Through the Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs co-produce tours for six jazz and three urban music quartets that include performance and education events around the world.  The program is designed to foster cultural exchange in areas with limited access to American music and culture.  Regions inlcude Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Each applicant must be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and hold a valid U.S. passport. (For audition information or to apply click here.) Successful applicants must demonstrate outstanding artistic integrity, distinguished musical abilities, and extensive knowledge of American culture. As touring regions may be challenging, applicants must be amenable to rigorous traveling and performance conditions. In addition to concert performances, selected groups will host educational activities that include, but are not limited to workshops, master classes and outreach activities. Each quartet may apply in only one category: jazz or urban music.

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program tours are under the official auspices of the U.S. Department of State. These activities are assisted financially by its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs which funds international travel, hotels, & meals, and awards a modest honorarium to each of the selected groups. Jazz at Lincoln Center organizes the tours and coordinates the auditions, which are judged by professional musicians. Selected quartets will perform in two concerts free to the public, one at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola and one in Washington DC, prior to their overseas departure. These performances and all events abroad may be recorded and broadcasted non-commercially.