Musicians Needed, The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Now Accepting Applications

Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC ) and The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs are collaborating for a sixth year on The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad. JALC is now accepting band applications for the 2010-11 season. American music quartets from throughout the United States specializing in bluegrass, blues, Cajun, zydeco, country, jazz, gospel, and urban/hip hop are invited to apply for the opportunity to tour internationally and share their music with the world.

Auditions will be held in New York City at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center and, for the first time in the history of the program, in New Orleans.

Jazz at Lincoln Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, produces an annual series of international tours for ten ensembles performing jazz, urban, and other American roots music to countries all over the world. Through performance, education, and person-to-person interaction, The Rhythm Road program encourages mutual respect and understanding.

The program also incorporates free performances by each group 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. By December 2010, 150 musicians from 35 ensembles will have toured with The Rhythm Road, visiting over 100 countries on five continents.

“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.

“Music offers a common language that transcends borders, helps us engage as individuals, and promotes mutual understanding,” said Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. “Through The Rhythm Road tours, American musicians communicate something about our culture and the commonalities between people all over the world, touching audiences we might not otherwise reach and forging lasting connections.”

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program is made possible with underwriting support from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

Timeline

November 1, 2010 – Application deadline

December 17, 2010 – Selected ensembles invited to live auditions

January 16-18, 2011 – Auditions in New York City

January 20-21, 2011 – Auditions in New Orleans

January 28, 2011 – Announcement of finalist ensembles for 2010-11 Rhythm Road tours

April-June 2011 & September 2011-February 2012, Domestic performances and international touring

Musicians inquiring about applications can call 212-258-9899 or email: theroad@jalc.org.