Project Overview

“Songs, Stories And a Seat at the Table” is a multi-generational docuseries set in the small New England town of Westerly, Rhode Island. Shaped by Southern Italian granite workers, where music, family, and community are deeply intertwined, the town itself becomes a living character. It's an archive of American dreams and cultural memory—as unsung local artists collaborate across generations, transforming a once-quiet scene into a lasting musical legacy with global reach.

With a focus on their lives and careers, we follow the musical journeys of the numerous musicians who called Westerly, Rhode Island home. Across its six episodes, the series captures how music sustains identity and connection in the face of cultural drift. Through collaboration, mentorship, and shared history, these artists pass on something essential—proving that community, once nurtured, can outlast trends and geography.

Pull up a seat and join us at the table as we bring the untold stories of some of New England's most prominent musical legends to the screen for the first time.

Featuring artists and bands including:

Fran Christina

Johnny Nicholas

Duke Robillard

Greg Piccolo

Johnny MacLeod

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Black Cat

Boogie Brothers

A Roomful of Blues

Johnny and The East Coast Rockers

And more Rhode Island legends

The "Beat" Of Our Story

Our docuseries follows the intertwining destinies of some of Rhode Island’s most prolific musicians: Fran Christina, Johnny Nicholas, Duke Robillard, Greg Piccolo, and Johnny MacLeod; musical identities governed by the rule that you don’t choose the music, the music chooses you. After starting out in Westerly with Black Cat and Roomful of Blues, Fran’s free spirit and Johnny Nicholas’ relentless pursuit of the blues drive them each on intersecting decades-long cross-country journeys of musical discovery. In contrast, Duke and Greg make their names back in New England, developing Roomful of Blues’ unique sound and transforming the band into one of the most iconic blues and swing revival bands in history. As the youngest of our quintet of musicians, Johnny MaCleod takes cues from all the legends who came before him as he guides his band, Johnny and the East Coast Rockers, into becoming the premier rhythm and blues dance band in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Though their professional paths diverge, Fran, Johnny, Duke, and Greg remain the architects of each other’s fates. When the Fabulous Thunderbirds approach Johnny Nicholas looking for a drummer, he points them in the direction of his old friend, Fran Christina. When it comes time for the Thunderbirds to find a replacement for their famed lead guitarist, Jimmie Vaughan, there’s only one solution - “Call Duke!” When Duke decides to finally step away from Roomful of Blues, the band he founded, it's Greg who takes the reins. From their earliest memories of listening to music to their most recent musical triumphs, we trace the lives of these five musicians and explore how Westerly, Rhode Island, became an unlikely hub for musical talents that would define their generation.

Why Tell This Story NOW?

From career highs and lows to everlasting friendships and a familial bond that spans decades, this story has it all. At its core is a pantheon of seasoned musicians whose stories of lives built around the pleasure of music have never properly been preserved. Not only is this story a time capsule meant to celebrate the legacies of these inspiring musicians, but it's also deeply personal to the team, who grew up and live in Westerly, Rhode Island. Unearthing this story and getting to know its key players inspired us all to chase this dream while staying true to our roots, and we hope it inspires you, too.

Where Will The $50,000 Go? (Phase 1 Transparency)

The $50,000 we raise here is the vital seed money to complete Phase 1: Creation of The Pitch Materials & Filming Initial Interviews.

35% - Sizzle Reel & Pilot Photography: Securing essential equipment and crew to shoot the first round of interviews and key on-location footage necessary for building a Sizzle Reel, crafting a Pitch Deck, and starting the process of producing a Pilot.

30% - Securing Interviews & Development: Preparation for and filming of our first round of crucial interviews to document the unbelievably true stories of the legendary musicians involved in this project.

20% - Archival Licensing & Research: Fees for music licensing needed for the pilot, and dedicated research into the history of the musicians for the pitch deck, sizzle reel, and pilot.

15% - Fulfillment & Overhead: Initial editing costs, creating strong visual pitch materials, and perk fulfillment (shipping, printing, and covering the necessary payment processing fees).

Crucial Note: Your early contribution secures the sizzle reel, pitch deck, and elements of the compelling pilot episode necessary to approach major foundations, philanthropists, and distribution partners to fund the remaining $1.15 million of our overall series budget. This is a strategic investment in the project's success.

Meet The Director

Jen Christina, a proud Rhode Island native, is an accomplished music director, conductor, and pianist who believes great music-making should be about making real connections, having fun, and collaborating in a way that feels effortless and energizing.

Raised on Blues, Rock, and Jazz, Jen grew up in an Italian family whose beating heart was the undeniable allure of music. Inspired by her uncles, who just so happened to be the musical greats Fran Christina (The Fabulous Thunderbirds), Johnny MacLeod (Johnny and the East Coast Rockers), and Bob Christina (Radio Kings), Jen was constantly surrounded by music.

While watching The Phantom of the Opera at New York's Majestic Theatre on a high school trip, Jen knew for sure that musical theatre would be her calling. Embarking on a musical journey of her own, Jen has performed with top regional theatres inlcuding Trinity Repertory Company, Theatre by the Sea, and The Ogunquit Playhouse; Served as director and accompanying musician at Salve Regina and Brown University.

She has traveled nationally and internationally as the Music Director for the Broadway Musicals Dreamgirls and Annie. She is about to embark on her third national tour as the Associate Music Director for the Broadway Musical Six.

With a lifetime of musical experience, Jen is now turning her sights to the world of documentary filmmaking to bring the unbelievably true stories of Rhode Island's genre-defining musicians to a greater audience.

Learn More About Jen Christina

The Rest Of Our Rockin' Team

Jesse Liguori | Cinematographer

Jesse Liguori is a cinematographer and musician who founded Wav Worldwide to support artists with high-quality media strategies. With seven years of experience, including work on Disney’s Ella McCay, he now leads projects at J's Jam Productions & Holiday Rhode Pictures.

Paula MaCleod | Assistant Director

Paula Christina MacLeod leverages over 35 years of executive experience in strategic operations and business development. She is now dedicated to expanding her family’s legacy by growing J's Jam Productions.

Richard Boylan | Production Director

Richard is a writer-director and co-founder of Holiday Rhode Pictures, driving projects from concept to final edit. His diverse production background includes work on Gold Rush: Mine Rescue, Ella McCay, and The Gilded Age.

Allison Hardison | Marketing

With a background working for a variety of small brands across multiple industries, and larger brands including Barstool Sports, Allison has years of marketing and brand-building experience.

Marcy Rizzo | Project Manager

Marcy Rizzo is a veteran storyteller and event producer with extensive experience in journalism, live events, and editorial leadership. A published author and moderator, she previously served as Head of Content at MIT Technology Review and currently produces arts and culture events throughout South County in Rhode Island.

Disclaimer:

There is no remuneration for your contribution. Thank you for your gift.