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| The River Raisin Ragtime Revue (R4) is a professional theater orchestra dedicated to educating and entertaining via the presentation of significant American music. R4 highlights the development of our country’s original musical style – ragtime. Utilizing a meticulously-researched and engaging narrative, R4 transports the audience to the cultural and social conditions of turn-of-the-century America. Special emphasis is given to the contributions of African American composers and the obstacles they overcame in attempting to gain acceptance of this unique, original art form. |
| The River Raisin Ragtime Revue is based in Tecumseh, situated on the River Raisin in Southeast Michigan. R4 has partnered with historic Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, to present a major annual ragtime festival drawing thousands. R4 has also performed at the Detroit Institute of Arts and other quality venues throughout Michigan. R4 has collaborated with talented ensembles and artists including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, soprano Anita Johnson of the Metropolitan Opera and the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale. As part of its mission to bring music to underserved areas, R4 has participated in numerous school workshop programs throughout the state and has brought high-caliber entertainment to hospitals and assisted-living communities. |
| River Raisin Ragtime Revue musicians are outstanding professionals, all dedicated to presenting history through exciting musical performances. R4 musicians have performed with premiere ensembles such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony, Michigan Opera Theatre, and the New World Symphony. They have also performed with internationally acclaimed recording artists including Bobby McFerrin, Smokey Robinson, Harry Connick Jr., Dionne Warwick, Ann Murray and Mannheim Steamroller. |
R4’s debut CD, “The Red Back Book: Standard High Class Rags,” was released in May 2005. This CD is the first-ever complete recording of this historic collection of fifteen classic rags published by Stark Music of St. Louis. The collection features some of ragtime’s greatest literature, including Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag,” “The Entertainer,” and “Easy Winners.” Also included are works by James Scott, Joseph Lamb, Arthur Marshall, J. Russel Robinson and Maurice Kirwin. |
| R4 released its second CD, “Ragtime Detroit! Michigan’s Contribution to America’s Original Music,” on the Stomp Off Records ragtime and traditional jazz label in 2006. “Ragtime Detroit!” chronicles Michigan’s significant involvement in the development of syncopated popular music and includes major hits like “Creole Belles” and “Dill Pickles,” as well as never-before recorded ragtime gems. |
| These recordings have received outstanding reviews in local, national and international publications and have been aired on radio stations around the world. George Chien, writing for Fanfare Magazine states, “...an eminently enjoyable disc…played with infectious enthusiasm…it is education, entertainment, and a sonic blast rolled into one.” Mike Durham of Just Jazz [London, England] writes, “The music on this CD [Ragtime Detroit!] has been meticulously researched and is performed to an equally meticulous high standard. This CD is packed with rare treasures, beautifully played.” |
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