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‘Cake Walk’ Private Screening
December 7 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Music Hall – Harry T. Wilks Studio
Free Admission
Attend the ‘Cake Walk’ private screening at Cincinnati Music Hall on December 7!
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s MAC Film Series is proud to present a private screening of the soon-to-be-released documentary ‘Cake Walk’, taking place inside Music Hall’s Wilks Studio Theatre. This powerful film tells the remarkable story of Geneva Woode, a Cincinnati-born piano prodigy whose musicianship can be heard behind some of James Brown’s most iconic hits.
Through her reflections on faith, racism, forgiveness, and a lifetime devoted to teaching, Geneva reveals how even the bitterest ingredients of life can be transformed into something unexpectedly beautiful. Cake Walk highlights her resilience, her artistry, and the ways she has quietly shaped generations of young musicians in Cincinnati and beyond.
Tickets
Admission to the screening is free. Registration is required.
Performances and Post Film Discussions
The program features live performances by pianist Bryan “Bud” Fairbanks and vocalist Narvis Bates. Their music will set the tone for the event. The evening will center on legacy, artistry, and the strength of the human spirit.
After the film, audiences can stay for a Panel Discussion featuring documentary participants. The discussion includes Geneva Kinard Woode, her sister Denise Kinard Crawley of the Sisters of Righteous, and director Ingrid Woode. Their roles shaped the film through vocals, storytelling, production, and music composition.
Journalist and PhD candidate Devin Parrish will moderate the conversation. The moderator will guide a thoughtful dialogue about the film’s creation. Themes include the filmmaking process, central messages, and the historical context of Geneva’s life and work.
In addition to the screening and panel, guests will have the opportunity to experience the Cake Walk VR installation, initially exhibited at the Contemporary Arts Center this past summer. This immersive 360-degree video places viewers directly inside Geneva’s world, allowing them to witness a rare performance captured in cutting-edge virtual reality.
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