Aretha Franklin will be a judge and an honoree at tonight's Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. | taken by flickr user KtKatrina
by Giovanni Russonello
As a jazz-promoting institution, D.C.’s Kennedy Center isn’t nearly as conspicuous as the Lincoln Center in New York — but it has a rich history of showcasing some of the top names in jazz. This fall, an array of top-notch jazz shows are scheduled there.
Tonight, there’s an event that’s likely to coronate a new, big name in jazz: At 7:30, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz will host its annual Gala and International Jazz Competition, where one contestant will emerge as the winner. The competition rotates instruments every year, and this year it’s focused on vocalists. Three finalists — Cyrille Aimée, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Charenée Wade — will square off before a panel of judges. One of those judges, Aretha Franklin, will also receive the 2010 Maria Fisher Founder’s Award for her work as a promoter and occasional performer of jazz. Tickets range from $35 to $75, and can be purchased by calling 800-444-1324.
Looking a bit further ahead, the KC Jazz Club’s 2010-11 season, which began in September, really takes off next weekend with a performance by the violinist Karen Briggs. For a full list of performances, check the KC Jazz Club’s website or peruse the CapitalBop calendar. CapitalBop’s short profile of the KC Jazz Club is here.
Stefon Harris plays the vibraphones. A recording of his Kennedy Center performance is available below. | taken by flickr user bladsurb
To get you in the mood for the new season, check out this recording of vibraphonist Stefon Harris’ performance at the KC Jazz Club last year, recently posted at NPR.org. Harris casts a singular, romantic haze over the music he plays (he’s done it as a sideman for performers like Tim Warfield and Jason Moran, as well as on his own work). At the same time, he has a preternatural ability to cut through with crystal-clear melodies. In the KC Jazz Club performance he’s heard with Blackout, his perennial combo.
And if the Kennedy Center is a bit too upscale for your preference — or your pocket book — there are numerous club and restaurant shows going on every day in D.C. You only need check the CapitalBop calendar to find them!
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