'Footsteps of Mandela' Musical Tribute Set For July 18 At New York's Riverside Church

NEW YORK, June 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- International Mandela Day 2014 will reverberate globally this year in a new musical production, Footsteps of Mandela, capping a day of commemoration marking the first birthday since the passing on December 5, 2013 of South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela.

Jazzical® pianist and producer Joel A. Martin and internationally renowned South African producer Welcome Msomi present an original musical production inspired by songwriter Stan Satlin's Auratorio Americana, a choral work celebrating world peace, freedom and human dignity. A drumming circle performing outside The Riverside Church will inaugurate the international Drums of the World emanating from New York and Johannesburg, South Africa to countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.  

Legendary Metropolitan Opera star Simon Estes, Tony/Emmy Award-winning Broadway actress Liz Callaway, gospel/jazz singer Jolie Rocke Brown and South African women's a cappella group Thokoza will perform with more luminaries expected to join in the celebration. South African government officials and United Nations dignitaries will be in attendance.

Footsteps of Mandela caps International Mandela Day commemorative events, beginning with daytime proceedings at the United Nations General Assembly and other remembrances around the world.

Proceeds from Footsteps of Mandela will benefit The Nelson Mandela Foundation and "Nothing But Nets" Program with the Simon Estes Foundation/United Nations Foundation.

www.footstepsofmandela.org

The performance and HD broadcast will take place on Friday, July 18, 7 pm, at the Riverside Church, one of the most beautiful churches in North America and has stood for freedom and social justice for decades. Nelson Mandela visited Riverside in 1990 just after he was released from Robben Island after being imprisoned there for 27 years, and again in 2005 on his final trip to North America.

Senior Minister Emeritus Rev. Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr. said of Mandela's visits to Riverside Church, "We are stirred to action and honored to host this important event. Let July 18 count as a reminder and resounding call to freedom and justice for people everywhere. May we continue to follow the Footsteps of Mandela toward a peaceful world for now and future generations."

Riverside Church is located at 490 Riverside Drive, at W. 121^st Street, NYC.

 

SOURCE Footsteps of Mandela


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http://www.footstepsofmandela.org