The Beat Goes On: Pittsburgh's Unique Music-Making Cruise Highlights Cultural Diversity and Community Involvement

The Beat Goes On: Pittsburgh's Unique Music-Making Cruise Highlights Cultural Diversity and Community Involvement

PITTSBURGH, July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Pittsburgh's third annual RiverBeat interactive hand-drumming cruise -- slated to set sail Sunday, September 17 from noon to 3 p.m. on the Gateway Clipper Fleet's Party Liner -- announces that Okla-Choctaw American Indian elder Rainbow Eagle (www.rainboweagle.com) will be part of the music program -- further enlarging the cultural aspect of this event which also represents African, Irish, Middle Eastern, South American and "world beat" drumming.

With a theme of "Three Rivers, One Rhythm," RiverBeat brings together people of various races, religions, musical abilities and communities to make music as one, and the positive impact lingers long after the event. While drumming together, stress is naturally released, the immune system is increased, energy returns and tension is drained away. Experiencing this "release" as a large group allows participants to view each other in a kinder, more loving light. A powerful feeling of community results in which attendees feel a sense of belonging.

No drumming experience or musical talent of any sort is needed for attendees to participate in this event; drums and percussion instruments are provided, or attendees may bring a favorite instrument of their choice to use.

RiverBeat is a fluid collaboration between Pittsburgh-based "inspired events" planning company Epiphany Works and several world-class drummers who call Pittsburgh home. Its mission is to set a central tone that builds community, bridges cultures and inspires inner transformation through an interactive musical experience. RiverBeat is a low-cost, 'hands on' and contagiously fun edu-tainment activity that celebrates the beauty of the human spirit and healing power of recreational music making -- all while honoring one of Pittsburgh's greatest assets: our rivers.

Since RiverBeat's inaugural cruise in 2004, it has grown in popularity every year. Last fall, about 350 people ages 4 to 94, from all walks of life, and from as far away as Michigan, New Jersey and New York joined in this afternoon of exhilarating rhythm on the city's waterways. The event is a harmonious fit for Pittsburgh not only because it incorporates one of our best regional assets -- our rivers -- but because our city is home to a number of phenomenal drummers -- two of whom will facilitate the event: Jim Donovan of the band Rusted Root and Elie Kihonia, founder of Afrika Yetu and co-founder of UMOJA African Arts Company (see musician profiles, below). The cruise stops at the Point for a special invocation.

Sponsors include Guitar Center, Remo, Inc. and Pittsburgh City Paper.

Tickets are $25 per person, including drum rental (or, individuals may bring their own drum, if desired).

Advanced purchase is strongly recommended. There are three ways to purchase tickets: (1) call Epiphany Works at 724.452.1131; (2) email sue@epiphanyworks.org; or (3) purchase online at www.epiphanyworks.org; Tickets also available at indie bookstores around town.

RiverBeat is presented by Epiphany Works, a local "inspired event planning" company whose mission is to provide forums for enlightening entertainment that is experiential in nature and awakens a sense of wonder and radical amazement at the miracle of life and the beauty of community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Gina Hillier, 724.452.4007; inspire@zoominternet.net

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST: Press kits and e-photos of the music facilitators; Jim Donovan and Elie Kihonia are also available for on-air appearances and media interviews; RiverBeat logo and attendee testimonials from RiverBeat 2005.

RIVERBEAT WILL BE FACILITATED BY TWO PHENOMENAL PITTSBURGH-BASED MUSICIANS:

Elie Kihonia is the founder of Afrika Yetu and co-founder of UMOJA African Arts Company. He was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a multi- instrumentalist who plays both African percussion and contemporary instruments, his expertise includes the xylophone, mbira, hand and set drums, keyboard, accordion and guitars. In 2002, Mr. Kihonia made history in Salvador/Bahia, Brazil leading and participating with his group of 10 percussionists from various African countries, who led a parade of 600 Brazilian percussionists in the first African Carnival ever done in Brazil. Elie was the international Director of Production of the DRC's Ministry of Culture and Arts. He served as an artist consultant for the Museum of African Art in New York, The Smithsonian Institution, Carnegie Mellon University, and Natal University, South Africa. He has also written music for the Pittsburgh Symphony and other U.S. performing arts organizations. Elie conducts healing drum workshops with various health and AIDS-related organizations such as the Mercy Behavioral Health Center, Persad, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Citiparks/Senior Citizens, and the Marimba House in South Africa. Contact ekihonia@afrikayetu.org.

Jim Donovan is a current and founding member of the multi-platinum band Rusted Root. He has released 3 solo CDs, 4 instructional drumming CDs and has also recorded with Krishna Das on his critically acclaimed CD "Live on Earth." Fulfilling his desire to share the power of rhythm first-hand, Jim teaches educational drumming workshops across the US at universities, festivals, schools, corporations, retreats and specialty venues. He is an adjunct professor at St. Francis University and current director of drumming at the New York Institute of Dance and Education. Jim is a featured columnist in Drum! Magazine and was recently nominated for "Best Rock Pop Percussionist" in the 2004 Drum! Magazine readers' poll. Over the past 15 years his group, Rusted Root, has toured with Santana, Page and Plant, Sting, Dave Matthews Band, Allman Brothers, Jewel, Grateful Dead and others. They have appeared on numerous national TV shows, including MTV, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien and VH1's Hard Rock Live, and their music has been featured in films such as Ice Age and Twister.

Source: RiverBeat

CONTACT: Gina Hillier for RiverBeat, +1-724-452-4007, or
inspire@zoominternet.net

Web site: http://www.epiphanyworks.org/
http://www.rainboweagle.com/

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