Jewish heritage… performed a charity concert after…terrorist attack at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. "
