Audition and Application Information

Program Summary

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.

Audition 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.

To submit online, please visit sonicbids at www.sonicbids.com/rhythmroad

Application deadline: applications must be received by September 15, 2008.

Send all application materials and direct any questions to:

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program
Jazz at Lincoln Center
33 W. 60th Street, 11th Floor
NY, NY 10023-7999
email: amap@jalc.org
phone: 212-258-9899
www.jalc.org/theroad

*Online submission is powered by Sonicbids.