The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad is a partnership between Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program is designed to foster cultural exchange with audiences worldwide through performance and educational outreach. Selected ensembles tour to such regions as Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East for approximately one month. International activities include public concerts, master clas...
The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad is a partnership between Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program is designed to foster cultural exchange with audiences worldwide through performance and educational outreach. Selected ensembles tour to such regions as Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East for approximately one month. International activities include public concerts, master classes, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, media outreach, and collaborations with local musicians.
The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad tours operate under the official auspices of the U.S. government. The U.S. Department of State funds international travel, hotels, & meals, and awards a modest tour honorarium to each musician. JALC organizes the tours and coordinates the auditions, which are judged by professional musicians. Selected quartets will also perform two free public concerts, at JALC’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and in Washington DC. All events nationally and internationally may be recorded and broadcasted non-commercially.
Application Criteria:
- Each musician must be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and hold a valid U.S. passport.
- Applying ensembles must be comprised of exactly four musicians.
- Rhythm Road bands must perform in one of U. S. State Department’s selected American musical styles: jazz, urban/hip hop, or American roots music (including blues, bluegrass, Cajun, gospel, zydeco, and country).
- Each musician may perform with only one band, and each band can be considered for only one category (jazz, urban or roots).
- Successful applicant ensembles are required to demonstrate artistic integrity, musical ability, superior educational ability, and knowledge of American music/culture.
- Applicants must be amenable to rigorous traveling and performance conditions, as touring regions and itineraries may be challenging.
- In addition to musical performances, selected groups will host educational activities that include, but are not limited to, workshops, master classes and outreach activities.
(Applications that that fail to meet any of the above criteria will be disqualified).
Submission & Application Process
When you click to submit your EPK, there are a number of materials that you will need to have prepared:
- Two educational proposals that outline a one-hour education program that your ensemble could present on the tour.
- Each band member will need to provide their resume/curriculum vitae.
- Each band member will need to provide a letter of recommendation from a colleague or mentor.
- Publicity materials are not required but bands can provide up to six.
Application Timeline & Due Dates
- August 10, 2009 - Application deadline
- September 23, 2009 - Selected ensembles invited to live auditions in New York City
- October 23-25, 2009 - Audition in NYC (Ensembles must be available during this period)
- October 27-29, 2009 - Audition in other city (Pending final application review, auditions may be held in a second city)
- November 6, 2009 - Announcement of finalist ensembles for the 2009/10 Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad season
- March through December 2010 - Finalist ensembles perform domestically and embark on international tours