Jazz Appreciation Month

Jazz Appreciation Month Culminates with Discussion on “The International Impact of Jazz” at National Museum of American History

As a culminating event in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will host a panel discussion, “The International Impact of Jazz,” featuring members of the diplomatic and musical communities who will share their experiences in presenting American jazz to international audiences. The event, which is open to the public, will take place Thursday, April 28, 2005, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Presidential Reception Suite, at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The panelists include Freddie Bryant, jazz and classical guitarist, composer and recording artist; Leonard Triyono, broadcaster of the Indonesian News Service from the Voice of America; and Robert LaGamma, the Executive Director for the non-profit organization Council for a Community of Democracy.

Every April, Jazz Appreciation Month trumpets the extraordinary history of jazz and its importance to America, providing a platform for U.S. embassies to showcase American musical talent and to broaden foreign audiences’ exposure to the best of American culture. U.S. Department of State cultural and arts programs demonstrate the vitality and excellence of American artistic traditions and highlight the values of democracy, diversity, freedom of expression, volunteerism, and America's free-market, entrepreneurial culture. Managed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the American Music Abroad Program (formerly known as Jazz Ambassadors) comprises concert tours by selected professional American jazz and urban music performers in countries where exposure to American culture is limited. Tours include workshops and master classes in addition to concerts in order to promote mutual understanding and cross-cultural awareness. Participating musicians must demonstrate high artistic ability and be conversant with broader aspects of contemporary American society and culture. More information is available at exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/culture.

For more information about this program please contact Stephanie Montgomery, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, 202-633-3129, or Adam Meier, Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, (202) 203-7026. Further information about Jazz Appreciation Month is available at smithsonianjazz.org.

2005/445 Released on April 27, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC April 27, 2005