Chucho Valdés presents La Creación
Concert Hall
October 12 at 8 p.m.

The great Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdés presents La Creación, a bold new work for big band, Afro-Cuban percussion, and vocals with elements of Santería ritual music, African music, blues, and what Valdés describes as “an atmosphere in the style of Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew.”

Cécile McLorin Salvant, Ogresse
Eisenhower Theater
November 12 at 7:30 p.m.

“She falls in love. She eats the guy. She dies.” Jazz meets theater in Ogresse, a new musical journey of myth and song created by award-winning vocalist and master storyteller Cécile McLorin Salvant. With its dark, romantic “fairytale-like” story, Ogresse is a delightfully poignant and playful addition to Salvant’s, award-winning, eclectic body of work.

Jason Moran & Christian McBride
Terrace Theater
December 16

Pianist Jason Moran and bassist Christian McBride are two of the most sought-after artists alive, but they are far more than that. Both musicians hold a deep appreciation for the entire tradition of Jazz, and that love infuses every note they play. Don’t miss Moran and seven-time Grammy winner McBride combine their talents for an unforgettable one-night-only performance.

An Evening with Fred Hersch and esperanza spalding
Studio K
February 1-2

Pianist and composer Fred Hersch, called “a living legend” by The New Yorker, and vocalist esperanza spalding, whom NPR cites as “the 21st Century’s first jazz genius,” present an exhilarating evening of songs from the Great American Songbook, music from Brazil, and brand-new compositions.

Abdullah Ibrahim and Ekaya
Concert Hall
April 30 at 8 p.m.

Abdullah Ibrahim is true pioneer of South African jazz—Jason Moran calls the Cape Town-born icon and 2019 NEA Jazz Master “South Africa’s Duke Ellington.” His groundbreaking ensemble Ekaya (the Zulu word for Home or Homeland) are sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.

George Benson
Concert Hall
May 14 at 8 p.m.

The living legend returns to the Kennedy Center! A timeless guitar master, George Benson has the rare distinction of being in the pop consciousness while remaining in the pantheon of jazz greats. Don’t miss this world-class act—the coolest Mother’s Day tickets in town. 

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