By FELICIA C. HANEY

Staff Reporter

Nearly 35 years after the Kashmere High School Stage Band put down their instruments ending an award-winning decade-long run, members Craig Baldwin and “Rollo” Rollins decide to make the phone calls they’d all been waiting for… “We’re putting the band back together.”

Led by Baldwin, a KSB former piano student, the documentary “Thunder Soul” (shot in 2008) follows the now 50-somethings on their quest to pay tribute to their high school band leader, teacher and father figure 92-year-old Conrad “Prof” Johnson. From 1968-1977, Prof – affectionately named by his students because of the stellar musical talents he possessed that should have had him touring the world as a ‘prof’essional musician – directed the Stage Band at the predominately Black Kashmere High in Houston, Texas. This was at a time when afros and bell-bottoms, James Brown and Bootsy Collins ruled the way of the world. Taking a mediocre school jazz band that played only standards and the same ole rigmarole, Prof profited on pop-culture and banked on his students’ talents, which would pay off in a surplus of local, state, national and even international awards, recognition and accolades. He would turn KSB into a legendary, world-class funk powerhouse before unforeseen forces would push him into an early retirement. In one-on-one camera moments, Prof mentions his disgust with academic administrators who vote to remove music programs from schools saying it takes away an opportunity a child may not be able to otherwise receive in life. “There is no limit to a child’s ability to play music,” Prof said.

Although the film is limited to just 83 minutes, the emotion, humor, triumph, tragedy and talent that it possesses is timeless. Directed by Mark Landsman and executive produced by Texas native and musician Jamie Foxx, “Thunder Soul” gives an in-depth look at a musical movement sparked by a firecracker that exploded onto the scene and turned an average band into the bomb! An ode to those who choose hearts over dollar signs and a sure favorite for real music lovers. And with a PG rating, it’s a touching tale for the entire family to witness together. Check it out Friday, Sept. 23 in Cleveland at Regal Richmond and Cinemark Valley View theaters.