AMERICAN MUSIC ABROAD REQUEST FOR AMMAN

UNCLAS AMMAN 005128

SIPDIS

STATE FOR ECA/PE/C/CU-SROUSE, NEA/PPD DBENZE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OEXC SCUL JO
SUBJECT: AMERICAN MUSIC ABROAD REQUEST FOR AMMAN

REF: STATE 102369

1) Amman requests inclusion in the American Music Abroad
Program to take place January March 2006. Our preference
is for a four-day program with a hip-hop group in March

2006. We prefer that programs be scheduled during the
Sunday through Thursday workweek. PA Amman would cover the
expenses detailed in paragraph 3 of reftel. PA Amman has
coordinated with PA Tel Aviv and PA Jerusalem on this
response cable.

2) This program would support Post's Mission Performance
Plan (MPP) goal of building Jordanian understanding and
appreciation of U.S. culture, and the Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs' goal of presenting the diversity of
American culture to overseas audiences. While elite
Jordanians enjoy a high level of exposure to American
culture, many parts of Jordanian society are only exposed
to caricatures of the United States as seen on satellite
television. As a result, misunderstanding of American
culture, society and values is widespread. To counteract
these perceptions, post has sought to present a diverse set
of cultural programs to the Jordanian population as part of
its overall public diplomacy strategy. An American Music
Abroad program in Jordan would enable post to both continue
its cultural engagement and to reach target groups such as
high school and university students, and the creative
community. We have found that cultural representatives
often make the best interlocutors in explaining US society
and values to these audiences, as well as to the non-elite
segments of society.

3) The priority audience sought for the group's
performances will be students and other youth. In
particular, this program would also allow post to conduct
events for youth at the two new American Corners at the
University of Jordan in Amman and Hashemiya University in
Zarqa. We are also interested in programming to targeted
audiences that have had little exposure to American
culture, such as other high school and university students
outside of Amman.

4) Performances by a hip-hop group would enhance Post's
efforts to expose Jordanians to American art forms and
underscore American values of diversity and inclusiveness.
In a recent visit by New York's Battery Dance Company, a
hip-hop workshop led by troupe members was wildly popular.
This style of music is particularly suited to engage the
youth audience at this time. There is great interest here
in American hip-hop music, but opportunities for live
concerts are scarce, airplay is limited, and CDs and tapes
are relatively expensive for the general public.

5) Post will coordinate the timing of its program with Tel
Aviv and Jerusalem, providing an opportunity for an
effective multi-stop regional tour. If a hip-hop group is
not available, we will welcome a Latin jazz group, but
would prefer one that concentrates on popular styles such
as salsa, as we are seeking to engage a very broad
audience.

6) Points Of Contacts for this program are:

David Mees (after August 16, 2005)
Cultural Affairs Officer
U.S. Embassy Amman
Tel. Office962-6-590-6620
Mobile962-79-553-2568
Fax962-6-592-0121
Email TBD

Zena Nasereddin
Cultural Affairs Assistant
U.S. Embassy Amman
Tel. Office962-6-590-6287
Tel. Home962-6-581-6111
Mobile962-79-558-0802
Fax962-6-592-0121
EmailNasereddinZR@state.gov


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