Concerts

2019-20 SEASON CALENDAR

Concerts explore the history of jazz in America.

Centennial Year of Nat “King” Cole Featuring Guest Vocalist Loston Harris
Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza
National Museum of American History
Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

The royal moniker “King” has been bestowed on only a small percentage of artists. Nathaniel Adams Cole’s elevation to “King” was earned through his increasing rise to prominence, and his full mastery of the piano, and voice. American culture and history has many stains; however, the brilliance of Nat “King” Cole could not be denied. Ranking among the most popular vocalists of his era, Cole eventually hosted his very own TV show in the 1950s. On March 31, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra will feature guest vocalist Loston Harris bringing to life some of those iconic arrangements, to include “Nature Boy” and “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter.”

The museum’s Constitution Avenue doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the LeRoy Neiman Jazz Café will be open and serving light fare and drink options for purchase from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food and drink are welcome at seats in the Performance Plaza.

Tickets

Previous Concerts: 2018-19 SEASON

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Ensemble on the Road

Jazz Cities: Regional Style & Evolution
Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona Beach, FL
Saturday, September 29, 2018

Benny Goodman Lecture and Concert
The Theatre House, Castleton Festival
Sunday, November 4, 2018

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Concert Season in Washington, DC

The Evolving Jazz Culture
Hall of Music
National Museum of American History
Friday, October 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Evolutions in technology have greatly impacted American jazz and culture. From the early 20^th century recordings of jazz through the advent of the internet, jazz has migrated from the clubs of the city to the halls of academia. Jazz has evolved in sync with the highly complex and technical advances experienced in American culture. From the way it is listened to, and the way it is learned, jazz musicians are faced with an increasing challenge to find “THEIR” unique voice. October’s concert will explore the effects of technology on jazz culture, jazz language, and jazz education.

A Love Supreme and More: The Spiritual Side of John Coltrane
United Methodist Church, Dumbarton Concert Series
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.

In partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Dumbarton Concerts welcomes all 18 members of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, led by Artistic Director Charlie Young, in a performance featuring John Coltrane’s lauded 1964 work, A Love Supreme. One of jazz's most critically acclaimed recordings, A Love Supreme has come to be viewed as one of the greatest albums of all time, a deeply spiritual work, and Coltrane's masterpiece. Hear what Jazz critic Nick Dedina called "an epic aural poem to man's place in God's plan" in Dumbarton Church’s intimate sanctuary.

Join us at 6:00 p.m. for a pre-concert talk by Dr. Leonard Brown, author of John Coltrane and Black America's Quest for Freedom: Spirituality and the Music and Associate Professor Emeritus of Ethnomusicology, African American Music History, and Jazz Studies at Northeastern University.

This program is generously underwritten by a grant from the Lilly Foundation.

Smithsonian Jazz programs are made possible through generous support from:

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

The Argus Fund

Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation

David C. Frederick and Sophia Lynn

Goldman Sachs

John Hammond Performance Series Endowment Fund

FAQ's

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets range from $25-$40 depending on the venue and seating options available.

Where/How do I get my tickets?

All tickets will be held at the Check-In table for pick up on the night of the concert.

What is the difference between Standard and Table seats?

For all concerts in the Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, there are two seating options available for purchase. Table seats are at 4-top tables in front of the stage and include one complimentary drink. Standard seats are single chairs in raised rows wrapping around the tables. Food and drink are available to be purchased and carried to both seat types in the Performance Plaza. For all concerts in the Hall of Music, there is only one type of seating option in a standard concert hall layout.

Is there assigned seating?

For concerts in the Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, table seats are assigned to Season Pass holders and individual ticket buyers based on time of purchase. Standard seats in the Performance Plaza and the Hall of Music are first come, first seated.

Can I sit with my friends/family who also bought table seats?

If you and your friends/family bought table seats separately and would like to be seated together, please contact us at jazz@si.edu at least three (3) days before the concert with the names on each purchase. We will do our best to seat you all together. The sooner you notify us, the better.

Is there parking?

Street parking is available on Constitution Avenue after 6:30 p.m.

What time do doors open?

Doors open at 6:45 p.m., music kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

What food and drink is available?

Light fare (sandwiches and snacks), beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase from 6:45 p.m. and on. For all concerts in the Performance Plaza, food and drink are welcome at the seats, during the concert. For all concerts in the Hall of Music, food and drink must be consumed before entering the Hall.

Do you have accessibility services?

The National Museum of American History welcomes visitors of abilities. Requests for accessibility services at our concerts can be made by voicemail at 202-633-3150 or by email at jazz@si.edu. Two-week’s prior notice is preferred.

Have more questions? Contact us at jazz@si.edu or 202-633-3150.

Search Google Appliance

Smithsonian Jazz