Documentary Review: ‘River City Drumbeat’

Review by James Lindorf

Nearly 30 years ago, Ed “Nardie” White and his wife Zambia Nkrumah had the idea to expand their small drumming program at the local Boys and Girls Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The minor program was the seed that grew into River City Drum Corps (RCDC). In this place, African-American youth in Louisville can express themselves, learn about their African roots, and be safe from the unforgiving streets. “River City Drumbeat” is an uplifting movie about the power of music and community set around tremendous drumline performances. Much like a concert tour, “River City Drumbeat” will be moving around the country, stopping in several markets for a two-week run beginning August 7th. You can look to see if it is coming to a city near you on their website.

It is a bit surprising and maybe even a bit of a letdown for a film as good as “River City Drumbeat” to feel as aimless as it does. Nardie and the rest of the crew are absolutely worthy of the attention and recognition they have and continue to receive. The problem comes from the fact that the movie doesn’t seem to be building to anything. It isn’t the story of preparing for a huge event, or the senior students graduating and aging out of the program. It isn’t even about Nardie handing over the reins and taking a step back from the RCDC. These are just events that happened to take place while they are filming. If they came six months later or earlier, who knows what the highlights would be.

Luckily storytelling isn’t always as crucial to a documentary as it is a narrative film. “River City Drumbeat” can rely on its positive message and great music, which it has in abundance, to carry the day. Joining Nardie as a focus for the film is his right-hand man Albert and student drummers Imani, Jailen, and Emily. Albert grew up in the corps, and after going to college, he returned home to help out with the program. After spending most of his life learning and working with the RCDC, Albert is set to be the head of the program and will drive it into the future for generations to come. Nardie and Albert can talk all day about what they are providing for the kids. Still, it is the student drummers that highlight what the kids are getting out of the program. They are getting a place to be themselves or even discover who they are, they make friends and learn life skills that will affect them for the rest of their lives even if they never pick up a stick again.

Hearing about Nardie’s past, passion, and love for his wife and the children they have taught, is enough to tell people they should seek out this film. With the reviewed protests and attention on the Black Lives Matter movement, there are compelling messages within “River City Drumbeat” that everyone needs to experience. When you hear that drumbeat, you’ll wish the documentary, like the band, would play on.

Official Site: https://www.rivercitydrumbeatmovie.com
On Twitter: drumbeatmovie
On Facebook: rivercitydrumbeatmovie
On Instagram: rivercitydrumbeatmovie
Director: Marlon Johnson, Anne Flatté
Executive Producer: Owsley Brown
Producer: Owsley Brown, Anne Flatté, Marlon Johnson
Cinematographer: Juan Carlos Castañeda, John Anderson Beavers
Editor: Jeff Boyette
Music: B. Quincy Griffin
Running Time: 94