Free Performances Every Day, No Tickets Required
Performance Time: 6 p.m. Eastern
Tonight's Performance:
This performance: Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, this group constantly reinvents new sounds and styles drawing inspiration from R&B, soul, and funk infused with samba, bossa nova, and other Brazilian sounds.
Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, this group constantly reinvents new sounds and styles drawing inspiration from R&B, soul, and funk infused with samba, bossa nova, and other Brazilian sounds.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Orrin Star
The award-winning guitarist and mandolin player Orrin Star joins forces with a special guest to play bluegrass standards, little-known folk gems, Celtic tunes, and finger-style blues.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
La Troba Kung-Fu
This Barcelona group led by Joan Garriga transports listeners with their edgy fusions of rumba, cumbia, and dub.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Deaf Dog and the Indictments
Comprised of seven D.C. judges and a civilian drummer, this guitar-based band riles the crowd with rock and roll, blues, and Motown.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Alice Ripley
Led by songwriter, guitarist, lead singer, and Tony-nominated actress Alice Ripley, this band (Ripley) rocks its signature punk-pop sound.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
L & O
Undulating music, ballads, Spanish rhythms, and exotic swing illustrate the performances of vocalist Laure and composer/violinist Olivier.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Brandon Butler
This singer/songwriter radiates his world-weary music, much like the music of an early Neil Young.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
NSO Youth Fellows
This 27-year-old program gives high school musicians the opportunity to study and take master classes with NSO members. Participants perform a variety of classical works.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Jonathan Vassar and the Speckled Bird
This Virginia-based band crafts music from their roots, country music, and the songwriters of the ’60s and ’70s.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Striking Viking Story Pirates
Described as “Monty Python meets Schoolhouse Rock,” this group adapts and performs stories written by children to create a performance acted by adults. In celebration of the upcoming presidential inauguration, the company will select five election-themed stories.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
N'dambi
The new face of Stax Records graces the stage to perform soul, funk and jazz.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Nuttin’ but Stringz
A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
IN THE CONCERT HALL
The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration, featuring Aretha Franklin, Nuttin’ but Stringz, and the Let Freedom Ring Choir, with Mistress of Ceremonies Andrea Roane. Marian Wright Edelman, the president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, will be recognized with the 2009 John Thompson "Legacy of a Dream" award. Free tickets required. Beginning at 4 p.m. on January 19, 2009, tickets will be distributed one (1) per person in line in front of the Concert Hall.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Let Freedom Ring Choir
A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
IN THE CONCERT HALL
The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration, featuring Aretha Franklin, Nuttin’ but Stringz, and the Let Freedom Ring Choir, with Mistress of Ceremonies Andrea Roane. Marian Wright Edelman, the president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, will be recognized with the 2009 John Thompson "Legacy of a Dream" award. Free tickets required. Beginning at 4 p.m. on January 19, 2009, tickets will be distributed one (1) per person in line in front of the Concert Hall.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Aretha Franklin
A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
IN THE CONCERT HALL
The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration, featuring Aretha Franklin, Nuttin’ but Stringz, and the Let Freedom Ring Choir, with Mistress of Ceremonies Andrea Roane. Marian Wright Edelman, the president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, will be recognized with the 2009 John Thompson "Legacy of a Dream" award. Free tickets required. Beginning at 4 p.m. on January 19, 2009, tickets will be distributed one (1) per person in line in front of the Concert Hall.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Alex Hassan
This musician, one of the leading authorities on novelty piano, immerses audiences in the musical styles and arrangements of the ’20s and ’30s.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Chicha Libre
This group combines Colombian accordion-driven cumbias with the distinctive sounds of Andean melodies, the psychedelic sounds of surf guitars, farfisa organs, and moog synthesizers.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Fourth Stream
Jazz trio The Fourth Stream—featuring guitarist John Lee, bassist Matt Grason, and drummer Sriram Gopal—draws from South Asian, Middle Eastern, and other global influences, in addition to contemporary jazz and rock sounds. Special guests include Carnatic violinist/vocalist Rangashree Varadarajan and flautist Geoff Rohrbach.
Friday, January 23, 2009
NSO Prelude
Members of the NSO perform classical works.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Music Department
This orchestra performs a concert of Benny Golson compositions in honor of the musician’s 80th birthday.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Silk Road Dance Company
In traditional costumes, this award-winning dance company performs the dynamic folklore of Egypt, the Arabian Gulf, and North Africa.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Jaspects
This exciting Atlanta-based sextet is a two-time Atlanta Jazz Festival “Future of Jazz” winner.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Washington National Opera's Domingo - Cafritz Young Artist Program
Participants of this Washington National Opera program perform scenes from popular operas.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Justin Trawick
This local performing group delivers a seamless blend of bluegrass, folk/rock, and hip hop.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Delta Moon
This duo made up of Tom Gray and Mark Johnson combines slide guitar skills, well-written songs, and whiskey-soaked vocals to deliver Atlanta blues.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Run of the Mill String Band
This Philadelphia band has been playing old-time, Appalachian string band music for more than 20 years.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Stephen Schwartz
MILLENNIUM STAGE 12th ANNIVERSARY
IN THE OPERA HOUSE
Co-hosted by Stephen Schwartz, a nine-time Tony Award nominee, and Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, the performance features a parade of Tony recognized artists, including Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Once on This Island), Scott Frankel & Michael Korie (Grey Gardens), and Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, Or Change). Vocalists include Liz Callaway (Merrily We Roll Along, Miss Saigon, Cats), Capathia Jenkins (Caroline, or Change; Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me), and Caitlyn Caughell performing with the composers at the piano. Free tickets required. Beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, tickets will be given away one (1) per person in line in front of the Opera House.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Capathia Jenkins
MILLENNIUM STAGE 12th ANNIVERSARY
IN THE OPERA HOUSE
Co-hosted by Stephen Schwartz, a nine-time Tony Award nominee, and Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, the performance features a parade of Tony recognized artists, including Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Once on This Island), Scott Frankel & Michael Korie (Grey Gardens), and Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, Or Change). Vocalists include Liz Callaway (Merrily We Roll Along, Miss Saigon, Cats), Capathia Jenkins (Caroline, or Change; Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me), and Caitlyn Caughell performing with the composers at the piano. Free tickets required. Beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, tickets will be given away one (1) per person in line in front of the Opera House.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Liz Callaway
MILLENNIUM STAGE 12th ANNIVERSARY
IN THE OPERA HOUSE
Co-hosted by Stephen Schwartz, a nine-time Tony Award nominee, and Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, the performance features a parade of Tony recognized artists, including Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Once on This Island), Scott Frankel & Michael Korie (Grey Gardens), and Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, Or Change). Vocalists include Liz Callaway (Merrily We Roll Along, Miss Saigon, Cats), Capathia Jenkins (Caroline, or Change; Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me), and Caitlyn Caughell performing with the composers at the piano. Free tickets required. Beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, tickets will be given away one (1) per person in line in front of the Opera House.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Brian Stokes Mitchell
MILLENNIUM STAGE 12th ANNIVERSARY
IN THE OPERA HOUSE
Co-hosted by Stephen Schwartz, a nine-time Tony Award nominee, and Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, the performance features a parade of Tony recognized artists, including Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Once on This Island), Scott Frankel & Michael Korie (Grey Gardens), and Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, Or Change). Vocalists include Liz Callaway (Merrily We Roll Along, Miss Saigon, Cats), Capathia Jenkins (Caroline, or Change; Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me), and Caitlyn Caughell performing with the composers at the piano. Free tickets required. Beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, tickets will be given away one (1) per person in line in front of the Opera House.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oud Knights with Amina and Shayma
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Traditional oud players from Bahrain, the female duo of Oud Knights with Amina and Shayma has played at music festivals around the world.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Al-Farah Choir
IN THE EISENHOWER THEATER
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Based in the Lady of Damascus Church in Syria, more than 100 children of the choir perform Byzantine, Muslim, and Arab songs.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Chabab Al Andalous Rabat Orchestra with Bajeddoub Mohammed and Ronda Bahae
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
The orchestra from Rabat, Morocco seeks to preserve the traditions and artistic heritage of Andalusian music. The musicians perform traditional songs and chants using Arabic poems and traditional instruments.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Amine and Hamza
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Award-winning Tunisian brothers, oud player Amine and qanun player Hamza M’Raihi play classical Middle Eastern music, as well as their own compositions.
Friday, February 27, 2009
K’NAAN
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Hailing from war-torn Mogadishu, Somalia, hip hop artist K’NAAN grew up during the Somali civil war. Despite speaking no English, he taught himself hip hop and rap diction. Critics have said K’NAAN has “a sound that fuses Bob Marley, conscious American hip hop, and brilliant protest poetry.”
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Nawal
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Nawal, the singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known as “The Voice of Comoros,” performs her acoustic roots-based fusion, which is rhythmically compelling and beautifully lyrical.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Coopérative Théâtrale Hammou Boutlélis
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Algerian theater company Coopérative Théâtrale Hammou Boutélis presents a humorous one-man show written by Mourad Senouci and performed by Samir Bouanani. It’s the hilarious account of the transformation of a man who doesn’t truly appreciate his wife until she goes on vacation. Performed in Arabic with English surtitles.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tami Meekoo
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Sixteen year old Iraqi classical pianist Tami Meekoo began to play the piano at the age of five. His talent has taken him to many venues around the world. His program includes works by Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, Ravel, and others.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Rami Khalife
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Classically trained Lebanese pianist Rami Khalifé creates compositions and improvisations in a variety of styles and genres ranging from classical to contemporary, jazz, and world music. He performs his non-traditional program, an exciting and dynamic production, with his Juilliard colleague Francesco Tristano.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Francesco Tristano
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Classically trained Lebanese pianist Rami Khalifé creates compositions and improvisations in a variety of styles and genres ranging from classical to contemporary, jazz, and world music. He performs his non-traditional program, an exciting and dynamic production, with his Juilliard colleague Francesco Tristano.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Bnet Houariyat
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
Hailing from the region of Marrakech, Morocco, the five women of Bnet Houariyat perform traditional Berber songs and dances that reflect the multiple facets of Islam and the female condition. Hauntingly beautiful, the harmonies, melodies, and rhythms in the songs transport you to another world. The themes explore the cultural traditions and the reality of these extraordinary women.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Kinan Azmeh
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
“Engagingly flamboyant” (Los Angeles Times), prize-winning Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh combines solid classical training from the Juilliard school with deep understanding and appreciation of his roots and other cultures. He maneuvers between different genres—from classical and jazz to electronica and Arab music. He performs with his ensemble.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Salma Al Assal
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
One of today’s leading Sudanese vocalists—her voice has been compared to that of Aretha Franklin—Salma El Assal performs with her ensemble contemporary arrangements of traditional Sudanese songs.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Suheir Hammad
Part of ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
A Palestinian-American poet, author, and political activist, Suheir Hammad was born in Amman, Jordan to Palestinian refugee parents and immigrated with her family to Brooklyn when she was five years old. Influenced by hip hop, she was discovered by hip hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons when he read her reaction to the 9/11 attacks; he signed her to a deal with HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. She has since performed her poetry around the world.