What would it be like to eavesdrop on Janis Joplin, The Band and the Grateful Dead as they travel over 2,100 miles across Canada by train, playing concert tours?

“Festival Express,” showing at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines on Sept. 24-25 and 27, is the amazing historical journey of this motley crew of musicians during their five-day train ride during the summer of 1970. Much of this film is never-seen-before footage shot at the time, only recently discovered in a Canadian TV archive.

This musical documentary includes informal jam sessions aboard the train, stage performances, and interviews with the promoters and the surviving musicians.

“Festival Express” plays on Friday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. only and Monday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

The film is rated R and runs 90 minutes. The Sunrise Theater is in Southern Pines on 250 NW Broad. Tickets are $7 for adults; $6 for matinees and $5 under twelve. Contact the theater via 692-3611 or www.sunrisetheater.com.

Films are sponsored by Autowerks in Pinehurst.