Documentary director of "Grasshopper for Grandpa"
When Casey McGarry ran into Three Pickles owner Bob Lovejoy he knew little of Jimmy's Oriental Gardens and the history of Santa Barbara's Chinatown. But after learning the story of this famed watering hole, its closing in 2006 and it's beautiful resurrection, he paused the one doc he was editing and got this short doc together in time to submit it to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Photo by Lori Rielly
For those who loved Jimmy's and who love its new incarnation as the Pickle Room (essentially Jimmy's but with a legal reason not to use the name), this is the doc for you. And for those who don't, it will intrigue you and remind you maybe of your own favorite neighborhood bars. As we all disappear up our own social networking backsides, places like Jimmy's are precious. "Grasshopper for Grandpa" plays Feb. 5 an 6, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido as part of SBIFF's Short Santa Barbara Docs sidebar.
Topics discussed include: How Casey got involved with the story of Jimmy's The disappearance of neighborhood bars and possible reasons Meeting the main players, Bob Lovejoy of Three Pickles, the Chung family, and Willie the bartender shaping the documentary in editing and landing jazz man Nate Birkey Remodeling the bar Scenes that are missing from the documentary Jimmy's at the Historical Trust Casey's film and music background His first film, a skate film His "embarrassing" second film His current documentary on his father's jam band and putting aside dreams His favorite films including In a Dream