UZBEKISTAN: 2009 RHYTHM ROADS REQUEST

UNCLAS TASHKENT 001100

SIPDIS

ECA FOR BOB KEITH AND COLOMBIA BARROSSE
SCA/PPD FOR MERRIE BLOCKER AND JESSICA PFLEIDERER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO UZ
SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN: 2009 RHYTHM ROADS REQUEST


1. Embassy Tashkent wishes to request American musicians through
the Rhythm Road program in 2009. Post's application is in response to
State 90853.

a) Preferred Music Style: American roots music (country western or
bluegrass)

b) Preferred Timeframe: Spring 2009, March-April (first choice) or
January-February (second choice). Post would like to coordinate
this request with Embassy AstanaQs request for a similar program, so
we would be pleased if our visit could be scheduled immediately
preceding or following theirs.

c) Priority Objectives: As a result of difficult relations with the
Government of Uzbekistan, Post has not been able to host a
large-scale visit by an American musical group in several years. At
this yearQs Fourth of July reception, the Uzbek Minister of Culture
indicated his interest and willingness to host American artists, so
Post feels the time is right to hold some large-scale PD events and
reintroduce Uzbek audiences to American music. We can increase
U.S.-Uzbek understanding by exposing people in Uzbekistan, who have
a strong tradition of music and dance themselves, to our cultural
heritage through American roots music. Through this program, we
will highlight the similarities between American and Uzbek music,
including the stringed instruments that both types of musicians use
-- the guitar and fiddle in American roots music, and the dutar and
tambur in traditional Uzbek music. Additionally, this program will
bolster the appreciation and understanding of American country
western and/or bluegrass music in a majority Muslim population.

d) Audiences: Our target audience includes music students and
professors, representatives of the Uzbek cultural community, USG
alumni, and the Uzbek-speaking general public, who might not
otherwise have access to American culture. In years past, Post
hosted jazz, classical and bluegrass musicians who were all well
received.

e) Possible Venue Institutions: In Tashkent, Post will organize
events including concerts and master classes at the well-known
Uspensky Music School, the State Conservatory, the Institute of
Culture, a music high school, and possibly the Ilkhom Theater. In
Khiva and Bukhara, Post will arrange events at specialized art and
music high schools. Many of these music schools and institutes have
departments that specialize in traditional Uzbek music, so such a
program would provide the students and teachers with an excellent
opportunity to learn about traditional American music.

f) Possible Venue Cities: The band will give concerts and workshops
in several regions of Uzbekistan, including Khiva and Bukhara, in
addition to Tashkent.

g) Security: Although there is currently a State Department travel
warning in effect for Uzbekistan, the country has been stable and
without violence for several years. As with all USG-sponsored
American visitors that we host, PAS representatives will meet the
musicians at the airport upon arrival and take them to the airport
upon departure, make secure transportation arrangements for them,
escort them to all official meetings and appointments, provide a
security briefing, and secure accommodations that are approved by
the Post Regional Security Office.

NORLAND