________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.