Watch Babe's and Ricky's Inn

Babe's and Ricky's Inn is a powerful documentary that takes viewers on a journey through a legendary blues club and the vibrant community it has nurtured over the years. Directed by Ramin Niami, the film captures the spirit of Babe's and Ricky's, a small, unassuming venue located on Central Avenue in Los Angeles that has played an outsized role in the city's music scene.

The movie starts by introducing the audience to the club's founder and owner, Laura Mae Gross, who opened Babe's and Ricky's in the 1960s with her husband. From the beginning, Gross was committed to providing a space where African American musicians could perform and connect with their audience, regardless of race. Gross's vision was ahead of its time, and as the film illustrates, it has continued to resonate with music fans and performers for decades.

Through interviews with musicians and fans, as well as archival footage, the film paints a vivid picture of the club's heyday. It was a place where legends like B.B. King, Etta James, and Stevie Wonder would come to play intimate sets, and where up-and-coming artists could cut their teeth and build a fanbase. But Babe's and Ricky's was more than just a music venue; it was a community hub, a safe space for people of all backgrounds to come together and experience the power of live music.

As the film progresses, we see how the club has weathered various challenges over the years, including racial tensions, financial struggles, and the changing face of the music industry. But throughout it all, Gross and her family have remained committed to keeping the club alive and thriving. The film also foregrounds the experiences of current musicians who continue to play at the club, as well as younger fans who are drawn to the music and the sense of history and community it represents.

One of the most striking aspects of Babe's and Ricky's Inn is its focus on the people who make the club what it is. The film features numerous interviews with musicians, fans, and club staff, each of whom has a unique story to tell. At times, the film feels almost like a love letter to the community that has grown up around Babe's and Ricky's, and to the power of music to bring people together.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to a diverse array of musical performances, ranging from classic blues standards to more contemporary takes on the genre. It's clear that music is at the heart of everything that happens at Babe's and Ricky's, and the film does a wonderful job of conveying the depth of feeling and emotion that live music can inspire.

In addition to celebrating the club's history and legacy, the film also touches on some of the challenges facing musicians and venues in the 21st century. As the global pandemic has highlighted, the world of live music is a precarious one, and many venues struggle to stay afloat. Babe's and Ricky's Inn is no exception; the film shows how the club has been impacted by changes in the music industry, as well as the ongoing gentrification of the surrounding neighborhood.

Ultimately, though, Babe's and Ricky's Inn is a film that celebrates the enduring power of music, and the community that comes together around it. Whether you're a diehard blues fan or simply a lover of good stories, this movie is sure to leave an impression.

Babe's and Ricky's Inn is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9.