Slate of performers for “A Celebration of America”
JALC and The Rockefeller Foundation today announced the full slate of performers that will take part in “A Celebration Of America” in the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater on the occasion of the Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance have been confirmed as hosts.
The following artists have been confirmed: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Bela Fleck, Cassandra Wilson, Chorale Le Chateau of New York City conducted by Damien Sneed, Dave Brubeck, Dianne Reeves, Don Vappie, Dr. Michael White, Foxborough (MA) High School Jazz Ensemble, Francesco Cafiso, Freddy Cole, Giovanni Hidalgo, Grace Kelly, Herlin Riley, Jared Grimes, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Jessye Norman, Jonathan Batiste, Lucian Barberin, Marcus Gilmore, Mark O’Connor, Odadaa! with Yacub Addy, Paquito D’Rivera with Diego Urcola, Alex Brown, Oscar Stagnaro, and Mark Walker, Roy Haynes and Shannon Powell.
The evening’s cornerstone will be interchange between Wynton and Justice O’Connor. They will share the stage with a select group of celebrated artists whose repertoire selections will support the discussion about the values of civil society and the principles of democracy that jazz embodies.
“A CELEBRATION OF AMERICA” was inspired by an impromptu conversation about jazz and democracy that took place between Wynton Marsalis and Rockefeller Foundation board member retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor at a recent dinner. Mr. Marsalis and Justice O’Connor believe passionately that the basic tenets of American democracy and America’s music are one and the same. There is no better time to celebrate this theme than on this evening that will look back at the life of one of the greatest of all Americans, and forward to a new era under a new President of the United States. And there is no better way to celebrate it than through what Dr. King, himself, called America’s ‘triumphant music’ – jazz.
“A CELEBRATION OF AMERICA” by Jazz at Lincoln Center is made possible through the generous support of the Rockefeller Foundation.
Beverly Johnson said
on January 13, 2009 @ 7:08 pm
Is it possible to attend this event through some process or via a certain ticket purchase? Or is it opened only to a select guest list?
Thanks,
Wynton and JLCO to start the January 2009 USA tour - Wynton Marsalis official web site said
on January 15, 2009 @ 11:48 am
[…] with more info about venues. On January 19, they will perform in Washington on the occasion of the Presidential Inauguration. You can follow Wynton on his tour daily through his Twitter account. Feel free to send us […]
Elise said
on January 18, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
Hi! Will this be broadcasted at all? I apologize if this has already been mentioned.
Elise
glenn said
on January 18, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
broadcast info: Click here: Wynton and Sandra Day O’Connor to Lead “A Celebration of America” - Wynton Marsalis official web site
7PM on CNN
Angie MICHEL said
on January 19, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
I am watching CNN at 7pm as listed and This program is not being aired on this station at the suggested time.
Austin said
on January 19, 2009 @ 7:39 pm
It’s not airing here in Oregon either
luca boccia said
on January 19, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
Hi there!
Any info about the live cnn transmission of the concert? We were waiting for it here in Italy as well, wishing to enjoy and comment a few excerpts for our audience, but apparently cnn is airing other things…
Luigi said
on January 19, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
Sorry to notice that CNN is not broadcasting as announced previously.
Maybe they will show some clips later.
We’ll let you know ASAP…
Scott said
on January 19, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
Very disappointing not to see this on CNN in New York. What CNN did broadcast was less than impressive!
Austin said
on January 19, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
Maybe they meant to say CNN radio
MTSA said
on January 19, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
“P….” miseria!….ops, sorry!…just writing while thinking…excuses.
Greg said
on January 20, 2009 @ 7:15 pm
Hello,
I know to everyones disappointment, including myself, CNN did not air this event. I was wondering if anyone has been able to find video coverage over the internet or anything like that?
Thanks!
MTSA said
on January 20, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
I´m afraid not. “Private affair for special invited guests” was (as written in the SalisburyPost.com) and private kept up to now.
In any case, and while waiting for at least an small clip piece, here you can read some reviews….this is more than nothing.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postrock/2009/01/live_last_night_a_celebration.html
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/honoring-dr-king-with-aretha-franklin-and-wynton-marsalis/
MTSA
Stefan A. Johnson said
on January 21, 2009 @ 1:27 am
Hello everyone
Iwas actually in a group that performed at the program..we were the finale..
many of us were dissapointed as we told loved ones wed be performing live on cnn…
if anyone gets hand of any video footage of the finale or the entire program, please contact me @ sportsallstar878@yahoo.com
Luigi said
on January 21, 2009 @ 11:10 am
Dear all,
unfortunately, CNN was unable to coverage the event, due to their need to cover other breaking news pertaining to the inaugural events.
Karen said
on January 22, 2009 @ 5:34 pm
Will they try to air it later? I assigned all of my students - elementary and University alike - to watch the show…. I’d love to give this as homework again!
Luigi said
on January 23, 2009 @ 2:56 am
For now you can check some pictures from the event:
http://jalc.org/about/2009_galleries/celebration/index.htm