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