PRESS ADVISORY

May 8, 2006

American Country Western Music Jesse Dayton Vietnam Tour May 9-18, 2006

The U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and U.S. Embassy in Hanoi are pleased to host American Country Western music for the first time ever in Vietnam with the May 9-18 Vietnam tour of the internationally acclaimed Jesse Dayton Band.  The band will perform in Ho Chi Minh City on May 11 at 8 PM at the HCMC Youth Cultural House, 4 Pham Ngoc Thach, District 1 and in Vung Tau on May 12 at 7:30 PM at the Duy Tan Theater, 30 Le Quy Don, Ward 1.  The concert will also mark the first US-sponsored cultural event in Vung Tau.  The group will move on to Haiphong for a May 15 concert at the Haiphong Maritime University Concert Hall and a May 17 Hanoi performance at the Youth Theater.  The Jesse Dayton Band will also conduct master classes for students of the Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Conservatories of Music.

Jesse Dayton's brand of country music has been labeled "turbo country," thanks to his rockabilly roots.  He released his solo debut Raisin' Cain in 1995.  Thanks to positive reviews, Dayton was hired for live and studio work by country luminaries George Strait, Waylon Jennings and Ray Price.  His 2004 album, Country Soul Brother, combined honky-tonk, rockabilly, soul and folk styles.  Dayton’s March 2006 release South Austin Sessions showcases the musical influence of well-known artists including Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings, Jim Lauderdale and ZZ Top. 

Band members include Jesse Dayton, Vocals; Eric Tucker, Drums; James Elmo Sproat, Bass; and Nathan Fleming, Steel Player.   Jesse Dayton and his band have toured the U.S. and have performed in Thailand and in Europe.  Sponsors for the tour include: Hilton Hanoi Opera, Nike, American Voices, Johnson&Johnson.

For more information about the Jesse Dayton Band see http://www.jessedayton.com/band.htm. Photos of the group are available on the U.S. Consulate General’s website http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov or American Voices website http://www.americanvoices.org/projects/2006/vietnam/.

For ticket information in Vung Tau, please contact the Union of Friendship Organizations of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province at (064) 852-552 or 0909-201-157 (Ms. Hang).

NOTE TO REPORTERS:  The musicians will hold a press conference on May 10 at 10:30 AM at the Youth Cultural House, 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.  Reporters who wish to attend the press conference please call (08) 821-6400 ext 104 (Ms. Hien) or 0908019991 (cell phone) to register.

For ticket information in Hanoi, please contact Mrs. Hien at 844-8314580 ext 113.

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