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Embassy Notes

The Clinton Curtis Band Rocks Nicaragua

February 11, 2013
the five members of the band jumping in the air with their instruments. photo courtesy of El Nuevo Diario

photo courtesy of El Nuevo Diario

The five member Clinton Curtis Band burst onto the music scene in Nicaragua February 5-11 showcasing original songs and signature styles of "American Roots Music" as part of the Department of State's 2013 "American Music Abroad" program.  The band's modern interpretation of musical genres that include Gospel, Delta Blues, Jazz, Rock, Reggae, and Ska captivated audiences in Managua, Matagalpa, León, and Masatepe. 

Intensive master class sessions with music students and youth orchestra members in Managua and Matagalpa highlighted similarities in music styles of Nicaragua and the United States and offered the opportunity for the visiting musicians to hear some of the rich traditional sounds of Nicaragua.  The band shared personal stories of their backgrounds and emphasized to the future generation of music leaders and performers the importance of following their passion while still being a "good person." 

From providing technical training to disadvantaged youth to fundraising for disaster relief, the Clinton Curtis Band models the leadership and social entrepreneurial skills of an engaged citizen of the world.

For more on the band and a sample of their original music, visit the American Voices website: http://amvoices.org/ama/?page_id=285

 

Video

Band performaces

  • The Band's passion for music and energetic stage presence had concert goers dancing in the aisles and singing along to the soulful medley of the American gospel hymn "Amazing Grace" and beloved Nicaraguan song "Nicaragua, Nicaraguita."  Listen to the band perform the songs in León in the embbeded video above