The Talking Heads, who got their start in 1970s New York City, were approached by filmmaker Jonathan Demme in 1983. Demme hoped to immortalize their iconic look and sound by recording a show from that year’s popular concert tour. The result became “Stop Making Sense,” and is now widely viewed as the greatest concert film of all time. Forty years after its debut, a freshly-restored 4K movie, described by IndieWire as “a transporting, immersive, joyous experience,” comes to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, January 16, 2026.
‘Stop Making Sense’ is a Talking Heads Masterpiece by filmmaker Jonathan Demme
“Stop Making Sense” was recorded in December 1983 and spans three tour performances at the Los Angeles Pantages Theater. Jonathan Demme had attended an earlier show and quickly approached the band about recording it.
Demme is perhaps best known for directing “The Silence of the Lambs” and other Hollywood hit movies. But over the years he has worked on music videos and concert recordings for UB40, New Order, Suzanne Vega, Neal Young, Kenny Chesney, Justin Timberlake and Bruce Springsteen, just to name a few.
In 2023, “Stop Making Sense” was restored and re-released in 4K for its 40th anniversary celebration. It showcases the sounds of David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, Bernie Worrell, Steve Scales, Lynn Mabry, Ednah Holt and Alex Weir.
More Than Just a Concert, ‘Stop Making Sense’ Celebrates New Wave Music Icons
A movie viewer from Loud and Clear Reviews explains that: “What makes ‘Stop Making Sense’ such a perfect concert movie is how Demme always places the audience directly on-stage with Talking Heads, making them truly feel like a part of the band. The entire movie appears more like an endless party than a one-sided performance, destroying that barrier between artist and audience that always exists during live concerts.”
At the Washington Center, Jerry Harrison will open the evening with introductory remarks and recollections of those days on the road. After the movie, he’ll provide post-screening comments and happily answer audience questions about their live shows, making the film and the impact Talking Heads made on the global, multi-generational music scene.
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, the Talking Heads recently released a video for “Psycho Killer” for the 50th anniversary of the band’s live debut. Their music has been sampled or remixed by artists like Selena Gomez, Jay-Z, the Barenaked Ladies, Depeche Mode, Lorde, k.d. lang, the Staple Singers, Peter Gabriel, Phish and even “Weird Al” Yankovic.
There was even a tribute album for this movie entitled “Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to the Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense.” You can stream it on Apple Music or Spotify to get your groove on before the show.
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Talking Heads band member Jerry Harrison will both host the screening and hold an audience Q&A afterwards.
“Stop Making Sense” takes place at 7:30 p.m. on January 16. Tickets are available online, by calling 360.753.8586 or in person. The Washington Center Box Office is open from noon until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon until 4p.m. on Saturday and two hours before any ticketed event.
Travel back in time to the weird, wacky and wonderful performances of the Talking Heads thanks to the work of director Jonathan Demme and three fateful nights in Los Angeles circa 1983.
More Events in Olympia Coming to the Washington Center
Coming up on January 24 the Washington Center hosts Stories from the Warrior Society, a live storytelling event exploring the evolution of warrior societies in Tribal communities through the voices of Indigenous veterans and active-duty military across three generations.
On January 26, they have another unique film experience with “Dirty Dancing In Concert,” a film showing accompanied by a live band and singers performing the film’s most well-known songs.
Then get ready to have your musical socks blown off when Pink Martini and Storm Large take the stage on January 31. A night of genre-bending jazz, classical, retro pop and global hits, they’re sure to kick off 2026 with an internationally-flavored bang.
Check out the entire 2025-2026 Season at a Glance and subscribe online or at the Box Office for discounted tickets, early access and presale deals, same seat privileges and other fun bonuses. Call the box office or email boxoffice@washingtoncenter.org with questions.
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