________The River Raisin Ragtime Revue (R4) is a professional, 501(c)3 nonprofit ragtime 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, based in Tecumseh, MI (situated on the River Raisin which flows into Lake Erie south of Detroit), has presented concerts at quality arts venues throughout Michigan. R4 has been a featured performing ensemble for historic Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, and has provided family concerts at the Detroit Institute of Arts. R4 has collaborated with talented artists including soprano Anita Johnson of the Metropolitan Opera and the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale. As part of a mission to bring music to underserved areas, R4 has participated in numerous school workshop programs throughout Michigan 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, and has earned high praise from local and national reviewers. 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,” “Entertainer,” and “Easy Winners.” Also included are works by James Scott, Joseph Lamb, Arthur Marshall, J. Russel Robinson and Maurice Kirwin.