It’s that time of the year again in Washington, D.C. No, I’m not talkin’ the 2003 Cherry Blossom Festival (March 22 to April 7; dig it pollen-loving jazz fans). But I am talking ’bout the Kennedy Center’s annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival. The celebrated event mixes concerts, workshops, seminars and jam sessions. But alas, no flowering trees.
Thursday, May 8
Workshop by the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE)
Education Resource Center, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., free
An open working musical clinic session with the IAJE/BET Jazz – Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Quintet.
Mary Ann McSweeney
Melissa Walker
Toshiko Akiyoshi Orchestra
Terrace Theater, 7:00 p.m., $27* (single ticket price)
Friday, May 9
Jam Session
Millennium Stage, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., free
Musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join the jam!
Business of Jazz I: How to Get a Gig
Education Resource Center, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., $5
Find out what every jazz musician needs to know about working in the industry.
Mary Lou Williams seminar
Education Resource Center, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m, free
Mary Lou Williams was one of this country’s most prolific composers and performers, yet much of her work lies dormant and unavailable to the public. Utilizing video and audio clips, vibraphonist and composer Cecilia Smith will present a multifaceted lecture with performance and musical analysis of this master artist.
IAJE/BET Jazz – Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Quintet
Millennium Stage, 6:00 p.m., free
In cooperation with the International Association for Jazz Education. Broadcast live over the Internet at http://kennedy-center.org/millennium.
Renee Rosnes
Gloria Lynne
Barbara Dennerlein
Terrace Theater, 7:00 p.m., $27* (single ticket price)
At this performance, Barbara Carroll will receive the 2003 Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival Award, given in honor of Carroll’s lifetime of service to jazz.
Saturday, May 10
Jam Session
Millennium Stage, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., free
Musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join the jam!
Business of Jazz II: How to Get a Record Deal: The Art of Contract Negotiation
Education Resource Center, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., $5
Do you need a music attorney? What percentage should a record company receive? Learn the ins and outs of the record industry.
Cecilia Smith, vibraphonist
Millennium Stage, 6:00 p.m., free
Broadcast live over the Internet at http://kennedy-center.org/millennium.
Karolina Strassmayer
Lizz Wright
Terri Lyne Carrington
Terrace Theater, 7:00 p.m., $27* (single ticket price)
*$72 Special Trio Package
Includes: One ticket to all three evening performances and a compact disc, Highlights From the Kennedy Center Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival, Volume 1, a compilation featuring live performances by Marian McPartland, Shirley Horn, Nnenna Freelon and many other Women in Jazz performers.
For individual performance and workshop tickets, call
202-467-4600 or 800-444-1324
