ERIC MCKAIN ROARS IN THE LION KING
King of Percussion is Rhythm Personified in Broadway Production

During any given Los Angeles performance of Broadway's best award-winning musical, The Lion King, the audience is thrown into a perplexing dilemma: that is whether to watch the riveting performance on stage, or to behold the magic of percussionist Eric McKain on stage left. Effortlessly commanding some 32 oddly crafted instruments, McKain becomes a virtual one-man show. His is handiwork that exudes erotic ear candy, transporting the lucky listener to surreal lands only dreamt of. One of four of the production's percussionists, (only two are seen by the house), Eric McKain is also the only full time African American musician in the company's prestigious orchestra.

A native of Los Angeles' reputed South Central community, McKain contends that many of his high school classmates are shocked to see him upon attending the show. Most are unaware that the musical technician has traveled the globe, performing and recording with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and Barry White. With a sound described as a cross between classical jazz and urban effects, McKain is a dedicated master of the percussion arts. His musical vibe has enhanced television shows and commercials for over the last 10 years.

"Traveling around the world has been a tremendous experience. But what I particularly appreciate about performing with The Lion King is the opportunity to expose such a culturally diverse audience, on a nightly basis, to the fascinating world of percussion instruments. My instruments represent a hodgepodge of indigenous cultures. From my platform, I have the power to bring into the room, rhythms and melodies from my world travels," cites McKain.

Indeed, McKain possesses the power to invoke ancient spirits with his ability to conjure up hypnotic harmonies, captivating cadences and enchanting beats. Amongst his bag of musical toys, McKain engages instruments exposing a wide myriad of inquisitive sounds. On stage, his own personal mini-orchestra includes not only the ever present Conga drums, but also the Brazilian Brimbau, the African talking drums and the jun jun, the Djembe, the Shakeree, a New Orleans wash board, a cabasa from Cuba, timbales, spring drums, the caxixi, a taiko drum, coco nuts and even goat hooves!

The Lion King will run in Los Angeles until December of 2002, then it's on to Chicago for the next leg of the show. Eric McKain is looking forward to a continuing with The Lion King. It's the one gig where he's allowed to stay in town for long period of time, but travel every night while on stage. This king of percussion is rhythm personified. When he roars through your town.don't miss him!