Go to Izzy!

Southeast US Premiere

This intimate documentary chronicles the extraordinary life of Izzy Young, a pivotal Jewish figure in the folk music revival of 1960s New York City. Through his iconic Folklore Center in Greenwich Village, Izzy offered much more than books, records, and instruments—he created a vibrant hub where aspiring musicians like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Emmylou Harris, and Patti Smith could perform, learn, and connect. Izzy’s passion for folk music made him a beloved mentor and tastemaker, and when he organized Dylan’s first official concert, his role in shaping the music scene was solidified. Izzy not only nurtured their talents but also helped shape the cultural movement that would define a generation.

The film follows Izzy during his final years in Sweden, where he had continued his mission of promoting folk music, despite his advancing age and deteriorating health. At nearly 90, Izzy, battling dementia, struggles to keep his store open, driven by his undying love for the music and the stories of the past. From hosting concerts to reminiscing with old friends, Izzy remains a vibrant figure, even as the folk icons he helped launch—like Patti Smith and Nobel Prize-winning Bob Dylan—celebrate his enduring legacy.

Featuring heartfelt moments, including a visit from Patti Smith’s band and the celebration of Bob Dylan’s Nobel Prize in Literature, Go to Izzy! is a tribute to a man whose legacy continues to echo through the halls of folk music history.