One of the area’s most creative music promoters, Jefferson Jay, has had a hand in many worthy proj-ects. But perhaps nothing approaches his annual “24 Hours of Free Music” extravaganza. Offering exactly what the name implies, Jay coordinates dozens of performers into a 24-hour frenzy of local music with something for just about everyone. The 2008 event was filmed and made into a concert documentary of the same name by director Dylan Avery, offering music fans the chance to catch the festival’s best moments without sleep deprivation. On Thursday, May 28, Portugalia restaurant will host the film’s premiere and DVD release party. The evening’s $10 admission price includes the movie, shown in two parts, dinner and an intermission performance from Mary Dolan, who appears in the film. An additional 34 artists get screen time, including Sene Africa, Rob Deez and Don Truisdail. Backstage moments and interview footage round out the experience. Jay said the film condenses the day’s events to four hours, but it can still be overwhelming to take in at once. “It’s not really meant to be watched in one sitting,” Jay said. “Really, it’s been designed to be appreciated in small bursts or however long your attention span is.” He said his reasons for starting this event are the same today as when he founded it in 2005. “I wanted to set a positive example,” Jay said. “There is a lot of talent to showcase here, and this is an excellent way to draw attention to local music.” He said he hopes the idea takes off. “Not so much here in San Diego, but in other cities around the country there isn’t a lot of optimism,” Jay said. “I think this is a way to show that things aren’t so bleak.” Jay’s favorite thing about the DVD isn’t the music but the camaraderie between the musicians and their audience. “’24 Hours’ is an idealist state,” Jay said. “The film captures it all better than I could’ve imagined. It shows people acting like family in a community that’s thriving. I love that.” Jay said he is also thrilled with the opportunity to export the “24 Hours of Free Music” experience around the world via DVD. “We hope to get it shown at festivals or wherever we can,” he said. “But we’re just as happy to simply put this music and experience in people’s homes.” “24 Hours of Free Music” premieres Thursday, May 28 at Portugalia, 4839 Newport Ave., at 7 p.m. The $10 admission includes dinner. For more information, visit www.jeffersonjay.com.
