U.S. EMBASSY CELEBRATES AMERICAN JAZZ IN ARMENIA FOR 8TH YEAR FROM MARCH 9-14

US State News
June 23, 2009 Tuesday 5:50 PM EST

YEREVAN, Armenia, March 9 — The U.S. Embassy issued the following
press release:

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that it will showcase Alvin
Atkinson and the Sound Merchants from March 9-14, 2009. This marks the
8th year that the U.S. Embassy in Armenia has featured accomplished
American jazz musicians and highlights the mutual appreciation of jazz
in both countries. Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants integrate
American jazz and blues influences with inflections of rhythms and
melodies from around the world. The quartet is performing in Armenia
under the auspices of the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs’ Musical Overtures Tour.

In addition to performances in Armenia, the group will travel to Iraq,
Lebanon, Afghanistan, Libya and Sudan. Alvin Atkinson is a drummer,
bandleader and jazz educator. He formed Alvin Atkinson and the
Sound Merchants in New York City in 2004. The group has received
numerous honors and has traveled internationally. The group also
features Jonathan Lefcoski, on piano, Vaughn Ambrose, saxophonist, and
Corcoron Holt, bassist. Throughout their careers, they have performed
with many jazz notables and other American musicians including Ellis
Marsalis, the Temptations, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight. Alvin
Atkinson and the Sound Merchants will give seven performances in
Armenia. They will debut in Hrazdan at the Arts School Hall on March
10 and will perform at the Aznavour Concert Hall in Vanadzor the same
evening. Other regional concerts include a performance at the Music
School Hall in Alaverdi on March 11, a concert and master class at
the Arts Academy Hall in Gyumri on March 12, a concert at the Culture
Palace in Spitak on March 13, and a concert at the Culture House in
Ararat village on March 14. Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants
will give a final performance at the Youth Theater Hall in Yerevan on
the evening of March 14. All concerts are open to the public and free
of charge. Additional information can be found on the U.S. Embassy
website at