‘The Rhythm Road’ opens American Souls

The American Embassy in Colombo and Jazz at Lincoln Center present American soul and hip hop artistes ‘The Maya Azucena Band’ at two great shows titled ‘The Rhythm Road’ in Sri Lanka. The shows will be performed on Monday, April 28 at 6:00pm at the Galle Town Hall in Galle and Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30pm at the New Town Hall, Colombo 7.

With musical influences ranging from Earth Wind and Fire to Ella Fitzgerald, the MAYA AZUCENA band bridges the genres of soul, hip-hop, world and funk music. Through their "raw soul" sound and progressive lyrics, the band seeks to uplift communities worldwide. Best known for riveting tracks and spirited live performances, Azucena and her band recently released their album, Junkyard Jewel, to wide acclaim.

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program is a partnership between Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) and the U.S. Department of State. The program is designed to foster cultural exchange with audiences worldwide. This season, 6 jazz quartets and 4 urban music ensembles will tour regions such as Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. International activities include public concerts, master classes, lecture-recitals, workshops, jam sessions, media outreach, and collaborations with local musicians.

This dynamic group of musicians will also hold workshops and master classes for young Sri Lankan musicians in both Galle and Colombo, sharing their musical abilities and experience of the music business.

The band comprises- Maya Azucena (Vocalist), a Brooklyn native, who sees her music as a voice of and for the people. Recently named Best Alternative Artiste of the Year by Allhiphop.com and nominated by soultracks.com as Best Female Vocalist of the Year, Azucena has shared the stage with such legendary artists as Robert Flack and has toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe and won two Croatian Grammy awards for her collaboration with Croation superstar Gibonni earlier this year.

Ivan Katz (Drums), a Manhattan native, has been playing drums for 20 years and specializes in soul, hip-hop, reggae and dance beats. Katz's unique style results from immersion in the sounds and vibrations of New York City. He has shared the stage with reggae superstars including Toots Hibbert and Sugar Minott. Bruce Mack (keyboards) is a multi-instrumentalist and educator working in the genres of R&B, funk, jazz, experimental music, and hip-hop. He is the leader of the abstract/expressionist band Tricky Dilemma, a senior member of the collective Burnt Sugar, and also plays with the Arkestra Chamber. He is committed to music education for children and currently oversees a special initiative at The Door, in New York City.

Christian Ver Halen (Guitar) is originally from Chicago and has been on the New York music scene for over six years as a guitarist, songwriter and producer.

He has performed at all of the major venues in the city and has toured in the U.S. and Europe. As a leader of the group "The Rooftop," Ver Halen released the critically acclaimed album A Live Shot in 2006. 100% of the album's sales are donated to Music Rising, a non-profit organization specifically aimed at assisting musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Entrance to both shows is totally free and passes for the Colombo show can be picked up at the American Center, 44 Galle Rd, Colombo 3 or at the performance - on first come, first served basis. For more information contact The American Center at 249-8100.