JALC Cultural Exchange Continues in Mali, India and China

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program is again taking a group of Jazz at Lincoln Center musicians on tour to promote live jazz, this time to Mali, India and China. The four performers participating are trumpeter Charlie Porter (pictured), double bassist Ari Roland, pianist Eli Yamin and drummer Alvin Atkinson, who previously traveled to Africa and South America through the program. The musicians are currently playing in Bamako, Mali, and from Aug. 26 to Sept. 7 they’ll perform throughout India before journeying to China, where they’ll play in Chengdu and Guangzhou from Sept. 7-13.

Produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the program began two years ago and since then there have been 17 tours to 66 countries on 5 continents. Aiming to increase international exposure to American music and culture, the program includes public concerts from the artists as well as master classes, lecture-recitals, workshops and collaborations with local musicians.

To hear music and stories about the program for free, go to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Radio Web site.

Originally Published August 25, 2007