Fiesta del Tambor - Benefit for Cuban Musicians
Portland - 10/16/03

September 24, 2003   For Immediate Release

On Thursday October 16, Rhythm Traders will present Fiesta del Tambor, a benefit for Cuban musicians featuring Grammy Award winning Cuban drumset artist Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, with special musical guests Omo Ire and Agua Miel. All proceeds from the event will be used to purchase badly needed instruments and accessories for musicians in Cuba.

"We wanted to bring Portland area drummers together to give something back", commented Rhythm Traders owner, Bradley Boynton. "Americans have become familiar with Cuban musicians over the past decade with the Buena Vista Social Club, Celia Cruz, and others, but they may be unfamiliar with their needs. When I traveled to Cuba in 2002 I realized many musicians don't even have basic necessities like drumheads, sticks, guitar strings, horn reeds and cases. Some drummers are even using x-ray film for drumheads", continued Boynton. "So, on a whim I contacted my suppliers like Pearl, Zildjian, Evans and Roc-n-Soc and got overwhelming responses in the form of donated goods. And when local bands offered to donate their time for the event, and Horacio said he wanted to be a part of it, I knew we had reached critical mass. They all clearly wanted to be a part of giving something back."

The evening will feature a solo/demonstration by Grammy winning drummer Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez a Cuban drumset artist who has played with Santana, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Giovanni Hidalgo and many others. Fiesta del Tambor will also bring together the traditional Rumba of Portland's Omo Ire, and the sizzling red-hot salsa of Agua Miel, who will also be performing. $1000’s worth of gear will be raffled, and door prizes given. It's an all ages event, and Portland area band directors are invited to contact Rhythm Traders for free passes for their students. 

"Sometimes making a positive change is as simple as finding the need, and pairing it with people who want to help", said Boynton about the benefit, "It's just awesome!" For those wanting to be involved in any way or to simply move to some of the most infectious rhythms on the planet, contact Rhythm Traders at www.rhythmtraders.com or call 503-288-6950. 

When: 6-9:30 PM Thursday October 16, 2003 Cost $10
Where: Northstar Ballroom 635 N. Killingsworth Ct.
(By Jefferson High 1Block S. of Killingsworth, between Borthwick and Kerby)
For more info, visit www.rhythmtraders.com or call (503) 288-6950

Contact Brad 503-288-6950 or email bb@rhythmtraders.com