“River City Drumbeat” is a powerful and uplifting story of music, love, and legacies set in the American South. Together they inspired youth from their West Louisville neighborhood to thrive by connecting them with the art and cultural traditions of their African ancestors.
After teaching drums for decades at a boys and girls club in Louisville, Kentucky, Ed “Nardie” White, along with his wife founded River City Drum Corp. where they devoted their lives uniting and uplifting African-American youth through music, culture, and art. River City Drum Corp. was more than a place where the children learned how to beat a drum, it was an aspiring environment that taught self-love and discipline needed to overcome adversity and survive in the challenging world. Performing in many events, the program not only became recognized and admired, but Ed had been praised for his hard work and mentorship. Following the death of his wife, Ed made the tough decision to step down as the leader and pass the torch along to a fellow Alum who would continue the tradition for years to come.
I loved this film so much! It is so beautiful to see a couple dedicating their lives to mentoring youth through music and art that will continue generations to come. It was so heartwarming to see a community determined to overcome all obstacles through the love of music.
“River City Drumbeat” will receive a limited theatrical and virtual cinema release. It will play at the following locations with more to follow:
• New York, NY – Maysles Documentary Center (Two-week run opening August 7)
• San Francisco, CA – The Roxie (Two-week run opening August 7)
• Louisville, KY – Speed Cinema (Two-week run opening August 7)
• Amherst, MA – Amherst Cinema (Opening August 7)
• Baton Rouge, LA – Manship Theatre (Opening August 7)
