Sharon Katz & The Peace Train have been touring the United States since October 1999 and the last news came from St Louis, which was the first stop on their 10-nation Peace Train Odyssey Tour. Here 500 singers and dancers from St Louis joined them during their performance at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in November.

Sharon Katz, a South African musician who was trained in music therapy in the United Stated, formed The Peace Train in South Africa in 1992. Bringing together 500 singers and dancers from South Africa’s previously separated race groups, she staged a musical production that made history because of its diversity and message of unity and hope. Since then, Sharon Katz & The Peace train have travelled all over the world, using their music to promote multicultural understanding, prevent violence and aid in conflict resolutoin.

The Peace Odyssey is a two-year tour involving musicians from 10 strife-torn zones around the world including Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Ireland and South America. The United States has been added to the project because of the escalating levels of violence in schools and commuinities.

Ntokozo Mbhele, one of the original voices of the first choir (When Voices Met in 1993) and the youth president of the Peace Train, has been travelling with the Peace Train since May 1998.

“We are continuing to spread the message and the music and plan to come home in February to do a series of concerts,” says Sharon. “We greatly miss our home and look forward to seeing everyone again. We have been invited to stage concerts all over the USA and other parts of the world but always treasure our roots at home in Durban.

Contact Sharon on SharonKatz2000@aol.com or visit her website at www.SharonKatz.com