The Jazz group, Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants performed in Iraq last week as part of the U.S. State Department's diplomatic initiatives.  The group completed the Iraq tour on April 5 and will return to the U.S. by the end of this week.

Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants to travel to Middle East as “Jazz Ambassadors.”

New York, NY, (April 7, 2009) Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants, a jazz ensemble, will visit the Middle East as a part of the U.S. State Department’s diplomatic initiative. The group is scheduled for a five-week tour of Iraq, Afghanistan, Beirut and Armenia in March 9 through April 7, 2009.

This program is produced by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and it is designed to foster cultural exchange with audiences worldwide. Tour activities include public concerts, master classes, lecture-recitals, workshops, jam sessions, media outreach, and collaborations with local musicians. The program targets areas around the world with limited access to American culture.

Alvin has participated in the program 6 times. In 2007 and 2008, Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants traveled to the Middle East to perform in the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Russia. Additionally, the Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program coordinators selected Atkinson to lead the Rhythm Road All-Stars Group, performing in the countries of Mali, India and China. In 2004, he traveled to South America and Africa with other groups through the Kennedy Center’s “Jazz Ambassador” program.