The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center and National Geographic Live, will present a free concert featuring musicians of The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, on June 4, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at The National Geographic Society’s Grosvenor Auditorium (1600 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C).

 

This concert is the final of a series of five free concerts to give audiences in the United States the opportunity to meet and listen to these talented performers. The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad sends 10 American quartets abroad to present original American music, including jazz, urban, and roots. Quartets from across the United States auditioned in New York City. Ten were selected to represent American culture through concerts, jam sessions, classes, and person-to-person interaction with foreign audiences who historically have had few opportunities to meet Americans firsthand. These American musical ambassadors are following in the footsteps of legends Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, and other great American jazz performers. 

 

Performing will be:

 

Duende Quartet: Duende Quartet's repertoire ranges from traditional Cuban songs to arrangements of jazz standards-all pieces strike a balance between danceable groove and effortless improvisation.

 

Eli Yamin Blues Band: This ensemble welcomes audiences of all ages into the varied and rich world of the blues, America's primary musical art form. The band explores the healing power of the music and its range from spiritual to classical, from bebop to folk.

 

Please visit www.exchanges.state.gov/cultural/rhythm.html and www.jalc.org/TheRoad! for more information.

 

Media Contacts:

 

David C. Grier (202) 203-7007 or GrierDC@state.gov
Catherine Stearns (202) 203-5107 or StearnsCL@state.gov