St. Louis, MO – Tuesday, December 21, 2010 the nation’s most prestigious historically Black university, Howard, Washington D.C., confirmed their interest in participating in the second annual 2011 SHOWDOWN: Historically Black College & University Drum Line Show and Recruitment Fair. Considering that the SHOWDOWN is still in its infancy, Howard’s participation is monumental. Howard University has the largest Midwest alumni base of all of the HBCUs, so this could bring great economic impact to St. Louis.

The show-stopping, eye-popping spectacle that is historically Black college & university drum line performance will return to Chaifetz Arena on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 2PM. Five HBCU drum lines dazzled a crowd of over 4,000 in 2010. The 2011 event features TEN HBCU ensembles.

The drum line show will be accompanied by a recruitment fair showcasing staff from participating HBCUs, as well as regional colleges, universities and career counselors. The fair will be held in the concourse of Chaifetz and operate concurrent with the drum line show. Youth and adults will be able to speak with HBCU admissions directors and recruitment officers, as well as other college representatives and career recruiters, face to face, between ensemble performances. College representatives will even have applications on hand for youth who are interested in immediate consideration.

Tickets for the event are $15 (general admission) and available at the Chaifetz box office at #1 South Compton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103, by calling Metrotix Charge Line at 314-534-1111 or 1-800-293-5949, or they may be purchased online at www.thechaifetzarena.com or www.metrotix.com. Children 15 and under will not be admitted without an adult.


The SHOWDOWN and Fair are being presented by the Show-Me Sound Organization. A 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit established 1993, Show-Me Sound provides percussive arts activities for youth throughout St. Louis City and County. The organization’s drum line ensembles have been featured on KETC’s Living St. Louis and have appeared in events including: Muny (pre-show performances), Fair St. Louis, Live On the Levee, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, First Night, the Art Fair, the Jazz Festival, the NCAA Final Four March to the Arch Parade and Festivals (2005 & 2009) and many, many more. Show-Me Sound Organization’s website address is: www.showmesound.org.
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