Ten American Bands Chosen to Tour the World

Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs have announced the names of 10 ensembles that 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, finalist bands are:

· Brian Horton Quartet

· Chris Byars Quartet (pictured)

· Duende Quartet

· Eli Yamin Blues Band

· Hoppin’ John String Band

· NuGenerations

· Roseanna Vitro Quartet

· Ryan Cohan Quartet

· The Student Loan

· Vice Verse All Stars

International tour activities will include public concerts, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, media outreach and collaborations with local musicians.

Ensembles travel to regions including Africa, Asia, the Balkans, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East for approximately one month in the period beginning February 2009 through June 2009. The program also incorporates free performances by each ensemble hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center and at the Grosvenor Auditorium at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

For more information, please visit The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad at The Rhythm Road.

Originally Published November 11, 2008