Music has been used throughout the years as a medium for self-expression and social cohesion not just between individuals, but also between communities and nations themselves. This form of cultural diplomacy enables messages...
KEEP READINGThe American Music Abroad Program Brings Bluegrass to Pakistan
Sep 28, 2017
Grammy-nominated bluegrass singer Celia Woodsmith knows how music can be a powerful tool for bridging cultures. As part of the American Music Abroad program sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Woodsmith traveled to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan with her band composed of all women.
Listen as Woodsmith describes her experience meeting a family in Islamabad, where she and the daughter shared music from their respective cultures. She recalls the father's plea for Woodsmith to share the experience with others in the United States, as he asked her to "tell them that not all Muslims are bad people. We are not bad people.”
Her full talk at TEDxPiscataquaRiver is available here. For more information about Celia Woodsmith and her music, check out her website.
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