Play Open
Jason Moran & Friends
Eisenhower Theater
Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran and some of his most talented friends take the stage for a completely improvised concert! Since his formidable emergence on the scene in the late 90s, Moran has established himself as a risk-taker, innovator, and “the most provocative thinker in current jazz” (Rolling Stone). Join us for this one-of-a-kind performance of spontaneous group improvisation.
Genre
Jazz
“Moran is like no other pianist at work. His improvisations are dynamic, eruptive, keyed to the compositions at hand.”
Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran and some of his most talented friends take the stage for a completely improvised concert! Since his formidable emergence on the scene in the late 90s, Moran has established himself as a risk-taker, innovator, and “the most provocative thinker in current jazz” (Rolling Stone). Join us for this one-of-a-kind performance of spontaneous group improvisation.
Presented as part of Play Open
Throughout the Kennedy Center’s 2024–2025 Jazz Season, we’re showcasing partially improvisational concerts that embody the bold openness to express who we are—individually as soloists and collectively as essential members of a community. Join us for these freeform performances defined by unexpected chord progressions, spontaneous key changes, imaginative rhythms, and the exhilaration that only comes from working without constraint.
Save up to 30% by purchasing a series of events with flexible options, and enjoy early access to get the best seats.
Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.
²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÃâ·Ñ°æapp is a non-profit institution, and your tax-deductible gift helps expand our arts and education offerings throughout the country.
All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.
All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!
Kenny Barron
Fri. Jan. 31, 2025
The LA Times named Kenny Barron “one of the top jazz pianists in the world” and Jazz Weekly calls him “the most lyrical piano player of our time.” The NEA Jazz Master—along with his trio featuring bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and drummer Savannah Harris—brings soul, grace, wit, and an unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with elegant playing and infectious rhythms.
Jeremy Pelt Quintet
Fri. Jan. 31, 2025
Firebrand trumpet player Jeremy Pelt balances a deep grasp of the jazz tradition with his trademark warm, searching post-bop sound. JazzTimes calls him a “technical marvel” who “executes intricate solos with ease, plays gorgeous ballads in a tasteful manner, and never lacks flair.” Performing music from his 2023 release The Art of Intimacy and more, Pelt improvises an evening of beauty and mastery.
Nite Bjuti
Sat. Feb. 1, 2025
Nite Bjuti (pronounced “Night Beauty”) is a woman-led improvisatory trio of vocalist Candice Hoyes, Grammy-winning sound chemist Val Jeanty, and bassist Mimi Jones. Their improvised electro acoustic performances move through grooves into freedom. According to the New York Times, “spirit, conjure, necromancy, and memory seem to be some of the grounding ideas behind Nite Bjuti’s stunning, fully improvised sound.”
REDWOOD
Fri. Feb. 7, 2025
Pianist, composer, producer, and Washington, D.C. native Sequoia “REDWOOD” Snyder blends contemporary jazz vibes and Black music genres with individuality and style. At only 24, she’s performed with esteemed musicians such as Rodney Whitaker, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kenny Barron, Cory Henry, and even popular R&B band The Internet. REDWOOD’s mentor Jason Moran says of his protégé, “when I can’t do a gig, I always recommend Sequoia.”
