This groundbreaking film offers most Americans their first look at the impact of bluegrass music in lands very different from their own. In ORIENT EXPRESS the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band takes center stage at Japanese bluegrass festivals, at listening rooms in major cities, and at a U.S. Embassy concert. Moving behind the scenes, the camera goes out into city streets and even to a midnight rooftop music session. Hear one of Japan’s premier bluegrass singers, who is also a successful architect. Visit with the founders of Bluegrass and Old Time Music, Ltd. in Takarazuka, near Osaka, as they discuss their 30 years in the bluegrass retail music business. Listen to the mountain harmonies and reminiscences of two Japanese brothers who learned to sing by listening secretly to records from the United States during World War II. And, most poignantly, hear the heartfelt playing and singing of talented young Japanese who are clearly thrilled at the prospect of making America’s bluegrass and old time music their own.

Produced by Wallace Video and EKS Sound, Inc., for the ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Program.