Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05KUWAIT4550
2005-10-23 09:11:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kuwait
Cable title:  

CIRCUS GUY ROCKS KUWAIT, PROMOTES STUDYUSA

Tags:  KPAO OEXC OIIP SCUL XF KU 
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 004550 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/PPD (CWHITTLESEY),ECA/A/S/A
(MTHOMPSONJONES),IIP/G/NEA-SA (TSCOTT)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OEXC OIIP SCUL XF KU
SUBJECT: CIRCUS GUY ROCKS KUWAIT, PROMOTES STUDYUSA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 004550

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/PPD (CWHITTLESEY),ECA/A/S/A
(MTHOMPSONJONES),IIP/G/NEA-SA (TSCOTT)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OEXC OIIP SCUL XF KU
SUBJECT: CIRCUS GUY ROCKS KUWAIT, PROMOTES STUDYUSA


1. SUMMARY: The Arab-American rock group "Circus Guy"
conducted a "Study in the U.S." musical tour in Kuwait
September 26-28, 2005. Circus Guy held concerts and
educational workshops for youth audiences and the Kuwaiti
public. The band performed at several private schools and
Kuwait's Scientific Center. Their programs promoted higher
education in the U.S. before more than 1,000 Kuwaiti
students and 2,000 plus spectators at Marina Mall and
achieved excellent press coverage. END SUMMARY.

From Iraq to New York to Kuwait
--------------


2. September 26-28, American rock band Circus Guy,
comprised of New York-based Michael Culhane (lead singer,
songwriter, guitarist),Greg Ross (vocals, bass guitar),
Alan Bigelow (guitar, vocals),Frank Marino (drums,
percussion),and Cairo-based T.H. "Taha" Culhane (singer,
songwriter, guitarist),held a number of concerts and
educational workshops in Kuwait targeting youth audiences.

Connecting with Kuwaiti Youth
--------------


3. The Iraqi-American Culhane brothers aptly blended
American and Arabic pop music with original pieces,
demonstrating America's cultural diversity to Kuwaiti
Muslim youth who are potential future students at American
colleges and universities. Circus Guy facilely engaged
youth audiences with their energetic, lyrical performances
and high audience participation techniques. The Culhane
brothers integrated the "Study in the U.S." message into
every event, using IIP materials and RBO products, and
distributing 400 colorful Embassy-designed tee shirts.

Come Study at "Hotel California"
--------------


4. The tour kicked off with a raucous performance at Al-
Bayan Bi-lingual School's auditorium. Musicians joined
hands with students and danced in the aisles. More than
300 predominantly Kuwaiti students sang and cheered
throughout the show, donning "Education U.S.A." tee shirts
thrown to the crowd by the band. The group ended with a
rousing "study in the U.S." rendition of Hotel California.

Creativity in the Classroom
--------------


5. Next, the musicians conducted an environmental workshop
for about 100 students and teachers of the British School

of Kuwait, at the I-Max theater of Kuwait's Scientific
Center. Merging music, PowerPoint, and video Taha Culhane,
a science teacher in Egypt, led the unique workshop,
encouraging students and instructors to use innovative
American learning techniques in their classes.

Mixing Education and Music
--------------


6. On September 27, Circus Guy held a science
"edutainment" [education + entertainment] workshop, for 100
American School of Kuwait (ASK) fifth-graders. Following
the workshop, the DCM opened a concert for 300 high-school
students and urged them to consider studying in the U.S.
That evening, the band performed for 60 Public Affairs
contacts, including students from the American University
of Kuwait, jamming with a Kuwaiti drummer and a lutist.

Dancing in the Aisles
--------------


7. On September 28, Circus Guy held a workshop for 100
fifth-graders at the Universal American School, followed by
a concert, introduced by the DCM, for about 150 high-school
students. Students in the back row remained on their feet
during the two-hour concert and were rewarded with
Education U.S.A. tee shirts. In a thank-you note to the
CAO, the Superintendent, wrote, "It was truly one of the
finest instructive programs presented to this institution."

Jamming at the Mall
--------------


8. Circus Guy's Kuwaiti tour culminated on the shores of
the Arabian Gulf, at the posh, heavily frequented Marina
Mall. More than 2,000 young Kuwaitis witnessed the evening
concert, clapping, singing, and swaying in unison with the
music. Boys wearing traditional dishdashas or jeans, ball
caps, and tee shirts, enjoyed the show as did girls
sporting black abayas with diverse hijab (head covering)
styles or western attire. The group played requests,
handed out tee shirts, and publicized "Education U.S.A."
web sites. Three musicians from Kuwait's Higher Institute
of Music and Art accompanied Circus Guy on the traditional
Kuwaiti drum, oud, and violin. Linking American music and
Arabic melodies was an appealing and effective strategy.

Raising the U.S. Cultural Profile
--------------


9. Besides engaging over 2,000 young Kuwaitis with the
"study in the U.S." message at the Marina Mall concert,
more than 1,000 Kuwaiti students experienced first hand
American music and cultural diversity during the group's
performances and workshops. This program enhanced the
Embassy's cultural presence, encouraged Kuwaitis to
consider study in the U.S., and promoted American values.


10. The concert tour received significant, positive press
coverage that stressed the "study in the U.S." theme:

Al-Seyassah, 9/27/05, p. 21, Arabic, 1/4 page, circ. 45,000
Arab Times, 9/27/05, p. 23, English, 1/3 page, circ. 40,000
Kuwait Times, 9/27/05, front page and p. 2, English, 1/3
page, circ. 35,000
Al-Watan, 9/28/05, p. 9, Arabic, 1/8 page, circ. 65,000
Al-Rai Al-Aam on 9/29/05, p. 21, Arabic, 1/4 page, circ.
70,000
Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) link:
http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Langua ge=en&DSNO=773
320
Embassy Kuwait web site:
http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/pr_09262005.html
Circus guy's web site: http://www.circusguy.com

Eager Program Partners
--------------


11. Kuwait's National Council for Arts, Culture, and
Letters, the Kuwait Scientific Center, three private
schools, and the Marina Mall, enthusiastically offered
venues for Circus Guy's programs. The target schools are
composed of more than 80 per cent Kuwaiti students. The
Marina Mall, site of the outdoor concert, is currently the
most popular hangout for Kuwaiti teens and young people.
After learning of the program, other local schools have
approached the Embassy to program similar activities.

Follow-up and Future Events
--------------


12. Public Affairs will continue active efforts to promote
study in the U.S. with partner institutions during
International Education Week. Kuwaiti instructors and
students plan to incorporate Circus Guy's multi-media
approach to science education in their classrooms.

LEBARON