US music abroad programme holds Jordan tour, outreach effort

AMMAN — The US embassy in Amman on Monday announced an April 21-27 tour and outreach effort featuring musician Tony Memmel, his band and Jordanian musicians.

Memmel was born without a left forearm and hand, but taught himself how to play music by building a cast out of duct tape to secure a guitar pick to his arm, according to a statement sent from the embassy. He now tours as part of the US’ American Music Abroad programme and is an ambassador with the “Lucky Fin Project”.

The musicians will lead outreach sessions at schools in Amman, Salt, and Marka. The group will also perform for the Al Nahda Association for the Physically Challenged in Irbid, as well as at a public concert in Irbid’s Arabella Mall on Thursday.

The tour will conclude with performances at Zaha Cultural Centre’s International City Festival in Amman on Saturday, according to the statement.