"The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad"

(Devin Phillips in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, December 2007
Devin Phillips & New Orleans Straight Ahead; Photo courtesy of Eric Gruber)

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER LAUNCHES FOURTH YEAR OF RHYTHM ROAD: AMERICAN MUSIC ABROAD TOURS

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR AUDITIONS NOW

Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) and The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs are pleased to collaborate once again on The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad. JALC is now accepting applications for the 2008-2009 program. American music groups from throughout the United States specializing in jazz, urban/hip hop and other American roots music including bluegrass, blues, Cajun, country, gospel and zydeco are invited to apply for the opportunity to travel abroad, particularly to countries not regularly visited by American musicians, to increase cross-cultural understanding.

WHEN:
September 15, 2008 – Application deadline
October 7, 2008 – Selected ensembles invited to live auditions in New York City
October 26 & 27, 2008 – Auditions
November 4, 2008 – Announcement of finalist ensembles for 2008-2009 Rhythm Road tours
January-June 2009 – Tours

Applications for the 2008-2009 tours are available:
http://www.jalc.org/TheRoad_noFl/formusicians2.html
Musicians inquiring about applications can call 212-258-9899 or email: amap@jalc.org.

HOW: Please visit The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad at www.jalc.org/TheRoad for more information. In addition, you can listen to music and stories about the program for free on Jazz at Lincoln Center Radio at http://www.jalc.org/jazzcast/program.asp?programNumber=262 and http://www.jalc.org/jazzcast/program.asp?programNumber=2

JALC and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs co-produce an annual series of international tours for ten jazz, urban and American roots music ensembles to regions including Africa, Asia, the Balkans, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. International tour activities include public concerts, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, media outreach and collaborations with local musicians. The program also incorporates free performances by each group hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, and at The National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. Over the past three years, 108 musicians from 28 ensembles have toured with the program, visiting 89 different countries on 5 continents.

"Cultural diplomacy allows artists and audiences to share in a common experience that reaches beyond differences in culture, religion, language and generations and to connect as people without borders,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Professional and Cultural Exchanges Alina L. Romanowski.

“In the historic tradition of such musical alumni as Armstrong, Ellington, and Gillespie, these tours focus on diverse geographic audiences and the dynamic interaction born of music. The emphasis on education as well as performance leads to powerful exchange for our audiences and musicians alike," said Susan John, Director of Touring for Jazz at Lincoln Center.

For photos, please visit: http://www.jalc.org/TheRoad_noFl/press_pix.html