Drummer and composer, Allison Miller presents Rivers In Our Veins, an immersive multimedia song cycle embracing the concept of flow and renewal, and dedicated to our nation’s rivers, watersheds and the organizations devoted to reviving and protecting them. She combines original music with tap dance by Claudia Rahardjanoto and Luke Hickey, modern dance by Maleek Washington and improvisational video projections by Todd Winkler inspired by the sights, sounds, and movements of five U.S. rivers: Hudson, James, Delaware, Susquehanna, and Potomac. 

Between the rhythmic elements inherent in Rahardjanoto and Hickey’s tap dance and Maleek’s dynamic movements, the dancers serve as a bridge between the aural and visual impacts of the piece. At the same time, Winkler improvises with imagery as his instrument. His projected natural sets shift in reaction to the band’s improvisational interplay and the tap dancer’s rhythmic vibrations. What results is a balanced, multimedia experience that unifies the senses and fully immerses the audience into the wonders of these great American waterways.

This special Roulette presentation of Rivers In Our Veins celebrates the album release of the song cycle and features Allison Miller alongside longtime collaborators.

“[This] stunning and deep work . . . continues the conversation many of us are having about where we come from, where we are, and what we are going to do about where we are going.” – Toshi Reagon 

Allison Miller drums and composition
Claudia Rahardjanoto choreography and tap dance
Maleek Washington contemporary dance
Luke Hickey tap dance
Todd Winkler video improvisation
Jenny Scheinman violin
Ben Goldberg Bb and contra alto clarinets
Jason Palmer trumpet
Carmen Staaf piano
Todd Sickafoose upright bass

A livestream will be available free of charge at 8pm on the day of the performance and archived for future viewing. Watch below or on YouTube.