The American band, Act of Congress, which traveled all the way from Birmingham, Alabama to Saudi Arabia performed in the capital and Jeddah, in the wide presence of excited expatriate and Saudi fans. 

The band delivered unforgettable evenings, featuring different musical genres ranging from American country music, jazz and rock and roll. 

The program was organized by the US diplomatic missions in the Kingdom in cooperation with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Association of American Voices, with the aim of engaging with people from across the world through the universal language of music. 

The program, which is also known as the American Music Abroad, is a people-to-people exchange and will feature a wide variety of American musical bands performing in international cultural initiatives that will reach more than 40 countries around the world. 

“Music brings people together and fosters greater understanding. The American Music Abroad initiative also builds on the historic legacy of the Department of State’s Jazz Ambassadors, who first traveled the world in the 1950s to connect with people through music,” explained the embassy spokesman. 

The organic tunes that characterize the band’s music can be best described as a combination of hook-laden melodies, compelling songwriting, and intelligent acoustic instrumentation. 

The band is composed of four artists, Adam Wright, the guitar and mandolin player; Chris Griffin, the guitarist; Tim Carroll, on the bass; and Tyler Andal violin player.

Wright, the group leader told Arab news that they really enjoyed their first visit to Riyadh and Jeddah indicating that they particularly appreciated their experience performing with local bands, such Al Diwania and Abusiraj group. 

“I am looking forward to our next batch of songs, as we are planning on incorporating elements of Saudi music. It will also be incredible if we can collaborate with Saudi musicians,” he added. 

They performed for the likes of Paste, XM radio, SXSW, Disney, NPR and Billboard and presented popular songs such as “Time Alright If it Feels”, “Not Crazy She Knows”, Middle “Nature of Things”, “You Are the Best Thing”, “The Bear All Blues”, “I Will Survive/Crazy and ” Sweet Home Alabama”.  

In Jeddah, the Saudi band Al Diwania, under the supervision of Abdul Aziz the group manager performed songs such as, “Haiya bina Haiya”, “Min Bad Mazhwa lab”, “Ya Shabi”, “Rohi Tuhibak”, and “Ya Auoon Al Kalbi,” giving the audience a taste of local Saudi talent.