From the official website:
“The mission of The Rhythm Road is to share American’s unique contribution to the world of music. Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. Department of State are producing ten tours featuring six jazz quartets and four American urban music quartets to represent American music overseas. The artists have been selected from a national pool of applicants and together they reflect the talent and diversity of musicians across the United States.
The artists on The Rhythm Road are traveling in the Fall of 2007 and Spring of 2008, performing in countries that are not regularly visited by American musicians. Tour activities include public concerts, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, media outreach, and collaborations with local musicians.”