RHYTHM ROAD REQUEST: FEBRUARY 20-25 OR FEBRUARY

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000556

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

ECA/PE/C/CU FOR SANDRA ROUSE, COLOMBIA BARROSSE, AND LAFAYE
PROCTOR, JALC FOR VAN MONAK CHHUN, WHA/PDA FOR AUDREY
PRUITT, WHA/CAR FOR JACKIE ROSHOLT

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO NS
SUBJECT: RHYTHM ROAD REQUEST: FEBRUARY 20-25 OR FEBRUARY
6-11

REF: SECSTATE 144911


1. Post is delighted by the ECA/PD/C/Cu offer for an
American Music Abroad - Rhythm Road stop in Suriname and
looks forward to an excellent opportunity to continue the
vibrant music outreach program at Post. This presentation
fits our MSP goal of mutual U.S./Suriname appreciation and
respect contributing to a more effective partnership. One of
the ways in which we do this is through opportunities that
highlight the U.S. contribution to world culture. The
American Music Abroad program will demonstrate both our
interest in Surinamese cultural life and our desire to share
with Surinamers the best of contemporary American culture.
In addition, it will build on significant goodwill and
expectations created by the January 2007 visit of the Rhythm
Road performing artist ensemble "Cultures of Rhythm" and
other music programs organized by the Embassy. Despite
limited resources, Post has organized nine concerts with a
jazz element in the last thirteen months, and thousands of
Surinamers have attended. In addition, jazz has been an
important element of Post's outreach to the second largest
population center, Nickerie.


2. Program dates that we can accommodate:
1st choice: Wednesday, February 20 through Monday, February
25
2nd choice: Wednesday, February 6 through Monday, February 11
In practice Wednesday through Monday visit slots are the only
realistic option, with programming Thursday through Sunday.
Limited flights in and out of Suriname, rest day requirements
for the band, and the difficulty of attracting audiences
Monday through Wednesday make other visit slots unrealistic.
Programming in January will also be impractical in 2008.


3. Notional daily schedule:
Wednesday: arrival, 1:00 a.m.; rest day and/or travel to
Nickerie
Thursday: (travel to Nickerie if not done on Wednesday)
performance in Nickerie's central public square
Friday: return to Paramaribo, performance at Ambassador's
residence
Saturday: morning and/or afternoon workshops, public street
concert in the evening
Sunday: morning and/or afternoon workshops, evening free
Monday: departure, 6:00 a.m.
Daily schedule will be developed further if dates are
confirmed.


4. As in 2007, to support this extensive programming, Post
will request additional WHA/PDA funding support to cover
costs.


5. In response to reftel para 4, Post provides the following
information:
Pol/PD Officer:
Andy Utschig, Telephone 001 (597) 472900 ext 2208, Fax 001
(597) 420800
utschigas@state.gov
LES Public Diplomacy Assistant:
Cliff Djamin, Telephone 001 (597) 472900 ext 2290, Fax 001
(597) 425690
djaminsc@state.gov


6. Post looks forward to further information about the
American Music Abroad - Rhythm Road program. The tour will
be enthusiastically received in Suriname.
SCHREIBER HUGHES