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.

1h 25m / TV-PG

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.

Bilal Performs 'All Matter' with Robert Glasper

7m 20s

Bilal performs “All Matter” with Robert Glasper and the Black Radio Orchestra. Robert Glasper, five-time Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and producer, invites his tightly knit community of collaborators to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his iconic, award-winning, and cross-genre revolutionary album — Black Radio.

'The Consequences of Jealousy'

7m 13s

Meshell Ndegeocello and Kyle Abraham perform “The Consequences of Jealousy” with Robert Glasper and the Black Radio Orchestra. Robert Glasper, five-time Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and producer, invites his tightly knit community of collaborators to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his iconic, award-winning, and cross-genre revolutionary album — Black Radio.

Lalah Hathaway and Robert Glasper Perform 'Cherish the Day'

4m 58s

Lalah Hathaway performs “Cherish the Day” with Robert Glasper and the Black Radio Orchestra. Robert Glasper, five-time Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and producer, invites his tightly knit community of collaborators to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his iconic, award-winning, and cross-genre revolutionary album — Black Radio.

Episode 1 Preview

30s

Robert Glasper, five-time Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and producer, invites his tightly knit community of collaborators to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his iconic, award-winning, and cross-genre revolutionary album — "Black Radio." Accompanied by Lalah Hathaway, Meshell Ndegeocello, Bilal, and many more, Glasper reimagines his seminal album.

"What a Wonderful World"

4m 12s

Jason Moran and Christian McBride perform their brief yet heavy version of "What a Wonderful World" by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss. This performance, on the Kennedy Center stage, features Moran on the piano and McBride on the bass.

"Feed the Fire"

4m 45s

Liany Mateo and Sequoia "REDWOOD" Snyder perform "Feed the Fire" by the late Geri Allen, a renowned American jazz pianist, composer and educator. The two musicians perform the piece in a studio with Mateo on the bass and Snyder on the piano.

"Toni Morrison said Black is a Rainbow"

6m 9s

Jason Moran and Christian McBride perform "Toni Morrison said Black is a Rainbow," a song Moran wrote as a tribute to Toni Morrison based on a section of her novel "Song of Solomon." They discuss how Morrison put a lot of effort into finding meaningful and poetic ways of holding a mirror up to all our lives. This piece involves the bass and piano and a brief spoken portion performed by Moran.

Eva Empowers the Working Class

4m 11s

The performers utilize verbal sound throughout the performance. Eva Perón (Dandara Veiga), who created a charitable foundation, proceeds to give shoes to those in need. They put on the shoes and dance in celebration of Eva.

On Air

3m 22s

Eva Perón (Dandara Veiga) teaches Juan Perón (Chris Bloom) to connect with the public through various media channels. She advises him on what to say and do when speaking to the people of Argentina, showing the immense influence Eva has on the powerful Colonel and soon to be president. We see their message spread throughout the country until a rival group takes Juan into custody.

Eva Duarte and Juan Perón Meet at the Gala

3m 2s

Dancing at a gala, Eva experiences an overwhelming feeling of shame represented by the appearance of her younger self (Nina Basu). While Little Evita runs around the room admiring everyone, Eva is chasing her younger self in an attempt to get her to leave. When Eva finally forces Little Evita away, she sees Juan in an electric moment that changes the course of both their lives.

Preview

30s

Ballet Hispánico explores Evita Perón's diverging legacies in this invigorating and emotional work. Her rags-to-riches story is interpreted through movement – following her journey from dancehall performer to Argentina's First Lady and sudden death.

Emerging Artist EZY Truth Performs "Revolutionary Suicide"

2m 6s

After attending Black Thought's mentoring program School of Thought, EZY Truth performs one of his own pieces "Revolutionary Suicide" at the Kennedy Center. Jasmine Martin, from The Roots management team, and EZY talk about the importance of supporting an artist's vision and being "that guy."

The Roots Perform "Proceed" at the Kennedy Center

2m 9s

Hip Hop Culture legends The Roots perform "Proceed" as part of their unforgettable performance at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Black Thought and Questlove discuss their reach beyond the stage during their residency at the Kennedy Center. While known for their electrifying live performances, the band endeavors to inspire others and explore the depths of their creative potential.

The Roots Perform "Act Too (Love of My Life)"

3m 55s

Hip Hop Culture legends The Roots perform "Act Too (Love of My Life)" as part of their unforgettable performance at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Black Thought mentors School of Thought attendee EZY Truth. EZY shares how The Roots dedication to the music inspires him.

Preview

30s

The indomitable influence of Joni Mitchell is celebrated with an all-star lineup at the Kennedy Center, led by multi-Grammy Award winner Vince Mendoza and accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. This one-of-a-kind concert includes performances by Renée Fleming, Lalah Hathaway, Jimmie Herrod, Raul Midón, and Aoife O’Donovan.

Preview

30s

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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