On March 3, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will open its Jazz in Our Time celebration with a concert featuring Nancy Wilson and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, violinist Regina Carter, drummer T.S. Monk, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, trumpeter Jon Faddis and other special guests. 2002 Kennedy Center Honoree-and voice of Darth Vader-James Earl Jones will host the evening in the Concert Hall, during which various musicians will be honored with a “Living Jazz Legend” Award for lifetime achievement.
“It is important to honor musicians while they are alive,” said Dr. Billy Taylor, the Center’s Artistic Advisor for Jazz. “So often, jazz luminaries are recognized for their achievements only after their death. With Jazz in Our Time, we are reflecting on the massive impact these jazz artists have had on the development and continuation of jazz around the world.”
From March 3 to March 10, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage will serve as a platform to the many historical variations on jazz with free performances throughout the week. Expect everything from 1920s ragtime to 1970s jazz-fusion to the jazz hip-hop blend of late.
On the closing day, March 10, the Terrace Gallery at the Center will screen Jean Bach’s Oscar-nominated documentary A Great Day in Harlem. The film, narrated by Quincy Jones, tells the story behind the famous Art Kane jazz photograph. Bach will be there for a discussion after the screening.
For more information and a full schedule of the Jazz in Our Time events visit www.kennedy-center.org.
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