Utah Vietnam War Veterans: A Day of Honor

PRESS RELEASE:

Press Contact:
Mary Dickson
(801) 581-3263
www.kued.org

Red Rock Rondo: Zion Canyon Song Cycle

Through song, story, and breathtaking scenery, Red Rock Rondo explores the connection between the majestic landscape of Zion National Park, and the human landscape of people who make it their home. Zion has been described as "humbling, inspiring, wondrous,” and while it may not have the same iconic status as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, it is difficult to deny the power of its sheer vermillion cliffs to evoke a sense of awe in visitors and residents alike.

Release Images:

Red Rock Rondo: Zion Canyon Song Cycle DVD cover.
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This program was funded in part by:

O.C. Tanner Company
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
R. Harold Burton Foundation
Simmons Family Foundation
Utah Humanities Council

Red Rock Rondo: Zion Canyon Song Cycle, airing -------------------- on ----------------- explores the power of place in a cycle of songs created by resident, acclaimed composer, and former mayor of Springdale, Philip Bimstein, telling the elemental stories of Zion and its affect on generations of residents. Just outside the park's gate lie the small communities of Springdale and Rockville, inhabited by a collection of pioneer stock and more recent dwellers who connect to this magical place for wildly different reasons, yet who together create a community that’s both diverse and cohesive.

Red Rock Rondo: Zion Canyon Song Cycle was shot in the spectacular landscape of Zion, and features a fabulous sextet of deeply-rooted Utah musicians singing heartfelt harmonies to the accompaniment of folk and classical instruments. Woven into these performances are interviews with the people whose stories inspired the songs—both new and old-timers – creating a musical conversation between the old West and the 21st century. Red Rock Rondo articulates the connection all Americans have to the West, and to the pioneering spirit that for so long has defined the national character.

Performed by an all-star ensemble on a lively assortment of guitars, violins, oboe, English horn, mandolin, banjo, mando-cello, harmonica, button accordion, jaw harp, upright bass and vocals, the film also features the local residents whose stories inspired Red Rock Rondo’s songs. Red Rock Rondo: Zion Canyon Song Cycle is composed by Phillip Bimstein with musicians Charlotte Bell, Flavia Cerviño-Wood, Harold Carr, Hal Cannon, and Kate MacLeod. The show was produced by Hal Cannon and Taki Telonidis for the Western Folklife Center and garnered two Rocky Mountain Emmys and NETA’s best Entertainment Show for 2010.

Sponsors of the program are OC Tanner Company, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, The R. Harold Burton Foundation, The Simmons Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Palladium Foundation, Zion Park Inn, Zion Natural History Association, Utah Humanities Council, The Ensign Group, Rebecca Marriott Champion, American Composers Forum- Continental Harmony, University of Utah College of Humanities, Segal Foundation and others.

"Set in one of those places that is undeniably sacred space. This is as American as it gets!"
Loren Basch - philanthropy consultant and mentor

"Red Rock Rondo is a remarkable journey shaped by folklore and images that will stay with you for years to come."
Kurt Dewhurst, Chair, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress

Press Contact:
Mary Dixon 801-581-3263, mdixon@kued.org, KUED
Darcy Minter 775-340-4240, dminter@westernfolklife.org, Western Folklife Center