Black Cinema Series
Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It
Screening and Discussion
Monday, June 29, 2026 | 7:00pm
Little Theatre 1 (240 East Ave.)
Doors open at 6:30pm
Standard ticket prices
Tickets available online in advance, at our box office during open hours, or at the door (if tickets remain).
Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, studio outtakes, and rare photos, Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It is an exhilarating documentary about the legendary GRAMMY-winning musician. Preston was 5 years old when he backed gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, and over the following six-decade career, Billy contributed his signature sound to the greatest artists of his time, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Sly Stone, Ray Charles, Rufus, Eric Clapton, and others, while establishing himself as an award-winning solo artist. Despite his success, Billy struggled to reconcile his deep relationship with the Black church with his sexuality, setting off a lifelong quest to find love and acceptance, explored in Emmy-winning director Paris Barclay’s documentary.
Not Rated | 1 hr 45 mins | Documentary, Music | 2024
USA | English
DCP | Abramorama
Meet the Panelists
Paul C. Boutte is a professional musician, songwriter, and producer whose specialty is Gospel music and the Hammond organ. Currently Paul is the musical director of the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, and the Spiritus Christi Church. Paul is an adjunct Professor of Music at the State University of New York at Brockport. Paul currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Rochester Music Hall of Fame.
Paul is the program director and radio personality of the “Sunday Morning Gospel” radio show on 103.9 WDKX for over 20 years. He currently holds the position of ROCmusic Associate for the City of Rochester’s music program, ROCmusic. Paul has worked as a producer with the likes of Missy Elliot, Shaquille O’Neal, Kierra Sheard, Nicole Wray, and Devante Swing of the group Jodeci and has played as a session musician on Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Awards nominated projects.
On the local scene Paul has been band leader and one of the directors of the annual MLK Musical Celebration Concert, received a RocAwards lifetime achievement award, and a Key to the City. Paul continues to advise, produce, play and promote talent locally in Rochester.
Scott Wallace shares his vast personal collection of R&B, Soul and Funk music every Friday night on The Route. Scott’s radio career began in 1982 when he took a leap of faith that started with reading the news on Sunday mornings. A door opened to take over a Friday night Oldies show. Scott changed the name to Rejuvenation and the last 43 years is history.
Rejuvenation provides an introduction to a significant American musical genre and Scott takes listeners on the journey every week.
Tryn Highsmith is a versatile NY, LA, and Philly-based professional musician, event curator, and host. Signed as a Next Paradigm artist, she specializes in contemporary Jazz, R&B, and Soul, showcasing her multi-instrumental talents on the flute, saxophone, Talkbox, and EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument).
If you are looking for local jazz in the Rochester area, you can catch similar talented saxophone performances by Jimmie Highsmith Jr. at local venues like Three Heads Brewing or the ROC Juneteenth Festival.
Dr. Crystal Sellers Battle previously served as the Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA before coming to Eastman in June 2022.
In her role, Crystal works to advance programs and policies that promote mindsets and behaviors that value and support equity, diversity, and inclusion. She co-founded DIEMA (Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Musical Arts) Consulting Group LLC, to help schools of music address DEI related challenges and initiatives.
She has presented to several groups around the country about DEI in music including the Northeastern Regional Conference of College Music Society. Crystal holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in voice performance with a specialization in Singing Health from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Music from Bowling Green State University, a Master of Music degree from Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and a Postgraduate Diploma from Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK.
About the series
Black Cinema Series
The Little Theatre’s Black Cinema Series, presented in partnership with the Rochester Association of Black Journalists (RABJ), screens both scripted and non-fiction films about the Black experience. With an emphasis on contemporary independent films, the series highlights Black perspectives and filmmakers, with screenings and panel discussions with community experts and filmmakers. More details about the Black Cinema Series Browse all films in this series
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