Twin Chicago filmmakers Jerome and Jerrell Lucas have put together a compelling documentary entitled Bucket, which is a close up look at the lives of the street performers commonly referred to as “bucket boys.”
The full length documentary captures the lives of a handful of the boys as they use their fascinating bucket drumming skills as means to survive. As the cameras follow these talented young black males, we learn that they have more to offer than just the entertainment that they display to the public on a daily basis. Behind the scenes, we discover that a number of the boys are growing up in poverty and face many obstacles in their community and in their homes. Not only do we learn that “beating,” as it is referred to amongst the boys, is their main source of income; it has become their lifestyle and culture.
The Lucas Brothers recently sat down with rolling out to discuss not only the documentary, but their inspiration in putting it together.
For people outside of Chicago who may not be familiar, tell us who The Bucket Boys are?
Jerome: The Bucket Boys are kids and young adult males from the south side of Chicago, who put their percussive drumming skills to work for everyday survival. Instead of using a bongo or a real drum they use a white bucket and drum sticks to make their music that entertains people in Chicago everyday from the locals to tourists.
What was the moment and/or inspiration when it was decided that you would pursue getting this film made?
Jerrell: A couple of years ago my brother and I were searching for a subject we could use for a documentary. We live on the south side and we would always see the Bucket Boys. One day in April 2012 we met a bucket boy and he allowed us to film him. In a short time we learned he did not have anywhere to stay with nothing really to wear in the cold. After we filmed we fed him, gave him a jacket and drove him to the closest shelter. That’s when we knew this was a powerful story that had to be told. It is a story of young men who have found a way to do something positive as a way to survive. As two black males who grew up on the south side of Chicago we wanted to tell a different story. It’s time to move past the same negative stories that are often portrayed in the media about our communities.
Any success stories of former Bucket Boys that went on to great accomplishments utilizing some of the skills they learned during their time with the group that you can share?
Jerrell: Yes! D’Quan Jackson was able to visit Africa in 2012 after raising $17,000 in one year as a street performer.The 19-year-old Washington Park resident makes a living as a ‘bucket boy’ and can be found seven days a week at the intersection of 87th and State streets by the Dan Ryan Expressway playing his bucket.
What do you want people to take from this film?
Jerome: We want people to know that there is more then just violence on the south side of Chicago. There are young talented teens with the ability to drum, they use their art to become a big success story. See young black males do something different, something good.
What next for The Lucas Brothers?
We want to do so much in the film industry. For five years we produced music videos for local artist and we knew that was one way to get us to bigger projects. Right now we’re focused on making Bucket, which is our very first documentary, a success. We are putting the last touches on the documentary and plan to submit it to film festivals like the Chicago International Film Festival, Midwest Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival and more. Then eventually we’d love to see the documentary on the big screen.
For more information about the documentary please visit www.bucketdocumentary.com.
If interested in donating to their campaign to complete the film, you can visit their Kickstarter page. A percentage of the proceeds will go toward showing the documentary to the Boys & Girls club of Chicago.
You can also follow the Lucas Brothers on Facebook and Twitter.
