Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
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Exclusive New York premiere Sunday, March 4, 2001, on WLIW 21 Public Television, Robert Mirabal Live in Studio During Broadcast!

Acclaimed Native-American flautist and composer, Robert Mirabal headlines ROBERT MIRABAL'S MUSIC FROM A PAINTED CAVE, a concert special taped in December 2000 at the Foxwood Resort and Casino in Connecticut. The program premieres in the New York metropolitan area exclusively on WLIW 21 New York Public Television Sunday, March 4 at 6 PM. Robert Mirabal will be interviewed live in the WLIW21 studio during the broadcast.

Mirabal's music begins with the Native-American flute and traditional vocals, sung in his native language, but enters the 21st century with a fusion of beats, percussion's, electric and synthesized grooves. Neither the sound of true Native-American music nor stereotypical "New Age," Mirabal's music has been aptly described as "Alter-Native"; he has proven that he can walk with artistry and dignity in the two worlds.

ROBERT MIRABAL'S MUSIC FROM A PAINTED CAVE presents outstanding and dramatic hit songs from his albums Taos Tales, Warrior Magician and Mirabal, including "Medicine Man," "Little Indians" and "Painted Caves," among others. The concert includes solos on the flute, the Australian didgeridoo, tribal drums and modern drums. The band is an ethnically mixed group of musicians and vocalists with whom Mirabal has worked for many years. Nationally known drumming legend Ken Arnoff, a friend and one of Mirabal's influences, is a guest musician on the program.

MUSIC FROM A PAINTED CAVE also includes appearances by World Champion Native-American dancers, who perform both traditional dances and contemporary variations, directed by renowned choreographer Boye Ladd.

ROBERT MIRABAL'S MUSIC FROM A PAINTED CAVE reflects Mirabals unique position as a man of two cultures. As a native of the American southwest the Taos high desert has been the home of his people for more than 1,000 years he performs and speaks from the rarely heard Native American perspective. In nonperformance segments throughout the program, Mirabal relates some of the history of the Native-American people and tells the story of their life today.

Mirabal continues the struggle to balance his Taos heritage with the American mainstream, which he encountered when he entered the public school system and first learned English. Bringing his two cultures together, he says, is like "running a foot race with the wind."

A multi-dimensional artist, Mirabal is also a published author, actor, screenwriter and a celebrated master craftsman flute maker. He appeared previously on WLIW 21 in SPIRIT A JOURNEY IN DANCE, DRUMS AND SONG and JOHN TESH ONE WORLD.

WLIW 21 New York is the fourth most-watched public television station in the United States, reaching a weekly cumulative audience of 1.7 million households in the tri-state area. Visit WLIW 21 online at www.wliw.org.

Contact: Susan Soberman, WLIW21 New York; phone: 516-367-2100 (ext.3032); or send email to:Susan_Soberman@wliw.pbs.org.