Review this movie before it opens
in New York!

Directed by emerging auteur Sascha Paladino, THROW DOWN YOUR HEART is the enthralling journey through Uganda, Tanzania, The Gambia, and Mali of the American banjo artiste, Bela Fleck, to uncover the roots of the instrument that is now regarded as quintessentially American.

A multiple Grammy-winner for jazz, bluegrass and classical recordings, Fleck finds himself a wide-eyed novice in nations where the instrument may be fundamentally the same, but the language and rhythm of the music are essentially different. Fleck encounters a dizzying array of musicians who vary in skill and prestige, from superstars like the Malian diva Oumou Sangare, to humble families that make and play their own makeshift banjo, to one who has mastered a 12-foot xylophone.

As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once remarked, “Music is the universal language of mankind,” which rings true for Fleck and his African counterparts. Although they might not find common words, their profound and spontaneous duets speak volumes about music's ability to connect people across superficial divides. THROW DOWN YOUR HEART is an enchanting and ecstatic celebration of music, and indeed makes you want to throw down your heart, get up and dance. Join us to see this amazing film.

AND COME EARLY! to hear Sylvain Leroux of the West African Fula Flute band talk about and perform selections from the new CD "MANSA" which features an unforgettable ode to Barack Obama.

Venue: Global Information Network / Africa Roundtable / Africana Meetup
146 W. 29th St Suite 7E

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Date: MARCH 11, 2009

Bring your favorite movie food! and please RSVP!


Lisa VivesExecutive DirectorGlobal Information Network146 West 29th Street Suite 7ENew York, NY 10001http://www.globalinfo.org/212-244-3123 (voice)212-244-3522 (fax)