This February, the National Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with communities in Ward 4 and Takoma Park, Maryland to amplify joy, unity, and shared humanity through music and the arts. Partnering with local schools, community spaces, and organizations, we will honor the history of these neighborhoods, while also building new connections and relationships.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture presents The Harlem Chamber Players’ 17th Annual Black History Month Celebration. The featured guest artist are cellist-composer Akua Dixon and soprano Candice Hoyes. This concert will include the New York premiere of the jazz cellist-composer Akua Dixon's We The People, the last movement of which will be a world premiere, thanks to a generous grant from the Cheswatyr Foundation.

TICKETS
This concert is FREE and open to the public. RSVP is required.

PROGRAM
Terrance McKnight Big Timer’s Blues (featuring poetry by Langston Hughes with a traditional spiritual)
Candice Hoyes Zora’s Moon for soprano and string quartet (arr. Jordyn Davis)
Akua Dixon We The People for string quartet (New York premiere)
Ernest Chausson Chanson perpetuelle, Op. 37 for soprano, piano, and string quartet
Akua Dixon “Uncross My Soul” from Marie Laveau, an opera
Akua Dixon Afrika! Afrika! for solo cello and string quintet

ARTISTS
Akua Dixon, cello
Candice Hoyes, soprano
Don Byron, clarinet
Ashley Horne, violin
Claire Chan, violin
William Frampton, viola
Wayne Smith, cello
Anthony Morris, double bass
Jas Ogiste, piano
Terrance McKnight, host and performing artist

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, Urban Bush Women (UBW) is a groundbreaking Black women-led theatrical dance company and social activism ensemble founded in 1984 by visionary choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. Through its mission of engaging with artists, activists, audiences, and communities through performances, artist development, education, and community engagement, the award-winning nonprofit has performed throughout the United States, as well as Asia, Australia, Canada, Germany, South America, Europe and Senegal (in collaboration with Germaine Acogny and her all-male Compagnie JANT-BI). UBW has been an engine and amplifier for the stories of Black Women+ for forty years. UBW affects the overall ecology of the arts by promoting artistic legacies; projecting the voices of the under-heard and people of color; bringing attention to and addressing issues of equity in the dance field and throughout the United States; and by providing platforms and serving as a conduit for experimental art makers. Signature programs run by UBW include the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), Bold (Builders, Organizers & Leaders through Dance) and the Choreographic Center Initiative (CCI) and the CCI Producing Program (CCI 2.0). Now directed by artistic leaders Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Speis, UBW combines radical performance, deep engagement, and ancestral knowledge from the African diaspora into a force that is urgent, forward-looking, and essential.

DCWS/DSO flutist Amanda Blaikie is joined by DCWS friends for the premiere performance of a Resonate composition, written for DCWS by Michigan native Jordyn Davis, along with a selection of other wind favorites.

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, Urban Bush Women (UBW) is a groundbreaking Black women-led theatrical dance company and social activism ensemble founded in 1984 by visionary choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. Through its mission of engaging with artists, activists, audiences, and communities through performances, artist development, education, and community engagement, the award-winning nonprofit has performed throughout the United States, as well as Asia, Australia, Canada, Germany, South America, Europe and Senegal (in collaboration with Germaine Acogny and her all-male Compagnie JANT-BI). UBW has been an engine and amplifier for the stories of Black Women+ for forty years. UBW affects the overall ecology of the arts by promoting artistic legacies; projecting the voices of the under-heard and people of color; bringing attention to and addressing issues of equity in the dance field and throughout the United States; and by providing platforms and serving as a conduit for experimental art makers. Signature programs run by UBW include the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), Bold (Builders, Organizers & Leaders through Dance) and the Choreographic Center Initiative (CCI) and the CCI Producing Program (CCI 2.0). Now directed by artistic leaders Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Speis, UBW combines radical performance, deep engagement, and ancestral knowledge from the African diaspora into a force that is urgent, forward-looking, and essential.

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, Urban Bush Women (UBW) is a groundbreaking Black women-led theatrical dance company and social activism ensemble founded in 1984 by visionary choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. Through its mission of engaging with artists, activists, audiences, and communities through performances, artist development, education, and community engagement, the award-winning nonprofit has performed throughout the United States, as well as Asia, Australia, Canada, Germany, South America, Europe and Senegal (in collaboration with Germaine Acogny and her all-male Compagnie JANT-BI). UBW has been an engine and amplifier for the stories of Black Women+ for forty years. UBW affects the overall ecology of the arts by promoting artistic legacies; projecting the voices of the under-heard and people of color; bringing attention to and addressing issues of equity in the dance field and throughout the United States; and by providing platforms and serving as a conduit for experimental art makers. Signature programs run by UBW include the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), Bold (Builders, Organizers & Leaders through Dance) and the Choreographic Center Initiative (CCI) and the CCI Producing Program (CCI 2.0). Now directed by artistic leaders Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Speis, UBW combines radical performance, deep engagement, and ancestral knowledge from the African diaspora into a force that is urgent, forward-looking, and essential.

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, Urban Bush Women (UBW) is a groundbreaking Black women-led theatrical dance company and social activism ensemble founded in 1984 by visionary choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. Through its mission of engaging with artists, activists, audiences, and communities through performances, artist development, education, and community engagement, the award-winning nonprofit has performed throughout the United States, as well as Asia, Australia, Canada, Germany, South America, Europe and Senegal (in collaboration with Germaine Acogny and her all-male Compagnie JANT-BI). UBW has been an engine and amplifier for the stories of Black Women+ for forty years. UBW affects the overall ecology of the arts by promoting artistic legacies; projecting the voices of the under-heard and people of color; bringing attention to and addressing issues of equity in the dance field and throughout the United States; and by providing platforms and serving as a conduit for experimental art makers. Signature programs run by UBW include the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), Bold (Builders, Organizers & Leaders through Dance) and the Choreographic Center Initiative (CCI) and the CCI Producing Program (CCI 2.0). Now directed by artistic leaders Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Speis, UBW combines radical performance, deep engagement, and ancestral knowledge from the African diaspora into a force that is urgent, forward-looking, and essential.

SHOW HO HO HO BIZ !!! NYC’s beloved comedian, actor, and larger-than-life personality MURRAY HILL (aka Mr. Showbiz) gives the much-needed gift of holiday cheer and showbiz denial to Joe’s Pub with his legendary Yuletide holiday show: A Murray Little Christmas. If there is anyone to get us in the holiday spirit and forget about the world’s continued collapse, it's Murray and his fun-loving pals (special guests announced soon)! 

Have Yourself A Murray Little Christmas, you'll be glad you did! Everyone is encouraged to come (Translate that any way you'd like. No judgments!).

“His ability to effortlessly cast a warm, festive glow about him feels akin to a superpower.” – The Hollywood Reporter

Murray Hill is a comedian, TV host, MC, international entertainer, and shorter in person. He plays Fred Rococo in Bridget Everett’s "Somebody Somewhere" (HBO) and hosts the new competition show "Drag Me To Dinner" (Hulu). He can be seen on Amy Schumer’s "Life & Beth" and "Welcome to Flatch" (FOX) and in Paul Feig’s upcoming movie Grand Death Lotto (Amazon Studios) starring John Cena and Awkwafina. Murray was just a special guest correspondent for ABC News and Hulu’s live historic “Pride Across America” which featured Pride marches in SF, NYC, and Chicago. NBC News selected him as one of the 30 most iconic and influential drag performers in modern history.

Website

SHOW HO HO HO BIZ !!! NYC’s beloved comedian, actor, and larger-than-life personality MURRAY HILL (aka Mr. Showbiz) gives the much-needed gift of holiday cheer and showbiz denial to Joe’s Pub with his legendary Yuletide holiday show: A Murray Little Christmas. If there is anyone to get us in the holiday spirit and forget about the world’s continued collapse, it's Murray and his fun-loving pals (special guests announced soon)! 

Have Yourself A Murray Little Christmas, you'll be glad you did! Everyone is encouraged to come (Translate that any way you'd like. No judgments!).

“His ability to effortlessly cast a warm, festive glow about him feels akin to a superpower.” – The Hollywood Reporter

Murray Hill is a comedian, TV host, MC, international entertainer, and shorter in person. He plays Fred Rococo in Bridget Everett’s "Somebody Somewhere" (HBO) and hosts the new competition show "Drag Me To Dinner" (Hulu). He can be seen on Amy Schumer’s "Life & Beth" and "Welcome to Flatch" (FOX) and in Paul Feig’s upcoming movie Grand Death Lotto (Amazon Studios) starring John Cena and Awkwafina. Murray was just a special guest correspondent for ABC News and Hulu’s live historic “Pride Across America” which featured Pride marches in SF, NYC, and Chicago. NBC News selected him as one of the 30 most iconic and influential drag performers in modern history.

Website

SHOW HO HO HO BIZ !!! NYC’s beloved comedian, actor, and larger-than-life personality MURRAY HILL (aka Mr. Showbiz) gives the much-needed gift of holiday cheer and showbiz denial to Joe’s Pub with his legendary Yuletide holiday show: A Murray Little Christmas. If there is anyone to get us in the holiday spirit and forget about the world’s continued collapse, it's Murray and his fun-loving pals (special guests announced soon)! 

Have Yourself A Murray Little Christmas, you'll be glad you did! Everyone is encouraged to come (Translate that any way you'd like. No judgments!).

“His ability to effortlessly cast a warm, festive glow about him feels akin to a superpower.” – The Hollywood Reporter

Murray Hill is a comedian, TV host, MC, international entertainer, and shorter in person. He plays Fred Rococo in Bridget Everett’s "Somebody Somewhere" (HBO) and hosts the new competition show "Drag Me To Dinner" (Hulu). He can be seen on Amy Schumer’s "Life & Beth" and "Welcome to Flatch" (FOX) and in Paul Feig’s upcoming movie Grand Death Lotto (Amazon Studios) starring John Cena and Awkwafina. Murray was just a special guest correspondent for ABC News and Hulu’s live historic “Pride Across America” which featured Pride marches in SF, NYC, and Chicago. NBC News selected him as one of the 30 most iconic and influential drag performers in modern history.

Website

SHOW HO HO HO BIZ !!! NYC’s beloved comedian, actor, and larger-than-life personality MURRAY HILL (aka Mr. Showbiz) gives the much-needed gift of holiday cheer and showbiz denial to Joe’s Pub with his legendary Yuletide holiday show: A Murray Little Christmas. If there is anyone to get us in the holiday spirit and forget about the world’s continued collapse, it's Murray and his fun-loving pals (special guests announced soon)! 

Have Yourself A Murray Little Christmas, you'll be glad you did! Everyone is encouraged to come (Translate that any way you'd like. No judgments!).

“His ability to effortlessly cast a warm, festive glow about him feels akin to a superpower.” – The Hollywood Reporter

Murray Hill is a comedian, TV host, MC, international entertainer, and shorter in person. He plays Fred Rococo in Bridget Everett’s "Somebody Somewhere" (HBO) and hosts the new competition show "Drag Me To Dinner" (Hulu). He can be seen on Amy Schumer’s "Life & Beth" and "Welcome to Flatch" (FOX) and in Paul Feig’s upcoming movie Grand Death Lotto (Amazon Studios) starring John Cena and Awkwafina. Murray was just a special guest correspondent for ABC News and Hulu’s live historic “Pride Across America” which featured Pride marches in SF, NYC, and Chicago. NBC News selected him as one of the 30 most iconic and influential drag performers in modern history.

Website

SHOW HO HO HO BIZ !!! NYC’s beloved comedian, actor, and larger-than-life personality MURRAY HILL (aka Mr. Showbiz) gives the much-needed gift of holiday cheer and showbiz denial to Joe’s Pub with his legendary Yuletide holiday show: A Murray Little Christmas. If there is anyone to get us in the holiday spirit and forget about the world’s continued collapse, it's Murray and his fun-loving pals (special guests announced soon)! 

Have Yourself A Murray Little Christmas, you'll be glad you did! Everyone is encouraged to come (Translate that any way you'd like. No judgments!).

“His ability to effortlessly cast a warm, festive glow about him feels akin to a superpower.” – The Hollywood Reporter

Murray Hill is a comedian, TV host, MC, international entertainer, and shorter in person. He plays Fred Rococo in Bridget Everett’s "Somebody Somewhere" (HBO) and hosts the new competition show "Drag Me To Dinner" (Hulu). He can be seen on Amy Schumer’s "Life & Beth" and "Welcome to Flatch" (FOX) and in Paul Feig’s upcoming movie Grand Death Lotto (Amazon Studios) starring John Cena and Awkwafina. Murray was just a special guest correspondent for ABC News and Hulu’s live historic “Pride Across America” which featured Pride marches in SF, NYC, and Chicago. NBC News selected him as one of the 30 most iconic and influential drag performers in modern history.

Website

SHOW HO HO HO BIZ !!! NYC’s beloved comedian, actor, and larger-than-life personality MURRAY HILL (aka Mr. Showbiz) gives the much-needed gift of holiday cheer and showbiz denial to Joe’s Pub with his legendary Yuletide holiday show: A Murray Little Christmas. If there is anyone to get us in the holiday spirit and forget about the world’s continued collapse, it's Murray and his fun-loving pals (special guests announced soon)! 

Have Yourself A Murray Little Christmas, you'll be glad you did! Everyone is encouraged to come (Translate that any way you'd like. No judgments!).

“His ability to effortlessly cast a warm, festive glow about him feels akin to a superpower.” – The Hollywood Reporter

Murray Hill is a comedian, TV host, MC, international entertainer, and shorter in person. He plays Fred Rococo in Bridget Everett’s "Somebody Somewhere" (HBO) and hosts the new competition show "Drag Me To Dinner" (Hulu). He can be seen on Amy Schumer’s "Life & Beth" and "Welcome to Flatch" (FOX) and in Paul Feig’s upcoming movie Grand Death Lotto (Amazon Studios) starring John Cena and Awkwafina. Murray was just a special guest correspondent for ABC News and Hulu’s live historic “Pride Across America” which featured Pride marches in SF, NYC, and Chicago. NBC News selected him as one of the 30 most iconic and influential drag performers in modern history.

Website

SHOW HO HO HO BIZ !!! NYC’s beloved comedian, actor, and larger-than-life personality MURRAY HILL (aka Mr. Showbiz) gives the much-needed gift of holiday cheer and showbiz denial to Joe’s Pub with his legendary Yuletide holiday show: A Murray Little Christmas. If there is anyone to get us in the holiday spirit and forget about the world’s continued collapse, it's Murray and his fun-loving pals (special guests announced soon)! 

Have Yourself A Murray Little Christmas, you'll be glad you did! Everyone is encouraged to come (Translate that any way you'd like. No judgments!).

“His ability to effortlessly cast a warm, festive glow about him feels akin to a superpower.” – The Hollywood Reporter

Murray Hill is a comedian, TV host, MC, international entertainer, and shorter in person. He plays Fred Rococo in Bridget Everett’s "Somebody Somewhere" (HBO) and hosts the new competition show "Drag Me To Dinner" (Hulu). He can be seen on Amy Schumer’s "Life & Beth" and "Welcome to Flatch" (FOX) and in Paul Feig’s upcoming movie Grand Death Lotto (Amazon Studios) starring John Cena and Awkwafina. Murray was just a special guest correspondent for ABC News and Hulu’s live historic “Pride Across America” which featured Pride marches in SF, NYC, and Chicago. NBC News selected him as one of the 30 most iconic and influential drag performers in modern history.

Website

Live at Nostalgia Fishtown

Live music on stage

West Coast Premiere

Urban Bush Women, the groundbreaking dance company known for amplifying underrepresented voices and unheard stories of Black Women+, marks its 40th anniversary with the West Coast premiere of SCAT!… The Complex Lives of Al & Dot, Dot & Al Zollar. This vibrant, dance-driven jazz club experience, inspired by founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s childhood in Kansas City’s Black neighborhoods, follows a family’s journey through the Great Migration and the realities of life in 1940s America. With live music by Craig Harris and a cast of electrifying performers, SCAT! pays tribute to the joy, resilience and rich legacy of Black floor shows. Presented in association with Center Theatre Group.

Conceived, Directed, & Co-Choreographed by: Jawole Willa Jo Zollar
Co-Choreographed by: Vincent Thomas
Original Music Composed: Craig Harris
Dramaturgy by: Talvin Wilks
Assistant Director & Associate Producer: Cheri Stokes

ive music on stage

West Coast Premiere

Urban Bush Women, the groundbreaking dance company known for amplifying underrepresented voices and unheard stories of Black Women+, marks its 40th anniversary with the West Coast premiere of SCAT!… The Complex Lives of Al & Dot, Dot & Al Zollar. This vibrant, dance-driven jazz club experience, inspired by founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s childhood in Kansas City’s Black neighborhoods, follows a family’s journey through the Great Migration and the realities of life in 1940s America. With live music by Craig Harris and a cast of electrifying performers, SCAT! pays tribute to the joy, resilience and rich legacy of Black floor shows. Presented in association with Center Theatre Group.

Conceived, Directed, & Co-Choreographed by: Jawole Willa Jo Zollar
Co-Choreographed by: Vincent Thomas
Original Music Composed: Craig Harris
Dramaturgy by: Talvin Wilks
Assistant Director & Associate Producer: Cheri Stokes

ive music on stage

West Coast Premiere

Urban Bush Women, the groundbreaking dance company known for amplifying underrepresented voices and unheard stories of Black Women+, marks its 40th anniversary with the West Coast premiere of SCAT!… The Complex Lives of Al & Dot, Dot & Al Zollar. This vibrant, dance-driven jazz club experience, inspired by founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s childhood in Kansas City’s Black neighborhoods, follows a family’s journey through the Great Migration and the realities of life in 1940s America. With live music by Craig Harris and a cast of electrifying performers, SCAT! pays tribute to the joy, resilience and rich legacy of Black floor shows. Presented in association with Center Theatre Group.

Conceived, Directed, & Co-Choreographed by: Jawole Willa Jo Zollar
Co-Choreographed by: Vincent Thomas
Original Music Composed: Craig Harris
Dramaturgy by: Talvin Wilks
Assistant Director & Associate Producer: Cheri Stokes

ive music on stage

West Coast Premiere

Urban Bush Women, the groundbreaking dance company known for amplifying underrepresented voices and unheard stories of Black Women+, marks its 40th anniversary with the West Coast premiere of SCAT!… The Complex Lives of Al & Dot, Dot & Al Zollar. This vibrant, dance-driven jazz club experience, inspired by founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s childhood in Kansas City’s Black neighborhoods, follows a family’s journey through the Great Migration and the realities of life in 1940s America. With live music by Craig Harris and a cast of electrifying performers, SCAT! pays tribute to the joy, resilience and rich legacy of Black floor shows. Presented in association with Center Theatre Group.

Conceived, Directed, & Co-Choreographed by: Jawole Willa Jo Zollar
Co-Choreographed by: Vincent Thomas
Original Music Composed: Craig Harris
Dramaturgy by: Talvin Wilks
Assistant Director & Associate Producer: Cheri Stokes

Millennium Stage

Led by the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, and Kennedy Center's Social Impact department, The Cartography Project is a multi-year commissioning project engaging artists from around the nation to map Black dignity.

Presented in partnership with the Louis Armstrong House Museum, please join us to celebrate the culmination of Amyra León's Armstrong Now 2023 Residency. Amyra, a musician, author, di­rector, and proud Harlem native, presents a unique piece inspired by her deep dive into the living archives of Louis Armstrong.

Amyra León, Vocals
David Frazier, Drums
Malachi Mabson, Piano
Jordyn Davis, Upright Bass

35th Cabaret Convention presented by the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Hosted by Natalie Douglas. Featuring Ava Allen*, Jim Caruso, Aisha de Haas, Bryan Eng, Ava Nicole Frances*, Eric Yves Garcia, Christian Holder, Nicolas King, Diva LaMarr, Mark Nadler, Nicole Vanessa Ortiz*, Valarie Pettiford, David Raleigh*, T. Oliver Reid, Nicholas Rodriguez*, Steve Ross, Billy Stritch, Darnell White*, NaTasha Yvette Williams*. Presentation of the Mabel Mercer Award. Presentation of the Donald F. Smith Award to Mark Nadler, underwritten by Adela & Larry Elow. (photos by Richard Termine) *Cabaret Convention debut

Hatch Recital Hall
Eastman School of Music

In partnership with American Composer Orchestra, Gateways String Artists and Brass Collective collaborate with composer Jordyn Davis to explore new sonic possibilities to shape an innovative orchestral composition.

Livestream: https://www.juilliard.edu/event/164906/pre-college-faculty-recital?start_date_from=04/20/24&start_date_thru=&division=All&tags=All

The program includes Divertimento for Band by Vincent Persichetti, Waves (world premiere) by Jordyn Davis, Let Evening Come by Donald Grantham, and Flying Jewels by James David. David Thornton, conductor

Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. Emmy® winner Daniel Pemberton composed a sprawling score of boundary-pushing original music that is complimented with song contributions by Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith, and Nicki Minaj. The hip-hop based score results in a sonic universe that is woven throughout the fabric of the film, supporting its themes of resilience and universal heroism.

Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. Emmy® winner Daniel Pemberton composed a sprawling score of boundary-pushing original music that is complimented with song contributions by Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith, and Nicki Minaj. The hip-hop based score results in a sonic universe that is woven throughout the fabric of the film, supporting its themes of resilience and universal heroism.

Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. Emmy® winner Daniel Pemberton composed a sprawling score of boundary-pushing original music that is complimented with song contributions by Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith, and Nicki Minaj. The hip-hop based score results in a sonic universe that is woven throughout the fabric of the film, supporting its themes of resilience and universal heroism.

Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. Emmy® winner Daniel Pemberton composed a sprawling score of boundary-pushing original music that is complimented with song contributions by Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith, and Nicki Minaj. The hip-hop based score results in a sonic universe that is woven throughout the fabric of the film, supporting its themes of resilience and universal heroism.