Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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