2003 is "The Year of the Blues"

5 February 2003

For immediate release

TO MARK the centenary of WC Handy’s first encounter with the blues—and the amazing contribution blues has made to world music—the United States Congress has proclaimed 2003 to be "The Year of the Blues". This year-long celebration will kick off with a concert at the Radio City Music Hall, New York, on Friday 7 February.

Roots of Rhythm Travel, the UK’s jazz- and blues-tour specialists, are marking "The Year of the Blues" with a special short-break to the 20th Annual Chicago Blues Festival from 29 May—2 June 2003.

Held downtown in Grant Park, the Chicago Blues Festival is one of America’s best—with some of the very greatest names in blues honouring the city where the music came of age. And there’ll be time to explore what is, without doubt, one of the most exciting cities in the United States.
Package price from £699 per person (based on two sharing) including flights, transfers, 3-star accommodation and free festival entrance.

Roots of Rhythm Travel offers jazz- and blues-related tours of the US and is fully bonded by ATOL and ABTA. For reservations call 01892-511894 or visit www.rootsofrhythm.com.

Note to editors:

-For more information about this and other tours please contact Jill Warrillow on 01892-511894 or info@rootsofrhythm.com
-"The Year of the Blues" aims to raise awareness of blues and its influence around the world. For more information visit: www.yearoftheblues.org
-The "Salute to the Blues" benefit concert held on 7 February 2003 at Radio City Music Hall in New York will bring together musical greats from BB King to Keb’ Mo’. The concert is being filmed by Martin Scorsese for general release

© Roots of Rhythm Ltd 2001-2003