Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz 25th Anniversary All-Star Concert
My friend and jazz aficionado Bill Paley invited me to the 25th Anniversary All-Star Concert and 2011 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition at the Kennedy Center last night. It was an incredible evening of outstanding Jazz and of outstanding talent. The special honoree was the incomparable Aretha Franklin, who brought the house to its feet with an extraordinary Jazz vocal and then literally boogied off the stage at the end of her performance.
Many of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz former competitors from over the past 25 years, Institute All-Stars, were on stage along with Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, Wayne Shorter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kevin Eubanks, Doug E. Fresh, Chaka Kahn, Ron Carter, DJ Spark, and Jennifer Hudson, among many others. What a night of music!
The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz does great work and deserves our support.
Sounds as if it was a wonderful evening. Lucky you.