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Christine Goerke, Soloman Howard & More in the 2019 WNO Opera Gala Concert, Hosted by Christine Ebersole
Saturday, May 18, 2019 6:00 PM TicketsNational Symphony Orchestra: Unexpected Italy (I): Liszt & Rossini
Thursday, May 16, 2019 - Friday, May 17, 2019 TicketsBallet Across America with Dance Theatre of Harlem and Miami City Ballet
Tuesday, May 28, 2019 - Sunday, June 2, 2019 TicketsGet Exclusive Events
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New & Noteworthy
Dave Chappelle to Receive 2019 Mark Twain Prize
An outstanding lineup of entertainers will gather in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall to salute Dave Chappelle, recipient of the 22nd annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on October 27, 2019. The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists, will be given at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy. Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter reflected, “Dave is the embodiment of Mark Twain’s observation that ‘against the assault of humor, nothing can stand.’ For three decades, Dave has challenged us to see hot-button issues from his entirely original yet relatable perspective. Dave is a hometown hero here in Washington, D.C., where he grew up. We’re so looking forward to welcoming him back home.”
The program will be broadcast on PBS stations on January 6, 2020. On-sale and ticketing information for this event will be available at a later date, and sponsorship packages for the Mark Twain Prize gala performance are on sale now.
Summer Rooftop Happy Hours
The Kennedy Center brings the fun outdoors this summer with four free rooftop happy hours, taking place on Thursdays June 13, July 11, July 18, and August 1 from 5-8 p.m. Presented in partnership with local and national partners Frank Brown & DC Millennials, Ritmos Raros, Union Stage, and Smithsonian Year of Music, each happy hour is a different musical experience for all those wanting to kick back, relax, and enjoy a summer evening outside. The Center’s Rooftop will transform into a contemporary lounge space, with guests able to sample beer from 3 Stars Brewing and Port City Brewing Company, as well as half-priced beer and wine and select cocktail specials from the bar. The entertainment lineup includes a DJ battle, Latin-inspired tropical disco, Japanese pop/rock group CHAI, and country singer JP Harris. Must be 21 or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
Summer Rooftop Happy Hours: Learn MoreMo Willems Appointed Education Artist-in-Residence
The beloved author and illustrator Mo Willems—best known as the award-winning creator of The Pigeon series, Knuffle Bunny, and Elephant & Piggie—will serve as its first Education Artist-in-Residence. Throughout the two-year residency, Willems and the Kennedy Center will develop new works for children, former children, and their families; curate collaborative experiences across artistic genres that spark creativity and invite hands-on, multigenerational audience engagement; and consult with the Center’s Education division, which serves students, adults, and communities nationwide. In his first year, beginning in July 2019, Willems will create a world premiere Pigeon musical, partner with the National Symphony Orchestra and Ben Folds for a symphonic concert, invite members of the comedy community for a hilarious storytime, and collaborate with Jason Moran for an improvisational jazz and doodling session.
Mo Willems Appointed Education Artist-in-Residence: Learn MoreKennedy Center News Now Online
Kennedy Center News is now available to read online! The May-August issue features summer Broadway blockbusters like Disney's Aladdin, Hello Dolly!, Dear Evan Hansen, The Band's Visit, and Falsettos; a Kennedy Center production of Evan Linder's new play Byhalia, Mississippi; our celebration of Unexpected Italy; Ballet Across America with Miami City Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem; the return of The Second City with a hilarious new show; comedy, jazz, opera, symphony, and much more!
Kennedy Center News Now Online: Learn More