Kennedy Center Opens KC Jazz Club

Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has long been a friend to jazz. In fact, it seems to be Dr. Billy Taylor’s second home. On September 5, the Center will open the doors of its Rooftop Education Center and reveal its interior to be rearranged as the new KC Jazz Club, a swingin’ joint if ever there was, replete with cabaret tables and drinks to set upon them.

The premiere engagement at the KCJC is a performance by pianist Mulgrew Miller’s trio, the first concert in a two-week residence by MaxJazz label artists. The series continues the following night with a pianist Peter Martin. Singer Rene Marie (pictured) closes out the weekend on Sept. 7, but pianist Bruce Barth, singer Laverne Butler and singer Carla Cook will enliven the KCJC again with respective performances on Sept. 12, 13 and 14. Each artist in the MaxJazz series will play sets at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Another room in the Kennedy Center, the Terrace Theater, will host jazz events through October. A schedule:

Sept. 27: Kenny Barron’s “Cantra Brasil” and Claudia Acuna

Oct. 5: Calle 54 The Concert

Oct. 18: Dee Dee Bridgewater

Oct. 25: Regina Carter Quintet

Oct. 31: Herbie Hancock Quartet

Originally Published August 21, 2002