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

"Peace Troubadour" James Twymans video publicizing a Prayer Vigil for ISIS.
(Image credit: James Twyman/Youtube)

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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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.