Environmental Group Cohosting 'Big Uneasy' Premiere

A local environmental group is partnering with actor, comedian and filmmaker Harry Shearer Tuesday night to host the Baltimore premiere of "The Big Uneasy" at the Charles Theater. Among other projects, Shearer is also renowned for his work on The Simpsons and the heavy metal spoof, Spinal Tap.

Shearer's highly-acclaimed documentary chronicles the levee breakdowns preceding the flooding of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

John Long, who founded Clean Bread and Cheese Creek in 2009, was contacted about co-hosting the film by one of Shearer's representatives after the filmmaker came across the Dundalk environmental organization's website.

"In every city where the film is premiering, he's giving a local environmental organization an opportunity to co-host the film," Long said. "It's a great opportunity."

The event starts at 7 p.m. and Long said Clean Bread and Cheese Creek will have an information table set up in the Charles Theatre lobby. He'll also have 10 minutes before the film to discuss the group's efforts in Dundalk—and introduce Shearer—who will discuss the making of the film also for 10 minutes prior to the screening.

Long said that he and his wife happened to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras two years before the devastating hurricane and gained an affinity for the city. 

Shearer's film delves deep into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' work on the levees and the reporting and warning about the potential for disaster years before Hurricane Katrina.

"Anybody can make accusations, but from what I understand, he [Shearer], interviews people who were there and gave warning about the problems and presents the documentation," Long said.

On a personal level, he added, that he was also simply looking forward to meeting Shearer.

"I'm a huge Simpsons fan and I love Spinal Tap, it's a cult classic," Long said.