Mass Media Overview
Russian & American Bluegrass Bands Break Down Barriers
19.07.2011 00:06
http://stpetersburg.usconsulate.gov/
Thanks to the support of the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission and ECA’s Performing Arts Initiative together with a little "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," the American Seasons in Russia continued to break down barriers between Russians and Americans in Vologda, one of the four historical homes of the U.S. Mission to Russia. On July 12-13, Donna Ulisse & the Poor Mountain Boys from Nashville, Tennessee headlined the Second Russian Bluegrass Festival backed by Fine Street (St. Petersburg) and the Red Brick Boys (Moscow) with twin concerts in Northern Russia's Cultural Capital (Vologda) and at the nearby Open Air Museum at Semyonkovo. Every major regional TV and radio station – along with most local press – were on hand to cover this U.S.-Russian musical event which culminated in all three bands up on stage mashing to Earl Scruggs' legendary bluegrass hit "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." As the leader of the local Semyonkovo folk ensemble who joined in the singing pointed out to the large number of kids from Edinaya Rossiya summer camps who had gathered at the bluegrass concert: "Folk music shows us just how much we have in common."