Ambassador
Ambassador Event
AMBASSADOR WAYNE CONNECTS WITH TEENAGE ARGENTINES AT QUEENSRŸCHE CONCERT
May 17, 2008
Ambassador Wayne connected with a group of four teenage Argentines involved in the “Club de Jovenes” program, bringing them to their first ever concert - American rock band Queensrÿche. Prior to the show the Ambassador talked to them about their musical interests and career plans. The teens loved rock music, and three played instruments, two guitarists and one drummer. One guitarist was currently recording two songs while also working as an audio visual technician, and considered going to college for engineering. The lone non-musician preferred hip-hop to rock music, but thoroughly enjoyed his first concert and discussing his love of soccer. Program Coordinator Alejandro Oliva noted that this student actually lived on the street and did not attend school, but that the Club de Jovenes did its best to provide educational and recreational opportunities. Following the concert the teens meet band members, who generously took the time to shake hands, pass out guitar picks, and pose for pictures. Queensrÿche members said they enjoyed meeting the kids were sorry a flight to Chile early the next morning prevented them from having more time to do other activities with Argentine youth.
“Club de Jovenes” is a weekly Saturday program for approximately 160 students, ages 13 - 20, from thirty schools across Buenos Aires. It provides educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities for young people, some of whom face other life challenges, including health problems or homelessness.
Queensrÿche is a Seattle-based rock band that has released ten studio albums and toured regularly throughout its twenty-seven year history. Lead singer Geoff Tate and guitarist Mike Stone are particularly active in charity work, participating in music television channel VH1's "Save the Music" campaign to put music programs back in schools. Mike Stone is also active with the US Charity “Little Kids Rock.”
