Creating a new Brazilian-influenced youth drum and dance group in Lowertown Saint Paul at the opening of the new Saints stadium? This is a project that deserves your support.

Lately, I’ve been consulting with my Boiled In Lead rhythm section colleague Marc Anderson (best-known for his work with Steve Tibbetts). In parallel with his music, Marc has followed a Zen Buddhist spiritual path for over 30 years. He’s created the M2 Foundation to bring this level of awareness to the community in the form of mindfulness training.

I’m M2’s Operations Manager, keeping the website moving forward, and editing videos like the one above using Apple’s Final Cut. (The soundtrack is from a recording Marc made in 2001 called “African Festival;” the video material is compiled from his youth drumming classes.)

Rhythm of the Saints came from an idea of Marc’s to develop a youth drum and dance group in Saint Paul that could perform at big events:

Imagine 25 young people happily pounding out hot Brazilian rhythms on buckets and garbage cans, while spinning and twirling through original dance moves under a bright blue Minnesota summer sky, singing out in songs of joy and celebration as you approach the brand new St. Paul Saints CHS ballpark in Lowertown.

Both the St. Paul Saints and the Knight Foundation thought this was a great idea; Knight has backed this with $30,000 in matching funds. I know from my own experience that having a huge venue to perform in concentrates the mind and sharpens skills. Likewise, the emotional payoff for playing in front of thousands of people is huge. These kids are going to work hard, create an iconic performance group, and get a reward that cannot be measured in money.

Now the task is to raise the match.

With former BiL booking agent Patti Walsh joining the M2 team as Communications Director, we’re spreading the word about this project where St. Paul youth can learn to drum and dance together from a master. All we need to make it real at the opening of the new Saints ballpark is a bit more money; please Give to the Max.