'Joan Baez I Am A Noise' is coming to New Bedford. Here's where you can watch it.

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NEW BEDFORD – Folk music icon Joan Baez's legacy and impact on the folk music scene will come to life at the Whaling Museum on Oct. 13, as she takes center stage in a must-see documentary that captures her raw talent and unwavering activism.

“I think her message of engagement is still incredibly relevant, because we have lots of issues we all should be out screaming about. And she was a role model for us.” said Susan Sargent, founder and president of the South Coast Film Forum who will be hosting the screening.

As seen in this file photo, folk music icon Joan Baez came to the Whaling City to give a concert at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.
As seen in this file photo, folk music icon Joan Baez came to the Whaling City to give a concert at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.

The mission of the forum is to promote the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world – a perfect fit for a film such as “Joan Baez I Am A Noise.”

“It has been showing at various film festivals this fall, it's a really delightful dive into both her legendary voice, her activism, her relationship with Bob Dylan, and a lot of personal struggles that most of us would have had no idea about, had she not been willing to open her heart to us.” Sargent said.

This isn't the first time Joan Baez was part of the Whaling Museum. She performed live during the folk festival in 2008.

Who is folk singer Joan Baez?

Baez rose to fame during the 1960s folk revival movement and became known for her powerful and distinctive soprano voice. She is also known for her political activism, often incorporating political and social justice themes into her music.

She is known for songs such as “Diamonds and Rust,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and “We Shall Overcome.”

She has been involved in various social and political causes, including civil rights, peace and environmental activism. Baez has released over 30 studio albums and has been recognized for her contributions to music and humanitarian work through numerous awards and honors.

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At the age of 82, she continues to perform and is considered a pioneer of folk music and a cultural icon.

Sagent said the film is most relevant probably to the generation who grew up listening to her voice and those  who were activist during the Vietnam War

“I was totally shocked to know that this folk singer with a beautiful voice suffered from depression, anxiety attacks, panic, very big struggles with relationships,” Sargent added.

“Nobody has it as easy as we might think.”

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReportsSupport local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Joan Baez I Am A Noise to screen in New Bedford on Oct 13