[Dixielandjazz] US Embassy Award to Young American Jazz Virtuoso

[Stephen G Barbone]

EMBASSY NEWS

Embassy Award to Young American Jazz Virtuoso

Regardless of language barriers, jazz is one art form that speaks to  
both Hungarians and Americans, drawing them together in music  
appreciation and performance, and strengthening the bonds of  
friendship between our two countries.

In support of this Embassy goal, Chargé d'Affaires Jeffrey Levine led  
a 10-person U.S. Embassy delegation to the March 28, 2008 opening of  
Kecskemét's International "Bohém" Ragtime & Jazz Festival. The  
featured performer was 12-year-old American violin virtuoso Jonathan  
Russell, to whom Chargé Levine presented the Ambassador's Award for  
Music Diplomacy.
Russell joined Festival organizer, Tamás Ittzés -- who is also a  
master of jazz instrumental performance -- and his Bohém Ragtime Jazz  
Band in a program of early jazz music. The event delighted the  
international audience of 500 that filled Kecskemét's Cultural Center  
Hall. The U.S. Embassy was pleased to be a co-sponsors of the Festival.