Documentary director of “Grasshopper for Grandpa”
When Casey McGarry ran into Three Pickles owner Bob Lovejoy he knew little of Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens and the history of Santa Barbara’s Chinatown. But after learning the story of this famed watering hole, its closing in 2006 and it’s beautiful resurrection, he paused the one doc he was editing and got this short doc together in time to submit it to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Photo by Lori Rielly
For those who loved Jimmy’s and who love its new incarnation as the Pickle Room (essentially Jimmy’s but with a legal reason not to use the name), this is the doc for you. And for those who don’t, it will intrigue you and remind you maybe of your own favorite neighborhood bars. As we all disappear up our own social networking backsides, places like Jimmy’s are precious.
“Grasshopper for Grandpa” plays Feb. 5 an 6, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido as part of SBIFF’s Short Santa Barbara Docs sidebar.
Topics discussed include:
How Casey got involved with the story of Jimmy’s
The disappearance of neighborhood bars and possible reasons
Meeting the main players, Bob Lovejoy of Three Pickles, the Chung family, and Willie the bartender
shaping the documentary in editing and landing jazz man Nate Birkey
Remodeling the bar
Scenes that are missing from the documentary
Jimmy’s at the Historical Trust
Casey’s film and music background
His first film, a skate film
His “embarrassing” second film
His current documentary on his father’s jam band and putting aside dreams
His favorite films including In a Dream
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Episode #061: Lynn Cohen
Episode #019: Sara Joe Wolansky
hi, you’ve prob heard this rap a dozen times so far, but thx to
Casey McGarry for doing the doc on Jimmy’s and thankyou for covering it. my wife and I were regulars there for lots of years where Willie and Esther would hold us a booth after a play night at the Ensemble (my daughter, Dena, was one of the thespians for many yrs and i was doing theater review for the Independent and before at the News & Review) where we would ingest their famous “Ninja Eggrolls” and a hit of “the Dew” which Willlie always kept on hand. Two great people and a great crowd of actors, stage hands, producers, directors, photographers, designers, the famous long-haired postal worker who always had a seat of honor at the bar, and scores of other patrons that were just too numerous to name. And we can’t forget the annual races on the bar top (i think they were hand made mini-cars?). anyway, thx to you all for giving Jimmy’s a moment in history. It was the best. bill a.
I would like to contact Mr. Casey Mcgarry about Jimmy’s Garden. How can I contact him ?
Jian Chen
I can pass on your email to him.
Hello Ted,
Have you pass my email to Mr. Casey Mcgarry ? I would like to contact him about Jimmy’s Garden .
Thanks
Jian Chen
Passed it on again, let’s see what happens.
Hi Jian, Did we ever connect. email me at casey.mcgarry@gmail.com
Thanks, – Casey