From November 15-20, 2013, Chicago-based bluegrass band, the Henhouse Prowlers, visited Congo-Brazzaville as part of the American Music Abroad program, showing that the language of music has no boarders. On their first trip to Africa, the Henhouse Prowlers immediately began practicing with local band, Muningu, in preparation for a concert in downtown Brazzaville. In front of a large American flag at the French Institute of Congo, the bands performed for nearly 300 who came to hear American and Congolese music come together to celebrate the International Day of Tolerance and to commemorate late Congolese musician Jacques Loubelo. The Henhouse Prowlers played along with a group of musicians with physical disabilities, a trio of blind singers, Les Trois Leaders, and members of a musical group of orphans, Artistes en Herbe. With each trip, they explained the history of bluegrass music and their instruments – the fiddle, bass, acoustic guitar, and banjo. The Henhouse Prowlers hosted a workshop on entrepreneurship at the U.S. Embassy’s Villa Washington, where they shared their experiences managing themselves with 20 Congolese band managers. On their last night, they gave a live performance for government officials, diplomats working in Congo, and notable musicians. After five days, it was evident that music knows no boarders and needs no translation
