Babe’s & Ricky’s Inn

Babe's and Ricky's Inn chronicles the last days of one of the most unique and vibrant blues clubs in the world.

For over fifty years, Laura Mae Gross 'Mama', an African American woman from Mississippi, brought musicians together, regardless of race, age, or gender, in a place where only the music mattered. The club was originally located on legendary Central Ave, in South Central L.A. Mama created a place where people such as John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Albert King and others shared the stage with newcomers in an open, creative and safe environment. The film shows many musicians at their homes and on stage. They share their life experiences, their music, and their memories of Mama. Mama acted as a teacher of the blues who's charm and forceful character were the reason why Babe's and Ricky's Inn became one of the most successful clubs in the world.

The film features original music by some of the most important blues artists alive and showcases some of the most unique blues clubs in L.A. Stunning guitar performances and personal stories about the hard blues life come together in a film about what it means to devote your life to music.

Winner of the Festival Programmers Award at the 2013 Pan African Film Festival.