Nestled on the Potomac River in Washington D.C., is the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The venue is not just the elegant cultural center of the Beltway, but a regal homage to one of America’s most celebrated presidents. In addition to countless dance, ballet and theatrical performances, the building is also home to the Kennedy Center Honors, an annual gala celebrating the world’s very best entertainers. This year marks the 37th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, and Al Green, Tom Hanks, Lily Tomlin, Patricia McBride and Sting are among those being honored. The broadcast of the gala will air on CBS on Dec. 30, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The Kennedy Center was officially opened in September of 1971 and features seven different performances spaces within the venue. The largest is the Concert Hall with an audience capacity of 2,454, and the smallest being the Jazz Club, 160. The origins of the Center are rooted in the 1958 National Cultural Center Act of Congress that stipulated that there be a partnership between private and public interests. The Center has at least one event seven nights a week including several notable performances during the holidays.
New Year’s Eve is a particularly busy time for the cultural center with a shocking eight performances on the bill. Beginning at 6 p.m. is the Millennium Stage Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra. At the same time, is the universally praised comedy show, Shear Madness (additional show at 9:00 p.m.). At 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. is “A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Branford Marsalis,” lead by majestic saxophonist Branford Marsalis. A performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at 8:00 p.m. and 8:30, is a performance by the Grammy-Award winning band Ozomatli. And rounding out the festive day is the 2015 New Year’s Eve Grand Foyer Party at 10:30 p.m.
The Kennedy Center is dedicated to the arts because the president so believed in the power of the arts as a major contribution to society worldwide. If you agree, you'll want to visit the Center time and again. And when you do, the friendly and helpful folks at Navis Pack and Ship Washington DC will be ready and waiting to helpyou with any art shipping, antique crating, or other packaging needs you might have. Happy New Year!
Image: Flickr
