Since 1976, Robert Mugge has created thirty six documentaries over four decades about various aspects of American culture, with particular emphasis on traditional forms of American music.  

Mentioned in his book Notes From The Road: A Filmmaker’s Journey through American Music Mugge views life through the lens of music, and he likens his four-person film crew to a jazz or rock quartet. He shifts his camera lens deftly from classical music to bluegrass to jazz to Tex-Mex to gospel to reggae to Hawaiian slack-key guitar.

Mugge has served as filmmaker in residence for Mississippi Public Broadcasting (2003-2005) and as an endowed chair professor for Ball State University (2009-2014).

Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise (1980, 60 mins, Documentary, USA)

Robert Mugge filmed jazz great Sun Ra on location in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. between 1978 and 1980. The resulting 60-minute film includes multiple public and private performances, poetry readings, a band rehearsal, interviews, and extensive improvisations.

The screening is preceded by Robert Mugge's 1996 short film about New Orleans roots rock band, the Iguanas called "Iguanas in the House."