Jean Kennedy Smith Series
7/26/2017 at 6:00 PM

As part of the Jean Kennedy Smith Series, this performance features musicians who use technology – from robotics to digital instruments – in their creative process. Through the combination of art, design, and technology, these musicians explore the possibilities of the creative future.

Presented in collaboration with the Artful Innovation: Inclusive Design and Technology exhibit from July 20-August 30, 2017 in the Hall of States.

Tessa Souter
7/25/2017 at 6:00 PM

Downbeat Critics Poll Rising Star, Tessa Souter, “shimmers in the dark” says the London Sunday Times - placing Souter’s latest album, Beyond the Blue (Venus-Motema), # 6 on the Best Albums of 2013 along with Gregory Porter (# 3) and Stacey Kent (#10). Heralded by the critics, her "truly beautiful voice" (Sirius Radio) and penchant for exploring music mostly untouched by other singers have set her apart as “one of the finest and most fearless vocalists to have emerged in recent years.”

Kominas
7/24/2017 at 6:00 PM

The Kominas began in 2005 as self-styled exemplars of Bollywood punk. Their dance-oriented sound is a wild blend of 1977-era hardcore, reggae, Punjabi folk tunes, surf rock, disco, and dub. The musicians sing in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi as well as English. Their lyrics proclaim a bold political awareness, with broad streaks of humor, outrage, and the absurd. The songs are meant to catalyze change in the predominantly white culture while simultaneously fostering a safe and fun space for listeners of color.

2017 NSO Summer Music Institute
7/23/2017 at 6:00 PM

IN THE CONCERT HALL

Join us for the final concert of the 2017 NSO Summer Music Institute Orchestra performs Tragic Overture, Op. 81 by Brahms and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique,” conducted by by Abel Pereira.

District of Comedy Festival: Aparna Nancherla & Friends
7/22/2017 at 6:00 PM

IN THE ATRIUM

Comedian Aparna Nancherla, whose recent credits include roles on Comedy Central's Inside Amy Schumer and Netflix's Love, presents an evening of stand-up that also features Jo Firestone and Chris Duffy.

Part of the Kennedy Center’s District of Comedy Festival.

This program contains mature themes and strong language. Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Atrium lobby starting at approximately 5 p.m. on the day of each performance. Free tickets are limited to two tickets per person.

This show is not available for viewing

District of Comedy Festival: Brandon Wardell, Stavros Halkias, & Jamel Johnson
7/21/2017 at 6:00 PM

IN THE ATRIUM

The host of Hot Takes with Brandon Wardell for Comedy Central and Rolling Stone's "Hot Comedian" of 2016 presents a night of stand-up comedy.

Part of the Kennedy Center’s District of Comedy Festival.

This program contains mature themes and strong language. Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Atrium lobby starting at approximately 5 p.m. on the day of each performance. Free tickets are limited to two tickets per person.

This show is not available for viewing

District of Comedy Festival: Underground Comedy
7/20/2017 at 6:00 PM

IN THE FAMILY THEATER

D.C.’s premier independent comedy production company brings rising comics from around the country to perform in Washington, D.C.. Underground Comedy also produces seven free shows throughout the week featuring D.C.’s best comics with occasional drop-ins by nationally touring headliners. Part pf the Kennedy Center’s District of Comedy Festival.

This program contains mature themes and strong language.

Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Hall of States starting at approximately 5 p.m. on the day of each performance. Free tickets are limited to two tickets per person.

This show is not available for viewing

The Washington Balalaika Society
7/19/2017 at 6:00 PM

Formed in 1988, The Washington Balalaika Society is now the largest orchestra of Russian folk instruments in North America and endeavors to pattern its sound and repertoire after the great orchestras of Russia. At the same time, they continue to explore new kinds of music and new musical possibilities for this fascinating family of instruments.

Presented in collaboration with International Music Convention of Russia.

Stranger in the Alps
7/18/2017 at 6:00 PM

Stranger in the Alps is a modern folk-rock outfit that uses old gestures to communicate the joys and anxieties of contemporary life. The group will be playing original songs inspired by homonyms and air travel.

Presented in collaboration with Hometown Sounds.

Summer Music Institute (SMI)
7/17/2017 at 6:00 PM

Students of David Murray and Rachel Young studying at the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute (SMI) play Music for Brass Instruments by Dahl and String Quartet No. 1, Op. 59 by Beethoven.

Summer Music Institute (SMI)
7/16/2017 at 6:00 PM

Students of Heather Green, Wanzhen Li, and Ko Sugiyama studying at the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute (SMI) play Concertante for Four Violins in A minor, Op. 55 by Maurer, String Quintet in G minor by Debussy, and “Trout,” Piano Quintet in A major by Schubert.

Summer Music Institute (SMI)
7/15/2017 at 6:00 PM

Students of Alex Jacobsen, Dan Foster, and Claudia Chudacoff studying at the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute (SMI) play Duetto for Cello and Bass by Rossini, String Quartet No. 1, “From My Life,” by Smetana, and Octet by Mendelssohn.

Summer Music Institute (SMI)
7/14/2017 at 6:00 PM

Students of Hyun-Woo Kim, Holly Hamilton, and James Nickel studying at the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute (SMI) play Terzetto in C major, Op. 74 by Dvorák, String Quartet in F major by Ravel, and Wind Quintet, Op. 43 by Nielsen.

Summer Music Institute (SMI)
7/13/2017 at 6:00 PM

Students of Jenny Mondie, Jamie Roberts, David Murray, and Eugena Change studying at the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute (SMI) play String Quintet, Op. 77 by Dvo?ák, Summer Wing Quintet by Samuel Barber, and Serenade No. 6 by Persichetti.

The Bitter Game
7/12/2017 at 6:00 PM

IN THE FAMILY THEATER

Five acts structured as the four quarters and overtime of a basketball game, The Bitter Game explores the experience of being Black in America through the relationship between a young man and his mother. Based on the playwright/actor Keith A. Wallace’s youth in Philadelphia, this multi- character performance tackles issues ranging from police violence, to coping with Trauma, to the value of Black Lives.

Presented in collaboration with Hi-ARTS and the 2017 Hip Hop Theater Festival.

Please be advised this performance contains strong language and mature content.

Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Hall of States starting at approximately 5 p.m., up to two tickets per person.

This show is not available for viewing

The Bitter Game
7/11/2017 at 6:00 PM

IN THE FAMILY THEATER

Five acts structured as the four quarters and overtime of a basketball game, The Bitter Game explores the experience of being Black in America through the relationship between a young man and his mother. Based on the playwright/actor Keith A. Wallace’s youth in Philadelphia, this multi- character performance tackles issues ranging from police violence, to coping with Trauma, to the value of Black Lives.

Presented in collaboration with Hi-ARTS and the 2017 Hip Hop Theater Festival.

Please be advised this performance contains strong language and mature content.

Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Hall of States starting at approximately 5 p.m., up to two tickets per person.

This show is not available for viewing

Syncing Ink
7/10/2017 at 6:00 PM

“Now what you hear is not a test/I’m rapping to the beat!” Gordon wants to learn how to rap, thinking it will gain him respect, admiration, and the attention of a beautiful woman. What he doesn’t know is that his journey to learn how to rhyme will take him not just deeper into Hip Hop, but deeper into his legacy and his purpose. Based on true events, NSangou Njikam leads us on a lyrical ride to discover what it really takes to freestyle. Directed by Niegel Smith, Artistic Director of New York’s Flea Theater.

Presented in collaboration with Hi-ARTS and the 2017 Hip Hop Theater Festival.

Please be advised this performance contains explicit language and mature content.

This show is not available for viewing

Summer Music Institute (SMI)
7/9/2017 at 6:00 PM

IN THE CONCERT HALL

Every summer, approximately 60 students (ages 15–20) from all over the United States, as well as a number of other countries, meet in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center to attend the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute (SMI). SMI Orchestra’s program will feature “Short Ride in A Fast Machine” by John Adams and Bruckner's Symphony No. 4, “Romantic,” in E minor conducted by Abel Pereira.

WNO Opera Institute
7/8/2017 at 6:00 PM

WNO Opera Institute is a young and vibrant program located in the heart of the nation’s capital. The Institute is a three-week summer program that brings passionate, talented young musicians together to experience opera in a professional and nurturing environment. The program has gained a reputation as one of the top pre-professional programs for high school musicians in the United States.