U.S. Embassy Celebrates Its First Daniel Pearl World Music Day Concert
October 23, 2009
 |
| The Kreol Jazz Pioneers marching right into the audience, up and down the aisles, with the classic “Oh, When The Saints…” to the delight of the crowd. |
The Embassy held its first Daniel Pearl World Music Day Celebration at the Indira Gandhi Center for Indian Culture in Phoenix on Friday, October 23. Everything was all set for a memorable evening to pay tribute to American news reporter Daniel Pearl with first class local artists namely, Eric Triton, Black Men Bluez, Kreol Jazz Pioneers, Gina Jean Charles, La Foule and two painters/cartoonists.
Before the concert started, master of ceremonies Ben Javed gave a short overview of who Daniel Pearl was. The Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer, Craig White, gave brief remarks in French, followed by a short video clip on Pearl and how the Daniel Pearl Foundation was set up by his family and friends. Eric Triton, a gifted left-handed guitarist and bluesman launched the evening of music. He sent promising vibrations to the crowd until the second song. The power went off. With only dim emergency lights in the hall, many must have believed the concert was going to be called off. Some left their seats but the majority believed. To everyone’s astonishment, the artists, pushed by a more than enthusiastic audience, came on stage and performed in front of nearly 600 people with only acoustic instruments and their amazing voices. Two young painters/cartoonists challenged the darkness, and with the help of small flashlights and cell phones, gave birth to two fabulous paintings on the theme "Harmony for Humanity." The concert lasted for two hours, with power only restored for the final song ten minutes before the concert came to an end. As the audience was leaving, many observed that this premiere and unique concert in Mauritius was going to remain in people’s head for a very long time.
OTHER EMBASSY NEWS
The 2009 Ambassador's Special Self-Help Program is now open. The deadline for the submission of proposals is: December 9, 2009. (more)
Welcome to the Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery
The 2011 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2011) is now open. The entry submission period for DV-2011 is from 12:00 PM EDT (GMT-4) on October 2, 2009 to 12.00PM EST (GMT-5) on November 30, 2009. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period and this period only. Entries will not be accepted through the U.S. Postal Service. (more)
H1N1 Influenza (commonly known as "swine flu").
More information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Effective October 27, 2008: Increase in Student and Exchange Visitor Program Fee (more)
The Department of Homeland Security Improves Customer Service Options for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Users (more)
French Version : Voyages dans le cadre du Programme d'Exemption de Visa (telecharger)
The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (WWTVPRA) of 2008 was signed into law on December 23, 2008, by the President. The changes under this law relate to the legal rights of certain employment or education-based nonimmigrants under Federal immigration, labor, and employment laws. To learn more, check out the new pamphlet on the WWTVPRA here
