Wally Mitchel Documentary

I'm Michael Doody and am putting together footage and sound for a short, 40 minute documentary on the life and times of Columbus' own, 82-year-old vibrant jazz drummer, Wally Mitchel.

He played the big bass drum for TBDBITL from 1958 to 1962, served 6 years in the US Army Band and has donated his time and skills to teaching kids and playing festivals for free for decades as well as playing every Sunday Night 8-11 at Dick's Den on N High Street in Columbus, Ohio for free.

This is the story of a humble, smallish man who eschewed great monetary riches so he could improve the quality of life for countless others across his 7 decades of performing music.

He was born the same month and year as Ringo Starr and we hope to get a cameo from him.

To pay for the film crew and rent gear, I've invested more than $3,500 of my own money but am tapped out and want to continue this worthy project which will be shown free locally and in schools and festivals.

It is imperative that we secure the stories of our elders so generations to come can witness on film the giants' shoulders upon which they will stand.

We hope this film inspires more kids to pick up a musical instrument instead of a gun if they want to be seen and heard.

We also want to encourage other filmmakers to venture into a uniquely 20th/21st century art form as they tell their stories.

Preserve our history now before it's too late.

We're hopeful that sooner than later film arts are considered more and more in local and statewide grant processes.

Until then, we appreciate any amount you can send along.

Questions or thoughts? Write me at "[email redacted]"