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