Brenda C. Siler Archives - Page 14 of 58 - The Washington Informer

An all-star female jazz band closes out the 2024 Jazz Masters concert on April 13, at the Kennedy Center with a tribute celebrating “Ellington 125.” The band included pianist and D.C. native REDWOOD, vocalist Charenée Wade, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, bassist Katie Ernst, and drummer Camille Gainer. (Courtesy of Jati Lindsay)

2024 NEA Jazz Masters Share Artistic Journeys Through Celebratory Programming

by Brenda C. Siler April 18, 2024April 18, 2024

The annual “Jazz Informance” recently occurred at the US Department of Education in D.C. This event was a joint effort with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz with an ensemble that included Ben Sherman on tenor sax, trumpeter and mentor Sean Jones, Quinn Rehkemper on alto sax, pianist José André Montaño, mentor and bassist Ed Hrybyk, and Julian Frazier on drums. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Students With the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Share Passion for Jazz

by Brenda C. Siler April 17, 2024April 17, 2024

Jason Moran, artistic director for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, plays Duke Ellington compositions against a backdrop of Gordon Parks photos during "Jason Moran — Solo Ellington” at the Kennedy Center on April 10. (Courtesy of the Kennedy Center)

Jason Moran’s ‘Solo Ellington’ Concert Unveils Exquisite View of Jazz Legend

by Brenda C. Siler April 15, 2024April 16, 2024

Biko’s Manna recently performed their first American live concert for the DC Jazz Festival at Arena Stage. The core sibling musicians and singers include (from left) Manna Hero, Tau Lion, and Biko Star. Parents Mom Ayanda Pyramid and Dad Sebone Rangata played various instruments with their children. (Courtesy of DCJazzFestival)

South African Social Media Sensation Biko’s Manna Perform First Live Concert in D.C.

by Brenda C. Siler April 10, 2024April 11, 2024

Former Georgia state legislator and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams (left) and NBC Washington anchor Eun Yang discuss the paperback release of "Rogue Justice," a novel by Abrams. (Courtesy of Jati Lindsay)

‘Rogue Justice,’ Stacey Abrams’ Continuing Political Thriller, Had Loads of Intrigue

by Brenda C. Siler April 10, 2024April 10, 2024

Artist Melvin Edwards stands on the University of Maryland campus in front of his sculpture “David’s Dream,” which honors the legacy of artist and educator David C. Driskell. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Sculpture Unveiled in Appreciation for Artist and Educator David C. Driskell

by Brenda C. Siler April 10, 2024April 10, 2024

The 2024 class of NEA Jazz Masters will be celebrated through free events in D.C. April 11-14. Honorees are Amina Claudine Myers (Courtesy Photo/Crystal Blake), Gary Bartz (Courtesy Photo/Alan Nahigian), Terence Blanchard (Courtesy Photo/Angeles) and D.C. area resident Willard Jenkins (Courtesy Photo/Jati Lindsay)

Music’s Best At the Top Through 2024 NEA Jazz Masters

by Brenda C. Siler April 10, 2024April 10, 2024

“Robert Glasper—Black Radio: A Duke x Dilla Celebration,” a tribute concert on March 30 at the Kennedy Center, honored the American music legacies of Ellington at 125 and hip-hop producer J Dilla. Glasper, a pianist, composer, producer, and recording artist, is a Kennedy Center’s Hip-Hop Culture Council member. (Courtesy of Jati Lindsay)

Robert Glasper Blends Duke Ellington and Hip-Hop Together in Musical Celebration

by Brenda C. Siler April 1, 2024April 1, 2024

Country musicians Grace Givertz, Roberta Lea, Rachel Maxann, Sug Daniels and Tylar Bryant took to The Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia, for Black Opry Revue on March 29. (Courtesy of Shannon Flack/Wolf Trap)

‘Black Opry Revue’ Throws the Covers Off of Black Country Music

by Brenda C. Siler April 1, 2024April 1, 2024

In celebration of Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday, the Kennedy Center is presenting concerts honoring the American icon who changed how the world heard music. (Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution, National Portrait Gallery, Irving Penn, 1971 and printed 1984)

‘Ellington 125’ Opens Doors to Hear a D.C. Music Icon

by Brenda C. Siler March 27, 2024March 27, 2024