Watch For The Sake of the Song: The Story of Anderson Fair

For The Sake of the Song: The Story of Anderson Fair (2009) is a documentary that tells the story of the iconic Houston music venue Anderson Fair Retail Restaurant. The film is directed by James Szalapski and features interviews with various singer-songwriters who have performed at Anderson Fair over the years, including Vince Bell, Guy Clark, and Slaid Cleaves.

The film opens with a brief history of the venue, which was founded in 1969 by Marvin Anderson and his wife, Kay. Originally a dry goods store, the couple decided to turn the space into a restaurant and music venue after noticing the lack of live music options in Houston. Anderson Fair quickly became a favorite among local musicians, particularly those in the burgeoning Texas singer-songwriter scene.

Throughout the film, various artists share their experiences of playing at Anderson Fair and describe the unique atmosphere of the venue. Many recall the intimate space, which could only hold about 100 people, and how the audience would sit quietly and attentively, listening to the lyrics and stories behind each song. The film also includes footage of live performances, showcasing the incredible talent that graced the Anderson Fair stage over the years.

Of particular note is the story of Vince Bell, a singer-songwriter who was involved in a near-fatal car accident in 1982. Bell recounts the accident and the subsequent struggles he faced in his recovery. He talks about how the Anderson Fair community rallied around him, organizing benefit shows to help cover his medical expenses. Bell's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that Anderson Fair had on the lives of so many musicians and fans alike.

As the film progresses, viewers learn about the challenges that Anderson Fair faced over the years. In the 1990s, the venue was forced to close temporarily due to financial difficulties, and it faced further hardships in the early 2000s due to competition from larger music venues. However, despite these challenges, Anderson Fair remained a beloved institution in Houston's music scene, and it continued to attract new generations of singer-songwriters and fans.

For The Sake of the Song: The Story of Anderson Fair provides a fascinating look at the history of one of Houston's most iconic music venues. Through interviews with musicians and rare archival footage, the film captures the spirit of Anderson Fair and the community that grew up around it. As one interviewee notes, Anderson Fair was "a beacon of hope and joy," and this sentiment is echoed throughout the film. For music lovers and anyone interested in Houston's rich cultural history, For The Sake of the Song is not to be missed.