The 21st Annual Kennedy Center Open House Arts Festival

The 21st annual festival features a full day of more than free 30 performances, activities, and events for the whole family in celebration of the Kennedy Center's 34th birthday.

• Sep 10, 2005 at 11:30 AM
• Throughout the Center

Remind Me | About the Program

About the Program

Saturday, September 10 from 11:30 a.m.--7:30 p.m.
More than 30 FREE Performances and Activities for the Whole Family
(Some events may require free tickets.)
Throughout the Kennedy Center
Parade Begins at 11:30 a.m.

It's a new season of Performing Arts for Everyone! The Kennedy Center kicks off its 34th birthday with a party inside as well as outside on its brand-new plazas. Featuring a huge parade and more than 30 performances, activities, and events, the 21st annual Open House Arts Festival is a fun-filled day for the whole family.   Food and beverages will be available for purchase located throughout the Center.

Exciting performances are presented by Washington-area arts organizations. Native American artists commemorate the first anniversary of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. The Bard is back in a salute to Shakespeare and the Renaissance. A Chinese Lion Dance company provides a preview of the fascinating culture featured in the upcoming Festival of China. The National Symphony Orchestra gives a peek of what's in store for its 75th Anniversary Season. Strolling musicians serenade the crowd, and costumed characters will be on hand for photo opportunities. Here's just a glimpse of what's in store!
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PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Program and artists subject to change.

National Symphony Orchestra
Hear the nation's orchestra in an impassioned performance of classic works, conducted by NSO Associate Conductor Emil de Cou.

Dave Liebman Group
Grammy(r)-nominated jazz musician Dave Liebman "is one of the most important saxophonists in contemporary music" (Down Beat Magazine) and has performed with such artists as Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, and Chick Corea.

Doc Scantlin and His Imperial Palms Orchestra
Hailed as "the world's best band" by Forbes Magazine, this big band extravaganza will have everyone on their feet with a program ranging from the speakeasy classics of the 1920s to the swinging era of Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller.

Del Castillo
Named Best Independent Group of the Year by the ASCAP Latin Music Awards, this high-energy rock band from Austin, Texas, combines "old-school Gitano with flailing nuevo flamenco flourishes, conjuring images of Eddie Van Halen and early Santana, with an assist from the Gipsy Kings" (Rolling Stone Magazine).

Casper and the Mighty 602 Band
Young Hopi singer Casper Lomayesva combines his native roots with the positive vibes of reggae music, offering music filled with hope and power.

The Suzanne Farrell Ballet
The Kennedy Center's own "brilliant" (The New York Times) ballet company presents excerpts and chamber works from its repertoire of ballets by the great George Balanchine.

Neo Camerata
Creating a sound the group calls "new classical," Neo Camerata infuses the soul and emotion of classical music with the high-energy sound of pop music. 

Garry Krinsky's "Toying with Science"
Through a combination of original music, mime, circus art, and more, Garry Krinsky and his audience investigate basic scientific facts and delve into the imaginations of scientists who explore our world.

The Satin Doll Trio
This elegant jazz ensemble has been praised by the Washington Times for playing jazz "smooth as silk." Vocalist Patrice Ferris, bassist Fred Ferris, and guitarist Ken Kilpatrick present an intimate concert in the "supper club" jazz style of the 1950s.

The Crowtations 
These four high-flying, smooth-sounding, soul-singing puppets delight audiences of all ages with their performances of doo-wop, rap, and Motown songs.

Wong Chinese Lion Dancers
Offering a marvelous sneak peek into the Kennedy Center's upcoming Festival of China, this D.C.-area company has dazzled audiences with traditional Southern Chinese Lion Dancing for more than 20 years.

NSO Instrument "Petting Zoo"
Hands-on musical fun for children of all ages is a festival favorite and a project of the Women's Committee of the National Symphony Orchestra.

Edwin Fontánez's Washington Chalk Festival
Back by popular demand! Watch Washington-area artists sketch colorful creations, then have the opportunity to create your own sidewalk masterpiece.

U.S. Army Ceremonial Band
Founded in 1922, the band has become the premier musical organization of the U.S. Army. Throughout the years, members from this highly regarded ensemble have played in the nation's capital and even on the battlefields of World War II.

Yellow Bird Indian Dancers
The Yellow Bird Indian Dancers' authentic Apache, Southwest, and Northern Plains dances maintain the essence of American Indian culture in a wonderfully entertaining and educational program for all audiences.

shinbone alley stilt band
Presented by Bond Street Theatre, this band has entertained audiences in Japan, Brazil, Isrqel, France, and Germany with a diverse range of music including jazz, swing, blues, and rock.

Cochise Anderson
With the release of his debut album The Kemosabe Therapy, Cochise presents spoken word, storytelling, performance art, and music. Originally from the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations in Oklahoma, Cochise blends his heritage with contemporary influences.  

OPEN HOUSE Schedule of Events  (K) = Great for Children
Main Plaza RoadWay –
Opening Parade & Ceremony (K)
11:30 a.m.-Noon

Main Plaza
Noon-6 p.m. 
Edwin Fontánez's Washington Chalk Festival (K)
Shinbone Alley Stilt Band
Strolling artists, face painting, and balloon artists

South Plaza Stage 
1-1:45 p.m.  Last Train Home, folk rock
2:30-3:15 p.m.  The Crowtations (K), Motown puppets
4-4:45 p.m.  Casper and the Mighty 602 Band, reggae
6-7:30 p.m.  Del Castillo, latin pop

North Plaza – Renaissance Stage
1-1:45 p.m.  Elizabethan Court Music
2:15-3 p.m. Washington Improv Theater
3:30-4:45 p.m.  Elizabethan Court Dancers
5-5:30 p.m.  Brad Waller's Renaissance Swordplay (K)

Concert Hall
12:15-1 p.m.  National Symphony Orchestra,
                  classical music
1:45-2:30 p.m.  U.S. Army Ceremonial Band,
           military and patriotic marches
3:15-4 p.m.  Doc Scantlin and His Imperial Palms
     Orchestra, 1930s style big band
4:45-5:30 p.m.  Harlem Gospel Choir, soul-stirring gospel

Millennium Stage North 
12:15-1 p.m.  Yellow Bird Indian Dancers (K),
           traditional Apache dance
1:45-2:30 p.m.  The Suzanne Farrell Ballet,
           excerpts from company repertory
3:15-4 p.m.  Oktbrwrld, R&B/neo-soul
4:45-5:30 p.m.  Rumba Club, latin jazz

Millennium Stage South
1-1:45 p.m. Dave Liebman Group,
                  jazz legend and his quartet
2:30-3:15 p.m. Washington National Opera,
           selections from the new season
4-4:45 p.m. Neo Camerata, classical pop fusion

Theater Lab (free, tickets required - available 30 min.prior)
12:15-1:15 p.m. Garry Krinsky's "Toying with Science,"
           music, mime, and science
2-2:45 p.m.  Choral Arts Society Quartet (K),
           musical fun for first graders
3:30-4:15 p.m. Cochise Anderson (K),
           Chickasaw and Choctaw storytelling

Terrace Theater – Free, tickets required.  Available
30 min. prior to each performance time
NSO 75th Anniversary Stage
12:15-1 p.m. NSO Youth Fellows (K),
                  classical musical recital
1:45-2:30 p.m. NSO Ensemble Quintet, works by Mozart
3:15-4 p.m. The Unlikely Trio (K),
           NSO Kinderkonzert program
4:45-5:30 NSO Ensemble, members perform
           classical works

KC Jazz Club (Terrace Gallery) - Free, tickets required -
available 30 min. prior to performance times.
12:45-1:30 p.m. Sean Grissom, cellist,
                  pop and classical favorites
2:15-3 p.m. Washington Savoyards, Operetta Company
           with scenes from <i>The Mikado</i>
3:45-4:30 p.m. Natalie Douglas, NY cabaret artist 
5:15-6 p.m. The Satin Doll Trio, "supper club" jazz

Eisenhower Theater
Noon-5 p.m. NSO Instrument "Petting Zoo" (K)

Atrium/Foyers -- Family Fun (K)
12-6 p.m. Face painting and balloon arts
1:15-1:45 p.m. Wong Chinese Lion Dancers,
           kung fu demonstration
2:30-3:15 p.m. Brad Waller's Renaissance Swordplay
4-4:30 p.m. Sean Grissom, Cajun cello fun for kids
5-5:30 p.m. Washington Improv Theater

(K) = great for kids and families

Schedule and artists subject to change without notice.
 
For more information on accessibility at Open House, or to request an accommodation, call
(202) 416-8727 (voice) or (202) 416-8728 (TTY)  or visit kennedy-center.org/accessibility.

Metro-operated parking lots are free on weekends and federal holidays.
At times when fees are charged, SmarTrip(r) cards with full parking fee are the only accepted form of payment for parking (except metered parking). Visit the Trip Planner at MetroOpensDoors.com or call 202-637-7000
(TTY 202-638-3780).

JUST ADDED:
Help is needed to maintain the local community blood supply,and the Kennedy Center and The American Red Cross are teaming up to assist with relief efforts. 
You Can Help.
Blood donation opportunities will be available in two locations during the Kennedy Center's 21st Annual Open House Arts Festival:
American Red Cross Blood Mobile - outside on the front plaza near the grand staircase (closest to the Watergate).American Red Cross Blood Drive - Opera House lobby, directly in front of bust of President Kennedy.
HOWEVER:  Since a limited amount of space is available for blood collection; visitors can pledge their commitment to the community blood supply, and allow the American Red Cross to contact them to schedule a donation appointment at a later date.  The American Red Cross will be available
in the Opera House lobby from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (directly in front of JFK bust) to take your pledge.  Simply give your name and phone number, and the Red Cross
 will contact you, at your convenience, to establish a blood donation appointment at a time and place that is most convenient for you.
***American Red Cross disaster relief volunteers will also be available in the Opera House lobby to collect FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ONLY (please do not bring food or other
items to donate) and answer questions about how you can help relief efforts.*****

 

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.

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