Venus Rising Releases Debut CD, Celebrates 11/19 at R.E.D. Stripe Café and Lounge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Women’s drum and dance ensemble records and issues nine traditional African and Caribbean tracks, launches crowdfunding campaign

 

Hollywood, FL – October 25, 2016 – Venus Rising: Women’s Drum & Dance Ensemble has been dazzling South Florida audiences with captivating rhythms and hypnotizing dance routines for more than a decade now.  For the first time, they have recorded a set of their drum and vocal tracks and have now released them on CD and digitally as a collection called Rhythm Blessings. A party is scheduled for Saturday, November 19, 2016, from 6 – 9 p.m. at the R.E.D. Stripe Café & Lounge (2001 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020) to celebrate the occasion. There will be no cover to attend and all ages are welcome.

 

“We are truly excited about sharing this collection of rhythms with everyone,” says troupe founder and leader Zeva Soroker. “I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to have created this along with my ‘Venus Sistars’ and look forward to this very momentous occasion.” Soroker played a variety of traditional and African drums on the recording, including the djembe, a West African goblet-shaped, roped-tuned, skin-covered drum she favors in a live setting.

 

They have also launched a crowdfunding campaign on INDIEGOGO to help offset production costs and are looking for support from family, friends and fans. Some of the unique returns for donating to the campaign include limited edition t-shirts, water bottles, private drum and dance lessons, troupe performances and more. The initiative runs through December 24, 2016 – more information is available here: https://igg.me/at/VRRBCD/14840990.

 

The track listing is as follows:

 

  1. Yanvalou – Haitian Voudoun Rhythm
  2. Fanga – Liberian Welcome Rhythm
  3. Gamamala – Ewe Polyrhythmic Bell Ensemble
  4. Menjani – Female Rites of Passage Rhythm from West Africa
  5. By the Rivers – Jamaican Niyabinghi Rhythm
  6. Afoshe – Afro-Brazilian Candomble Rhythm
  7. Kassagbe – Harvest Rhythm from West Africa
  8. Kpanlogo – Ga Social Dance Rhythm
  9. Kuku – West African Celebration Rhythm

 

Select members of the ensemble participated in the recording. They are Sheila Alexander (juns, shakere, agogo bells, vocals), Inez Barlatier (juns, shakere, agogo bells, vocals, lead vocals, congas), Michnique Barlatier (agogo bells, vocals), Corina Fitch (agogo bells, vocals, congas ), Grecia Garrett (juns, agogo bells, vocals), Maria Llorca (juns, agogo bells, vocals), Penny Pitterson (funde, vocals), Tricia Thompson (juns, agogo bells, vocals), Soroker (djembe, juns, agogo bells, vocals, repeater, congas), and Latoya Weste (juns, vocals).

 

The recording was engineered and mixed by Ferny Coipel at the Shack North Recording & Rehearsal Studios, and mastered by Zach Ziskin. The collection was produced by Soroker, with executive production credit going to Michael Mut.

 

The troupe will perform live drum and dance numbers at the party, and a full cash bar and Caribbean menu will be available. Most importantly, the new CD will be available for purchase at $10. Space is limited at the venue; learn more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/159189121208406.

 

For more information, visit www.VenusRising.net.

 

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ABOUT VENUS RISING

Venus Rising: Women’s Drum and Dance Ensemble is a multi-ethnic performance troupe dedicated to creating works that uplift and inspire. Venus Rising strives to empower individuals to break barriers by celebrating diversity through rhythm and movement.  Fiery rhythms and hypnotizing dance choreographies create rhythmic entertainment for the soul.

Founded in 2003, Venus Rising has been performing throughout South Florida at festivals, corporate and private events, galas, conferences and more since inception. Performance highlights include the American Airlines Arena, the Perez Art Museum Miami, Bayfront Park, Vizcaya and the University of Miami. They have received extensive media coverage, including an appearance on Telemundo’s national morning show Levantate.

For more information, visit www.VenusRising.net.

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Michael Mut

Mut Communications

786.426.2277

info@mutcomm.com