The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that an American jazz group, the Ari Roland Jazz Quartet, will visit Turkmenistan June 26 – July 3, 2019, for a series of workshops and concerts.
Performing together since 1987, the Quartet plays music inspired by American jazz masters, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie. Since 2007, the Quartet has completed over 140 cultural exchange programs to countries the world, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The Ari Roland Jazz Quartet has visited Turkmenistan six times since 2010, performing extensively with Turkmen musicians and recording a CD of Turkmen and American music.
The following Quartet members will visit Turkmenistan:
1. Mr. Ari Roland (double bass)
2. Mr. Zaid Nassar (alto saxophone)
3. Mr. Chris Byars (tenor saxophone)
4. Mr. Keith Balla (drums)
While in Turkmenistan, the ensemble will perform at three public concerts in Mary, Turkmenabat, and Ashgabat, as well as a presentation of jazz music at the American Center in Ashgabat. The concert in Ashgabat will feature a mix of American jazz music and Turkmen music, with a joint performance by the Ari Roland Jazz Quartet and Turkmen musicians. These concerts are open to the public and entrance is free of charge. Attendance at each concert will be limited to the seating capacity of each theater.
Dates and times are as follows:
Mary – Concert at the Kemine State Drama Theater of Mary
Mollanepes Street, Mary, Mary Region, 745400
Thursday, June 27, 18:30.
Turkmenabat – Concert at the Seydi State Drama Theater of Turkmenabat
Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue, Turkmenabat, Lebap Region, 746100
Friday, June 28, 18:30.
Ashgabat – Joint concert with the Shohle ensemble at the Culture and Business Center of the Turkmen Oil and Gas Concern
10 Yyl Abadanchylyk (1945) Avenue, Ashgabat, 744017
Sunday, June 30, 18:00.
Ashgabat – Presentation on American jazz music at the American Center
Business Center, 3rd Floor, 70 Andalyp Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 744000
Monday, July 1, 16:30.
Ashgabat – Jazz jam session at Veranda restaurant, Rysgal Shopping Mall 5th floor, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 744000 (Table reservations strongly recommended at 644-644)
Monday, July 1, 19:30.
