This year's gala, held on the anniversary of jazz legend Duke Ellington's death, features an evening of jazz and swing. The annual event kicks off at 5 PM with a reception on the River Terrace followed by dinner on the Roof Terrace level at 6 PM. The gala performance — featuring Connick, Jr. — will begin at 8:30 PM. 'Til Midnight, a cocktails and dancing party, will conclude the evening in the Roof Terrace Restaurant. The latter will feature the music of Big Ray and the Kool Kats.
The gala provides funding to support the Kennedy Center's performances, education and outreach initiatives.
Harry Connick, Jr. made his Broadway acting debut in the revival of The Pajama Game, earning a Tony nomination for his work. He also provided the Tony-nominated score for Thou Shalt Not. A winner of three Grammy Awards, Connick has also appeared in the films "Hope Floats" and "Independence Day," and he received an Emmy nomination for his performance as Dr. Leo Markus on "Will and Grace." A New Orleans native, Connick has been active in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Individual tickets to the gala begin at $1,000, with gala packages ranging $5,000-$50,000. Concert-only tickets are priced $30-$65 and are available by calling (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324. For gala reservations, call (202) 416-8338 or email [email protected].
The Kennedy Center is located on the internet at www.kennedy-center.org.