Award Winning Singer Oscar Williams Selected for 2011 Rhythm Road Tour
OSCAR WILLIAMS, JR SELECTED FOR 2011 RHYTHM ROAD AMERICAN MUSIC ABROAD TOUR
Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced the 2011-12 Rhythm Road Tour. Award winning gospel songwriter and vocalist Oscar Williams, Jr returns to The Rhythm Road program after last year’s tour of Eastern Europe and Lebanon. Williams and the Band of Life is set to travel throughout Central and South America to Guatemala, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Argentina and Cali from May 16 – June 18.
Oscar Williams, Jr. and the Band of Life is more than just a gospel group; they represent a new musical movement. Williams and his group believe in the healing power of music, and aim to create music that is inspiring and life-changing. "I am expecting to impact the lives and community of my South American brothers and sisters,” Williams states. “These countries already have such a rich musical heritage. I look forward to sharing gospel music with them and the collaborations that will come out of this exchange.”
Over 100 musicians and singers auditioned for The Rhythm Road Program. Williams was selected based on artistic integrity, musical ability, and educational skills. He joins eight extremely talented and passionate groups who represent genres of blues, country, jazz, bluegrass and hip hop music. They will engage with foreign audiences teaching workshops and master classes, holding jam sessions and concerts. This program, through music, provides a greater knowledge of American culture to foreign citizens as it also broadens the understanding of other cultures for the U.S. artists who are touring. Williams, most importantly, utilizes this platform as another opportunity to share with the world the unfailing love of Christ.
“I am thankful to the Rhythm Road and Jazz at Lincoln Center for trusting me and my Band of Life members with the task of using our music to help heal these countries," shares Williams. Rhythm Road not only unifies cultures via the joy of music, but allows musicians to continue to develop their skill and represent their country with pride.
www.reverbnation.com/oscarwilliamsjr
Oscar Williams, Jr. is most noted for having penned “Safety”, the soul-stirring gospel hit favorite, and “God is Able” the radio chart toping song recorded by Joe Leavell. Oscar is one of the industry’s most sought after music directors and clinicians. He holds a Bachelors degree in Music from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. His songwriter credits include contributions to Gospel Today presents Praise and Worship Project II, Smokie Norful presents Victory Cathedral Choir; The Thomas Dorsey Convention Project, Jasper Williams, Jr’s Landmark, and on projects by powerhouse vocalist Lecresia Campbell, The Mississippi Mass Choir, The Wilmington Chester Mass Choir and The GMWA Youth Choir.
Jazz at Lincoln Center is dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz. With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a comprehensive array of guest artists, Jazz at Lincoln Center advances a unique vision for the continued development of the art of jazz by producing a year-round schedule of performance, education and broadcast events for audiences of all ages. These productions include concerts, national and international tours, residencies, a jazz hall of fame and concert series, weekly national radio programs, television broadcasts, recordings, publications, an annual high school jazz band competition and festival, a band director academy, jazz appreciation curriculum for students, music publishing, children's concerts, lectures, adult education courses, student and educator workshops and interactive websites. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, Chairman Lisa Schiff, and Executive Director Adrian Ellis, Jazz at Lincoln Center produces thousands of events each season in its home in New York City, Frederick P. Rose Hall, and around the world. For more information, visit jalc.org.
U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through a wide range of academic, cultural, private sector, professional, and sports exchange programs. Through its Cultural Programs Division, the Bureau supports cultural exchanges that support U.S. foreign policy, foster America's artistic excellence, and demonstrate America's respect and appreciation for other cultures and traditions. The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program presents selected professional American performers on concert tours in countries with limited exposure to live American culture. For more information, visit exchanges.state.gov/cultural/rhythm.html
Posted by Administration at 4/14/2011 10:59 AM 
Categories: New Gospel Releases, Gospel, Urban Gospel, News-Update, Events
Tags: 2011 Releases Music News Update Tour News
Categories: New Gospel Releases, Gospel, Urban Gospel, News-Update, Events
Tags: 2011 Releases Music News Update Tour News
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