Roots and Culture May Day

Indigenous fusion ensemble Copus and reggae band 'Heartical Roots' join forces to celebrate International Workers' Day at Pier 26 in San Francisco.


San Francisco, CA, April 07, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Roots & Culture - May Day Event

In many countries, May 1st is known as International Workers’ Day consisting of political demonstrations and celebrations recognizing the economic and social achievements of workers. In Kenya, for example, people celebrate Labour Day which had its roots in the ‘8-hour day movement’ advocating 8 hours of work, 8 hours of relaxation, and 8 hours of rest. The earliest known May Day gatherings were found in many northern European countries with pagan festivals such as Walpurgis Night (named after the female Saint Walpurga) where bonfires, feasting, dancing, and music drove away the memories of a long winter. Here in modern day San Francisco, Copus Music and Heartical Roots have joined up to create a May Day event that promises to shake loose all the dampness from the wintry rain and economic struggles – lifting the spirits of the people in a way only renaissance funk and reggae can do.
Copus is an indigenous fusion ensemble that combines powerful poetics with lyrical melodies and strong beats...rising to the challenge, sinking its teeth into each opportune, twisting each note for maximum impact, coming straight at you, pulling it off with grace... in short, ready to explode. Started in San Francisco in the late 1990s, Copus is the brainchild of poet/spoken word artist Royal Kent and composer/pianist Wendy Loomis. The current ensemble also includes the talents of Patrick Mahon (bass) and Omar (percussion). "This music could become legendary if given the opportunity to thrive.” ~ Michael Allison, MusicDish.com.

Influenced by old-school Studio One style, conscious roots, dub and cultural dance hall, Heartical Roots funnels all they have learned from their musical and social justice heroes into a unique sound celebration. In an association spanning 15 years the collaborative song-writing team of FredI and Ras Joseph have developed their musical concept to serve a diverse range of fans from seasoned Reggae enthusiasts through a more universal music-loving audience. Heartical Roots includes bass, drums, keyboards, lead/rhythm guitar, and Nyahbinghi drums.

Special guests including Shelton Theatre students will also perform. Refreshments available.

When: Saturday, May 1, 2010 – 8:00pm
Where: Shelton Theatre, Pier 26 at The Embarcadero
Tickets: $2-20 suggested contribution (at the door)
Transportation: MUNI (L, T lines) – easy 280 + 101 access
Websites: www.copusmusic.com, www.hearticalroots.com

For Further Information:
Wendy Loomis - (415) 665-8855 copus@copusmusic.com