Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced its lineup for 2008-’09.
The center will offer several series of concerts including Jazz In D.C., Louis Armstrong Legacy Singers, Art Tatum Piano Panorama and a Platinum series focused on the classical influences on Duke Ellington. It will also host the 14th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women In Jazz festival May 14–16, 2009. Special concerts include NPR’s Jazz Piano Christmas and A Jazz new Year’s Eve scheduled for Dec. 4 and Dec. 31, respectively.
Ellington Voices: Classical To Jazz will be a series of concerts in the Platinum series. A Nov. 22 concert will feature vocalists Nnenna Freelon and Harolyn Blackwell interpreting classical influences on Duke’s jazz.
The NSO Pops orchestra, conducted by Marvin Hamlisch, will feature the Jazz Ambassadors Army Field Band Nov. 28–29 performing the music of Duke Ellington, Billy Taylor and James Reese Europe.
Benny Golson will appear Jan. 24, 2009, to celebrate his 80th birthday with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Al Jarreau, Ron Carter, Bill Cosby and others.
More info: kennedy-center.org
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
