Next at the Kennedy Center

Arts and Music Series / 3 Seasons

A dynamic mix of artists across hip hop, jazz, modern dance, and more perform at the Kennedy Center. Each episode weaves together performances filmed live at the Center with intimate off-stage moments contextualizing each artist’s cultural impact.

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Sara Bareilles: New Year's Eve Preview

30s

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Sara Bareilles as she gives a career spanning performance at the Kennedy Center. From her early hits to new unreleased songs, this extended episode is packed with music performed live with the National Symphony Orchestra, Rufus Wainwright, Emily King, David Ryan Harris and features appearances from Ben Folds, Madison Cunningham and Renée Elise Goldsberry.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River Preview

30s

Alonzo King LINES Ballet performs the elegant piece Deep River in collaboration with Grammy Award®–winning vocalist Lisa Fischer and Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran.

“Lift Every Voice” excerpt from Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet

3m 4s

In this excerpt from Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet "Deep River," Babatunji delivers a captivating solo to the heartfelt spiritual “Lift Every Voice,” accompanied by the powerful vocals of Lisa Fischer and Jason Moran on the piano.

“River Pas de Deux” excerpt from Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet

4m 7s

In this excerpt from Alonzo King LINES Ballet's "Deep River," Adji Cissoko and Shuaib Elhassan deliver a poignant duet, "River Pas de Deux," surrounded by their fellow dancers who watch with reverent attention. As they twist and turn in sync with slow, sorrowful notes, their movements reflect a profound connection, each dancer guiding the other through a series of flowing gestures.

Snarky Puppy Preview

30s

Grammy Award-winners Snarky Puppy, Silvana Estrada, Gaby Moreno, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and Fuensanta bring the audience to their feet during a sold out show at the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall honoring Afro-Peruvian icon Susana Baca’s music.

Snarky Puppy Performs "El Mayoral" with Gaby Moreno

5m 56s

Gaby Moreno performs her hit song “El Mayoral” with Grammy Award-winning band Snarky Puppy. Backed by Silvana Estrada, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and Fuensanta, these dynamic artists bring the audience to their feet during a sold out show at the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall honoring Afro-Peruvian icon Susana Baca’s music.

Silvana Estrada performs Susana Baca’s “Negra Presuntuosa” with Snarky Puppy

5m 9s

Silvana Estrada performs Susana Baca’s “Negra Presuntuosa” with Grammy Award-winning band Snarky Puppy. Joined on stage by Gaby Moreno, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and Fuensanta, these dynamic artists bring the audience to their feet during a sold out show at the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall honoring Afro-Peruvian icon Susana Baca’s music.

"After Minneapolis (face toward mo[u]rning)"

6m 31s

Feeling motivated in the days following the murder of George Floyd, Joshua Redman wrote "After Minneapolis." It's his first song ever to be consciously connected to a moment in his life and his first with lyrics. He is joined on stage for this performance by an all-star ensemble featuring Gabrielle Cavassa (vocals), Aaron Parks (piano), Joe Sanders (Bass), and Brian Blade (drums).

“Streets of Philadelphia”

5m 8s

Joshua Redman and his ensemble give an entirely new interpretation of Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Philadelphia." Led by Redman's longing sax and Cavassa's haunting voice, the band takes us into the life of a person's struggle to persevere in the face of overwhelming difficulty.

Joshua Redman where are we Preview

30s

Renowned jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman performs songs from his new album, where are we, as he explores the myths and realities of life in America. He is accompanied on this journey by soulful vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa and an all-star ensemble featuring Aaron Parks (piano), Joe Sanders (bass), and Brian Blade (drums).

Laufey, dodie, Jacob Collier Deliver 'Wild Mountain Thyme'

9m 59s

Laufey, dodie, and Jacob Collier deliver the ode, "Wild Mountain Thyme," combining their talents in a fascinating musicality blend. The artists stun in their solos as well as their melodic intertwining, with Collier encouraging the audience to engage in a fun twist of events.

Jazz Artist Laufey Performs 'From The Start'

3m 34s

Jazz artist, Laufey, joins the National Symphony Orchestra to perform a refreshing rendition of her piece "From the Start." Laufey’s vocal and instrumental skills take over the stage while the orchestra kicks off the contemporary jazz tone that provides a new sentiment and meaning for listeners.

Ben Folds Presents Declassified - Preview

30s

Ben Folds invites the virtuosic Jacob Collier, rising jazz superstar Laufey, and chart-topping English singer-songwriter dodie, to join him and the National Symphony Orchestra to reimagine their music through an orchestral lens.

A Powerhouse Performance of 'Nothing Compares 2 U'

4m 26s

Through a powerhouse performance of Prince’s chart-topping hit, "Nothing Compares 2 U," Cynthia Erivo enters the New Year in unforgettable style. Filling every note with soul, Erivo shares her heart with the audience through this timeless tale of love.

Cynthia Erivo, Joaquina Kalukango Sing 'Killing Me Softly'

5m 11s

"The Color Purple" co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Joaquina Kalukango perform the Hip Hop Trio Fugees’ funky rendition of "Killing Me Softly." The global hit steeped in unrequited love is told by two friends, whose friendship can be felt through the screen.

Preview

30s

Cynthia Erivo, enchanting star of the stage and screen, invites you to ring in the New Year with her magnificent friends Ben Platt and Joaquina Kalukango as they bring their powerful voices and favorite songs to the Kennedy Center stage.

The Halluci Nation Perform in the Skylight Pavilion

7m 44s

Electronic music pioneers The Halluci Nation perform “Stadium Pow Wow," "Maima Koopi" and "Sharpshooter” in the Kennedy Center’s Skylight Pavilion. The duo, Ehrin “Bear Witness” Thomas and Tim “2oolman” Hill pay homage to the energy and momentum of Ottawa’s Electric Pow Wow gatherings while pointing to where the future is headed.

Two-Spirit Performance Artist Ty Defoe Performs 'Hoop Dance'

5m 23s

Through one of the oldest native dances, Grammy Award-winner and two-spirit performance artist Ty Defoe performs “Hoop Dance” on the Kennedy Center Reach grounds in a celebration of life’s interconnectedness.

Martha Redbone Performs 'Garden of Love'

4m 55s

In a unique blend of folk, blues, and gospel, R&B artist Martha Redbone performs "Garden of Love" on the Kennedy Center’s Rooftop Terrace in a tribute to her African American and Indigenous roots.

Episode 2 Preview

30s

In partnership with electronic music pioneers The Halluci Nation, R&B artist Martha Redbone, and performance artist Ty Defoe, The Kennedy Center explores the impact and evolution of indigenous performing arts cultures.

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