* Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Hall of Nations starting at approximately 4:30 p.m., up to two tickets per person. 1 Sun. | The Jazz Academy of Music Established in 2002, the school is a manifestation of a longtime dream of Paul Carr, its Music Director, to extend the music education opportunities afforded him, as an inner city youth, to others. 2 Mon. | The Peace Ringers and Carol Ringers Ring in December with these groups of adults and high schoolers from St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, Annandale, Virginia, performing an English handbell concert. Honors Week Tributes 3 Tue. | Norma Rae – Sally Field In the Justice Forum at the REACH Join us for a screening of the 1979 film about a young single mother and textile worker who agrees to help unionize her mill despite the problems and dangers involved, a role for which Honoree Sally Field won a Best Actress Academy Award ® . Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Welcome Pavilion starting at approximately 5 p.m., up to two tickets per person. This show will not be broadcast or archived. Limited seating available. 4 Wed. | A Michael Tilson Thomas Journey Performance at 8 p.m. We celebrate the wide world of Honoree MTT—from his relationships with Stravinsky and Copland to his own compositions and collaborations with artists such as James Brown—with world-class musicians like soprano Susanna Phillips, cellist Oliver Herbert, the Sixth Floor Trio, and alumni of MTT’s own New World Symphony. The program is curated by MTT’s student and protégé Teddy Abrams. 5 Thu. | Anne Hampton Callaway: The Linda Ronstadt Songbook Tony ® nominee Callaway has created an exciting night of songs and stories in celebration of one of America’s most beloved artists, Honoree Linda Ronstadt, with music director Billy Stritch. Adding to the electrifying sound is Martin Wind on bass, Tim Horner on drums, and Ronstadt’s long time guitarist and arranger, Bob Mann. 6 Fri. | Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band The talented and committed group of musicians and vocalists with roots in gospel music share a great love and appreciation for the style and musicianship of Honorees Earth, Wind & Fire. 7 Sat. | Sesame Street Sing-Along Come sing along to 50 years of classic songs led by D.C. musical theater favorites with piano accompaniment, interspersed with popular musical video segments from the show. An event for kids and former kids to enjoy together! 8 Sun. | Nolan Williams Jr. and NEWorks Productions In the Terrace Theater The American producer, music director, and curator founded NEWorks in order to produce inspirational arts programming. They present a new work. Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the States Gallery starting at approximately 5 p.m., up to two tickets per person. 9 Mon. | MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS!* In the Concert Hall This year marks the 46th anniversary of this holiday tradition founded by Harvey Phillips in which hundreds of local tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium players perform traditional Christmas music. Grab your instrument and arrive for rehearsal at 4 p.m. 10 Tue. | Calista Garcia The Strathmore Artist in Residence, just a high schooler, is a singer-songwriter who brings a mix of lyrical complexity and musical sophistication to her folk-rock and blues sound that harkens back to ’70s classic acts such as Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, and Joni Mitchell. 11 Wed. | The Lutosławski Piano Duo One of the world’s leading young piano duos, Emilia Sitarz and Bartłomiej Wąsik have been awarded many prizes and are often invited to prestigious festivals in Poland and abroad. Presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland. 12 Thu. | Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Celebrate the holidays with members of Washington National Opera’s training program as they perform a selection of holiday opera works. Millennium Stage 13 Fri. | Handel, Hamilton, and Holiday Songs Enjoy a collection of songs from varying genres such as pieces from George Frideric Handel, the hit musical Hamilton, and holiday favorites. Presented in collaboration with Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts. 14 Sat. | Sweet Heaven Kings A Kennedy Center favorite, Anacostia’s acclaimed 16-member gospel brass and percussion band performs its joyful annual holiday program. 15 Sun. | Levine First Music The community music school combines the best of early childhood music education practices with fun, dynamic, and creative programs to deliver the D.C. region’s most engaging musical learning experiences for children and families. 16 Mon. | The Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra Chamber Program The talented young musicians perform an evening of chamber music. 17 Tue. | The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School’s Shir Madness With songs ranging from American secular music to Israeli liturgical and holiday favorites, Shir Madness brings a breadth of talent and voices to its performances. 18 Wed. | Shayna Blass The singer/songwriter, producer, and actress headlines an entertaining Hanukkah performance. 19 Thu. | The 9 Songwriter Series Holiday Extravaganza Nine of DMV’s most talented songwriters and musicians collaborate to create a show full of seasonal cheer for the entire family. Presented in collaboration with Listen Local First D.C. 20 Fri. | Nkula Heart-like drum beats combined with deep bass grooves guide listeners to that special place that only reggae lovers know and adore—but it is the bands’ lyrical message of peace, love, and unity that brings true meaning to the reggae adage “word, sound, and power.” 21 Sat. | Memphis Gold’s Otis Redding Tribute Join the Memphis blues musician for a tribute to this beloved Stax recording artist and American music hero. 22 Sun. | Angelica Garcia With Mexican and Salvadoran roots in the San Gabriel Valley, east of Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter currently living in Richmond’s style struts between ghostly gorgeous countrified blues and sly swamp Americana. 23 Mon. | Messiah Sing-Along* In the Concert Hall Be a part of Washington’s most popular free holiday event! Guest conductor Nancia Dalimonte leads members of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra; guest soloists; community choruses; and a very enthusiastic audience in Handel’s masterpiece. 24 Tue. | The Beltway Brass Performance at 12 noon The group plays a variety of holiday favorites in their own jazzy, not-too-classical way. Expect some extremely fashionable Christmas sweaters as well. 25 Wed. | All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam* In the Concert Hall The 21st annual event features host/vibraphonist Chuck Redd, drummer Lenny Robinson, trumpeters Robert Redd and Tom Williams, bassist James King, and vocalist Delores King Williams. 9 | MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS! 5 | Ann Hampton Callaway December 2019