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A powerful story of music, love, and legacies set in the American South.
The critically acclaimed River City Drumbeat is a powerful, immersive story of music, love, and legacies, as told by the members of a Black youth drum corps in Louisville, Kentucky. When the founder steps down, a young alum whose life was saved by the drumline rises to mentor the next generation in the face of systemic injustices.
The critically acclaimed River City Drumbeat is a powerful, immersive story of music, love, and legacies, as told by the members of a Black youth drum corps in Louisville, Kentucky. When the founder steps down, a young alum whose life was saved by the drumline rises to mentor the next generation in the face of systemic injustices.
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Photos from River City Drumbeat
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RCDC drumline travels to exhibition showcase
Juan Castañeda/Owsley Brown Presents
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RCDC drumline rehearses outside
Juan Castañeda/Owsley Brown Presents
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RCDC drumline rehearses outside
Juan Castañeda/Owsley Brown Presents
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River City Drum Corp founder Edward White
Juan Castañeda/Owsley Brown Presents
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RCDC alumnus holds drumsticks
Juan Castañeda/Owsley Brown Presents
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Emily Carey joined RCDC as a young child
Juan Castañeda/Owsley Brown Presents
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High school senior Jailen Leavell has been with RCDC for years
Juan Castañeda/Owsley Brown Presents
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RCDC alum Albert Shumake teaches a drumming workshop
Juan Castañeda/Owsley Brown Presents
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River City Drum Corp founder Edward White is stepping down after 27 years
Juan Castañeda/Owsley Brown Presents
About the Show
The critically acclaimed River City Drumbeat is a powerful, immersive story of music, love, and legacies, as told by the members of a Black youth drum corps in Louisville, Kentucky. When the founder steps down, a young alum whose life was saved by the drumline rises to mentor the next generation in the face of systemic injustices.
River City Drumbeat is a powerful story of music, love, and legacies set in the American South. Edward “Nardie” White devoted his life to leading the African-American drum corps he co-founded with Zambia Nkrumah in Louisville, Kentucky, three decades ago. Together they inspired youth from their West Louisville neighborhood to thrive by connecting them with the art and cultural traditions of their African ancestors. Now Albert Shumake, whose destiny was shaped by the drumline, must rise and take up the mantle for the next generation. Meanwhile, student drummers Imani, Jailen, and Emily navigate adolescence and life changes. River City Drumbeat follows this creative community of mentors, parents, and youth making their way in a world where systemic forces raise obstacles to the fulfillment of their dreams.
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