This Oregon folk singer wants to persuade ISIS to promote peace — with a concert

Self-proclaimed "Peace Troubadour" James Twyman has a plan for stopping the Islamic State — a "powerful" peace concert in Syria. There's just one problem: The State Department isn't so sure about the power music has over ISIS, and has reportedly warned the Oregon folk singer not to travel to Syria.

Nevertheless, Twyman plans to leave on Jan. 20, first stopping in Italy, then Israel, and finally traveling to Syria, where he is planning to perform at a venue in ISIS-controlled territory on Jan. 31, Fox News reports. Twyman claims he will be joined in Syria by a large group of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders. "Each one will lead the group in prayer from their religion. It's going to be pretty powerful," Twyman told Fox News.

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While the State Department explicitly cautions that "the U.S. government's ability to help U.S. citizens kidnapped or taken hostage" in Syria is "very limited," Twyman remains unfazed. "I'm no sort of hero, but I do believe in the power of this," he said.

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"It's going to be pretty powerful. When people come together and focus on something in a positive way... there's scientific evidence that it can change things for the better," Twyman said.