10 American Bands Chosen For World Tour

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Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs announced today the 10 ensembles who will tour with The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program in 2009. American music groups from throughout the United States specializing in jazz, urban/hip-hop and other American roots music including blues, bluegrass, Cajun, country, gospel and zydeco were invited to apply for the opportunity to travel abroad to promote cross-cultural understanding, particularly to countries not regularly visited by American musicians.

Selected for their artistic integrity, musical ability and educational skills, the bands are: the Brian Horton Quartet, Chris Byars Quartet, Duende Quartet, Eli Yamin Blues Band, Hoppin’ John String Band, NuGenerations, Roseanna Vitro Quartet, Ryan Cohan Quartet, The Student Loan and Vice Verse All Stars.

For approximately one month beginning in February 2009, the groups will participate in public concerts, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, media outreach and collaborations with local musicians in various regions throughout Africa, Asia, the Balkans, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. The program also incorporates free performances by each ensemble hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and at the Grosvenor Auditorium at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

More info: jalc.org



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