American Folk Musician Jonathan Edwards Rocks Jerusalem and the West Bank

July 19, 2011

The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem hosted American folk rock legend Jonathan Edwards for a cultural exchange program that included several live concert performances and workshops in the West Bank and Jerusalem, from July 16-19, 2011.  A celebrated guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has performed for audiences in America and around the world for almost five decades, Jonathan Edwards and his band performed for audiences in Birzeit, Nablus, Bethlehem and East Jerusalem.  Jonathan Edwards’ visit was funded by a Performing Arts Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of State, and received special funding from the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem.

Jonathan Edwards was accompanied by his band members Charlie Rose on bass, banjo and backup vocals and Taylor Amerding on mandolin and vocals.  The accomplished group of musicians presented a unique blend of American folk rock music, including Jonathan Edwards’ own gold record chart topper, Sunshine, to local audiences.  Hundreds turned up to see performances at the Birzeit Heritage Week, at Borderline restaurant in East Jerusalem, An Najah University in Nablus, and the Arab Orthodox Club in Beit Jala. 

Thrilled by the reception he received from local audiences, Edwards said, "This has been a huge opportunity for me.  I am pleased to have met Palestinian audiences, who interacted so beautifully with my music.  I hope that I can come back again someday to perform for the Palestinian people, who have been very kind."  In addition to his public performances, Jonathan Edwards performed for youth at refugee camps and led a workshop for aspiring musicians participating in the Consulate General-sponsored talent competition Ahla Sout – Ghaneeha!

Speaking about the program, the Consulate General’s Consul for Press and Cultural Affairs, Frank Finver, said, “Jonathan Edwards' visit is among the many programs that the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem sponsors throughout the year to promote dialogue and mutual understanding between Palestinians and Americans.  His music has touched the lives of a generation of Americans, and I hope that Palestinian audiences also enjoyed hearing his messages of peace, understanding, and hope for a better day."  

For more information please contact the U.S. Consulate’s Press Office at 02-622-6908 or 02-622-6909 or Information Assistant Hassna Dajani at 0546620257.