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Barbara Borden: Keeper of the Beat is a documentary on the life and music of Barbara Borden, an acclaimed and pioneering Bay Area drummer, composer and teacher. It tells her inspiring life-story in eloquent words and toe-tapping music. Filmed on four continents, it was produced and directed by three-time Emmy-Award winner, David L. Brown. Keeper of the Beat weaves footage from She Dares to Drum, Borden's autobiographical "percussion play" and other dynamic performances from the last four decades with interviews of noted artists, students, family and friends who know her and the social history of her times. The musicians featured in live performance include Cris Williamson, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Linda Tillery. The film tells the story of a woman whose love of drumming and music gave her courage, inspiration, and the drive to find connectedness within a widening circle of communities throughout the world. We watch the unfolding of Borden's identity as she grows from a determined little girl in love with drumming to a pioneering woman drummer, a world-class percussionist and a world musician. Archival and original footage shows her career in performance, her leadership in drumming circles and peace and reconciliation projects, her teaching methods to bring drumming into all areas of life, and her exploration into the deeper cultural and ceremonial dimensions of drumming. David L. Brown is a San Francisco documentary filmmaker who has produced, written and directed over 80 productions and 17 broadcast documentaries on a variety of issues and topics His documentaries have received over 85 international awards, include three Emmy Awards, and have been broadcast on PBS and in 16 countries. He has been deeply inspired by Borden's talent, generosity, indomitable spirit and the genuine, infectious joy she finds in music and community. Brown believes she will be an inspirational role model for every young musician - and music lover - who sees this documentary.

Media

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Bonus Materials

• Alive! 2015 Reunion Sampler. (all-women jazz quintet)
• Drumming Duet with Narada Michael Walden;
• BBBeat from the Tower of Love (an original rap song)
• Angeles Arrien Interview (famous cultural anthropologist)

Sales Points

• As a pioneering woman drummer, Borden has paved the way for many other young girl and women drummers.
• Borden played her first gig at age 12 and continues to perform at age 74 in world-class ensembles and venues like Berkeley’s Freight and Salvage.
• For lovers of women's music documentaries, or ground-breaking women, or music documentaries in general, Keeper of the Beat, is an inspiration and a revelation.
• After it's premiere screening at the Mill Valley Film Festival, Keeper of the Beat was awarded a rare third screening and the Silver Audience Award for Best Documentary.

Press Quotes

Keeper of the Beat is a wonderful film; the inspiring story of one talented woman's crusade to spread the joy and transformative power of drumming to everyone she meets. Barbara is a real powerhouse as a musician and role model.

     —Bonnie Raitt, Bonnie Raitt

Part shaman, part pied piper, Borden brings a type of healing and aliveness to us all with her joyful and passionate drumming and her generous gifting to members of other cultures.

     —Ellen Shehadeh, Pacific Sun

Masterful. One of the most enjoyable documentaries I've seen in years... It left me feeling energized and uplifted. This is one of my favorite docs.

     —Robert Render Harrison, CineSource Magazine

Keeper of the Beat provides a timely and uplifting affirmation of the power of music, community, joy and love.

     —Betty Sullivan, San Francisco Bay Times