New Shows Build on VOA Music Legacy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — 
Grammy winners, pop legends and Hall of Famers headline two exciting new VOA television programs that showcase the best of American music, and carry on a Voice of America tradition that helped popularize jazz around the world.

Hamilton Live, a 30-minute weekly TV show, takes audiences inside a popular Washington D.C. club for intimate performances with musicians from every genre, including rock n’ roll, rhythm-and-blues, gospel and bluegrass. Performers also share stories that inspire them and define their music.

Beyond Category with Eric Felten, brings jazz, blues, swing, and more to an international audience, with performances by stellar musicians such as piano phenom Eldar Djangirov, saxophone star Tia Fuller and guitar hero Howard Alden.

In addition to interviews with great artists, Felten, a critically acclaimed musician, band leader, and VOA show host, takes the audience on an unpredictable musical adventure each week as he sits in to perform with his guests.

“The shows are taped in intimate settings with some of the best musicians from around the country, and they showcase the diversity of the American music scene,” says VOA Director David Ensor.

“These two shows and all of our other fabulous music programs are now under one umbrella called Music Alley. We want to share this country’s great music and build on the tradition of the late VOA music host Willis Conover, who was beloved by audiences everywhere, and recognized as one of the world’s greatest promoters of jazz,” Ensor says.

Music Alley Executive Producer Jerry Brown says the two new shows provide audiences with a wide variety of musical styles and talent, and represent the best of each genre. “Everybody will find something to like here,” Brown says.

The programs will be available on-demand and carried on VOA satellite streams. Voice of America is also home to the popular radio shows, African Beat, African Music Mix, American Gold, Border Crossings, Classic Rock, and Country Hits USA, which will all be found on the Music Alley webpage.

For more information about this release contact Kyle King at the VOA Public Relations office in Washington at (202) 203-4959, or write [email protected]. For more information about VOA visit the Public Relations website at www.insidevoa.com, or the main news site at www.voanews.com.