Remembering Tony Bennett (1926-2023)
• July 24, 2023

Tony Bennett was singing until the very end. The legendary singer was crooning his first number one hit, “Because of You,” at his piano just days before his death on […]

Kennedy Center Honors Glitzes Up Weekend
• December 5, 2022

The 45th Kennedy Center Honors, held Dec. 4, lit up parts of the town Sunday night and days leading up to the glitzy event. Georgetown was humming from its top […]

Pianist Leon Fleisher, 1928-2020
• August 3, 2020

Fleisher, who died on Aug. 2, was not only a Leon but a Leo, which fit. From a young age, he was a celebrity in the world of classical music, which loomed larger in mid-20th-century American culture than it does today.

Big Bird, But Not Spinney, at Kennedy Center Honors
• December 9, 2019

Millions of fans had earlier in the day learned of the death of Caroll Spinney, the gentle puppeteer of two world-famous Muppets: Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.

Carroll and Norman, Losses to the World at Large
• October 7, 2019

Diahann Carroll and Jessye Norman were both gifted African American women and star performers, different in style and genres perhaps, but wholly original in the effect and affect of their gifts. 

The Kennedy Center Honors: From Astaire to Cher
• July 26, 2018

There has been no word, yea or nay, from the White House as to whether the president and the first lady will attend the Dec. 2 dinner and ceremony.        

The Honors, Minus the Trumps
• December 6, 2017

Washington is a town of traditions. Every year, certain things happen like clockwork. It’s a seasonal mix of weather, politics, sports, celebrations and events. One notable event is the Kennedy […]

Dear Melania: Please Attend the Kennedy Center Honors
• September 28, 2017

Dear Mrs. Trump, You need to go to the Kennedy Center Honors in December. As a loyal supporter of your husband’s administration, I have no compunction about giving you unsolicited […]

No Break from Trump Thrill Ride
• August 24, 2017

In the onrush of headlines, the president has created a world of almost daily turmoil, even during the Great American Eclipse.

The Changing Kennedy Center Honors
• August 7, 2017

Under President Deborah Rutter, the Kennedy Center has taken a lively interest in newer forms of popular music.