Today, our country is battling intolerance, indifference and a growing frustration with the chaotic culture we've created. The dream of a great nation that brought us to these shores, and the limitless openness and freedom that we encountered in the nature of this place when we arrived, are both being threatened by over-development, divisiveness, and great discord amongst the population. The "American River" is a metaphor for the melting pot that is America; a melting pot which has absorbed every different kind of culture in the world and produced a new powerful culture of strength through assimilation. Like the wild rivers of our country, which do not distinguish between the recipients of their moisture and fertile energy, The American River is a symbol of inclusiveness: all races, religions, political ideals, genders, preferences and social structures–all Americans–have a welcome place in the wide bed of the River.

This project explores what it is to be a true American: to have pride in our stewardship of this incredible land, in our unique society of freedom and tolerance, and in our incredibly varied population with all of the histories and traditions embodied in it–not just in the outward pride of waving a flag, but the profound inner respect for the preciousness of the place where we live and all that it provides us.

"American River" features a number of distinguished performers including the legendary Johnny Cash as a featured vocal performer. A portion of the proceeds will go to charitable causes which celebrate and defend the inclusive spirit of our great country, with all of the performing artists having the option to donate their fees and residual income to charities of like kind.

--"American River": a musical work for string quartet and piano, composed by Jonathan Elias.