“Reggae Ambassadors” Reunite For Sold Out Rhythms Of Africa Show, October 15, 2011

WHO:   Guiding this journey is Willie Stewart, the “Reggae Ambassador,” whose own musical odyssey includes 23 years as a percussionist with the internationally renowned band reggae band “Third World”. Joining Willie for this free concert to promote Arts education is his former Third World band mate Michael “Ibo” Cooper, along with over 30 international musicians and 60 students from Lauderdale Lakes Educational Complex. 
 
WHAT: A recipient of The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge Grant 2010,Rhythms of Africa is a musical odyssey that creates a point of inspiration for children who have never played drums before, and leads them into the confidence to perform music from Africa, Trinidad, Jamaica, Brazil and Cuba in a professional show.With Willie’s rigorous instruction, 60 at-risk youngsters from the Lauderdale Lakes Educational Complex’s Smart School Charter Middle and Eagle Charter Academy will be joined by over 30 professional musicians in two unforgettable performances they’ll cherish forever as their families and the community looks on.
 
WHEN: October 15, 2011at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. (BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT)
 
WHERE:Parker Playhouse (an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts)
707 Northeast 8th, Street Fort Lauderdale
 
COST:   Free to the public (BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT)
 
WHY:   Administered by the Embrace Music Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and fortify music education, appreciation, and performance in communities where it is endangered by its removal from school curricula. The Embrace Music Foundation aims to integrate music back into general educational programming through programs such as Rhythms of Africa- a musical journey that describes the movement of ancient rhythms sprung from the souls of vibrant cultures and carried by hand and heart from Africa to the Caribbean, South America and the New World.  The Foundation will unite children, musicians, business and community leaders, instructors and artists to keep the arts alive, by offering youth opportunities to craft their careers and lives.