Long Train Running: A History of the Oakland Blues

This documentary serves as a thesis project from the University of California Berkeley. It reflects on the heyday of Oakland blues, focusing on the arrival of African American shipyard workers from Louisiana and Texas.

Through a blend of vintage photographs, archival footage, and interviews, Riggs and Webster chronicle the vibrant past of Oakland’s music scene. The film features performances at notable venues, such as Eli’s Mile High Club, showcasing the talent and spirit of the era while also addressing the uncertain present faced by the community.