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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 414 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 414

  Celebrating the musical and cultural heritage of country music and 
recognizing the ``Country: A Celebration of America's Music'' festival 
         at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 29, 2006

   Mr. Frist (for himself and Mr. Alexander) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Celebrating the musical and cultural heritage of country music and 
recognizing the ``Country: A Celebration of America's Music'' festival 
         at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Whereas country music is an essential element of the musical and cultural 
        heritage of the United States, and helps promote an understanding and 
        appreciation of the cultural achievements of the Nation;
Whereas country music is a medium with the power to entertain, connect, and 
        communicate, and embodies the spirit and the lives of Americans with 
        diverse backgrounds;
Whereas the diversity of country music provides a valuable form of artistic 
        expression and embraces musical traditions including folk, bluegrass, 
        gospel, honky-tonk, and rock and roll;
Whereas the popularity and notoriety of country music have had a unique effect 
        on the commercial development of Nashville, Tennessee, commonly known as 
        ``Music City, U.S.A.'';
Whereas the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Nashville, is 
        dedicated to--

    (1) identifying and preserving the evolving history and traditions of 
country music; and

    (2) educating audiences throughout the world about that rich musical 
tradition;

Whereas the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Country Music 
        Hall of Fame and Museum, and other contributors to the ``Country: A 
        Celebration of America's Music'' festival, should be commended for 
        celebrating country music and engaging in a serious curatorial 
        investigation into a form of artistic expression that is unique to the 
        United States;
Whereas the ``Country: A Celebration of America's Music'' festival will--

    (1) highlight accomplished singers, musicians, and songwriters of the 
country music genre;

    (2) celebrate the traditional roots and geographical reach of country 
music;

    (3) explore the regional and stylistic variations of country music; and

    (4) honor the creators, audiences, and values of country music; and

Whereas additional efforts to recognize the role of folk-based and indigenous 
        arts of the United States should be encouraged: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) celebrates the musical and cultural heritage of country 
        music;
            (2) recognizes the ``Country: A Celebration of America's 
        Music'' festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the 
        Performing Arts; and
            (3) commends the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing 
        Arts and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for 
        promoting the artistry and legacy of country music.
                                 <all>
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