Iowa Falls Hosts Benefit Screening of Rock Documentary "If These Walls Could Rock" to Support Local Music Programs

Iowa Falls, Iowa – On Sunday, September 20, the Metropolitan Opera House at 515 Washington Ave will screen the documentary If These Walls Could Rock twice, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Iowa Falls‑Alden High School band and choir programs.

The film, produced by Hollywood‑based Chad Gervich, chronicles the history of Los Angeles’ Sunset Marquis Hotel, a venue that has hosted and inspired rock musicians for six decades. Gervich, a native of Iowa Falls, said the screening is a “full‑circle moment” because the Met Theatre was a regular part of his childhood. He recalled, “I grew up going to the Met. I was probably at the Met Theatre every week for most of my childhood and teenage years.” The Met Theatre, now a two‑theatre complex, has long been a cultural landmark for the town.

Gervich’s career in television and film includes producing shows such as After Lately, Dog With a Blog, Cupcake Wars and Wipeout. He also wrote the three‑part Paramount+ documentary I Wanna Rock: The 80s Metal Dream, which he described as “one of the most fun things that I have ever done in my entire, entire life.” The Sunset Marquis documentary was co‑directed by Tyler Measom and Craig Williams, the author of the book on which the film is based.

The 90‑minute feature features interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Dave Grohl, Roger Daltrey, Gene Simmons and Slash, among others. Production spanned roughly two years, during which Gervich and his team negotiated schedules and added high‑profile guests. He noted that “at one point, it was finished and we heard back from Bruce Springsteen that he wanted to be a part of it. We ended up getting more money and went back in and added Springsteen. At another point, we were able to get Ringo Starr to appear in the documentary.”

The Sunset Marquis Hotel, owned by George and Mark Rosenthal, has long been a gathering place for musicians. The hotel’s basement houses Nightbird Recording Studio, the only professional studio located inside a hotel, and has hosted recordings by Bob Dylan, U2, Elton John, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Prince. According to Gervich, the film shows how the hotel’s informal environment fostered spontaneous jam sessions that led to new songs. Billy Bob Thornton serves as the film’s narrator.

The benefit screening will feature a reception before each showing, followed by a question‑and‑answer session with Gervich, Iowa Falls‑Alden music directors Jeff Schmitt and Brandon Waring. After the night‑time screening, a raffle will be held.

The Iowa Falls Chamber of Commerce organized the event, which is part of a broader effort to support the high school’s music education programs. The proceeds will help fund instruments, sheet music, and travel expenses for the band and choir.

Gervich said the event is a way to give back to the community that shaped his love of music. “I feel like music has always been a part of my life. My friends and I from Iowa Falls still talk about music and bands we love. Music has always kept me connected to not only Iowa Falls as a place, but Iowa Falls as that time of my life.”

The screenings are open to the public, and tickets can be purchased through the Iowa Falls Chamber of Commerce website. The event is expected to draw local residents, music fans, and industry professionals interested in the film’s behind‑the‑scenes look at a landmark of rock history.

The film’s release follows a 2026 premiere of the Sunset Marquis documentary at West Hollywood theaters and on streaming platforms. The Iowa Falls screening will be the first public showing of the film in the Midwest.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Metropolitan Opera House. The benefit aims to raise funds for the Iowa Falls‑Alden High School music programs while celebrating a documentary that captures a pivotal chapter of American rock culture.