Their new film, Song Sung Blue, tells the true story of Mike and Claire Sardina, two struggling musicians who find joy and connection by forming a Neil Diamond tribute band. Instead of sticking only to flashy premieres in New York and Los Angeles, the film’s team has taken a very different approach: going straight to the communities that reflect the movie’s soul.
Backed by Focus Features, the campaign has brought screenings and celebrations to places like Memphis, Tennessee; Muncie, Indiana; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and beyond. The goal is simple — meet audiences where the story actually lives.
Milwaukee, in particular, has been central to the journey. It’s the hometown of the real-life band Lightning & Thunder, formed by Mike and Claire, and it hosted a special “hometown premiere.” Jackman was there in person, leaning fully into the spirit of the city. He visited schools, handed out ice cream, and chatted with locals who waited hours just to catch a glimpse of him.
“This is a story about a beloved couple from Milwaukee,” Jackman said at the event. “But it’s also a story about towns like Milwaukee all over the world.”
The night carried deep emotional meaning. Claire Sardina was surprised with a dedicated Song Sung Blue bench, which will be displayed annually at the Wisconsin State Fair — the very place where she first met Mike decades ago. The screening itself was hosted by local reporter Gino Salomone, who revealed he once hired the real Lightning & Thunder to perform at a birthday party back in 1997.
Jackman also paid a visit to Milwaukee High School of the Arts, where he surprised choir students with encouragement, high-fives, and a generous gift of new musical instruments. Later, he was spotted scooping frozen custard at a local stand, serving a custom flavor called “Song Sung Blue-Berry.”
The celebration didn’t stop there. Director Craig Brewer brought the film to his hometown of Memphis, pairing a screening with a night of Neil Diamond music at B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street. In Las Vegas, a special screening at the Palms honored tribute performers with a show-stopping Neil Diamond impersonation. Other stops included Cleveland, Nashville, and Austin, each highlighting local musicians and Diamond’s lasting influence.
Because the story is rooted in Mike’s experience as a U.S. military veteran, the campaign also partnered with the United Service Organizations and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, adding another layer of meaning to the film’s outreach.
Hudson, who recently earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance, and Jackman have also delighted fans with surprise appearances. At a New York City bar, the two dropped in unannounced and performed Neil Diamond classics like “Sweet Caroline” and “Forever in Blue Jeans,” turning ordinary nights into unforgettable moments.
The film has already earned praise from high-profile supporters, including Oprah Winfrey, but its biggest triumph may be how deeply it has connected with everyday audiences.
Song Sung Blue opens in theaters nationwide on Christmas Day — fitting for a movie that’s all about heart, hope, and finding joy together.
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