Musicians Celebrate the Arts at Free Kennedy Center Concert

An American Playlist, final concert of a three-day
musical celebration of the performing arts
The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
July 20

photos of Robinson and Blackwell courtesy of Allison Perry

Music lovers usually flock to the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage for free concerts but, for the past few nights, thousands of people were fortunate to hear a variety of music for free in the concert hall. On July 20, the third day of the “American Playlist” series celebrating the performing arts, four notable American musicians from different musical genres performed for a packed house, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra.

The 80-minute concert, which began at the early hour of 6 p.m., featured R&B legend Smokey Robinson, pop singer John Mayer, opera soprano Harolyn Blackwell, and saxophonist Branford Marsalis. The NSO opened the show, with conductors Hugh Wolff and Sarah Hicks taking turns, and then each artist performed a couple of songs. One inspiring moment came when out came a choir, the NEWorks Tribute Singers—comprising high school and college vocalists from across D.C.—sang a song written by their director, Reverend Nolan Williams, titled, “Life’s Inspired by a Song.”

Blackwell sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and then pulled out an aria from the country that does opera best: Italy. She sang “O Mio Babbino Caro” (Puccini) like an angel and brought tears to every eye in the house. Next up, Branford Marsalis played three jazz numbers on sax.

John Mayer at first took the stage to give a short speech about the importance of arts education. “In every generation, there are the same number of would-be legends born,” he said, adding that we just need to find them and help them uncover their talents. He then introduced Smokey Robinson, who amplified Mayer’s comment by singing “Don’t Know Why,” the Jesse Harris-penned song that Norah Jones made famous. He then closed with one of his own beloved songs, “Tracks of My Tears.”

Mayer then reappeared, to the relief of the many teenage girls sitting near me, and gave the orchestra a chuckle when he said he was honored to be around people who can actually read music. He then sang his “Waiting for the World to Change,” solo with just his guitar, followed by Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” with the orchestra.

While the music was spectacular, there were two missed opportunities here. One was the unfulfilled hope for a collaboration among these musicians who rarely share the stage together. Wouldn’t it have been grand to hear Smokey jam with Mayer or Marsalis accompany Blackwell? But each only appeared solo backed by the orchestra. Another missed opportunity was not compelling the crowd to take action. Should we call our senator and ask for more funding for arts in school? Perhaps tell us to go see a local youth orchestra or dance recital. We’re here in this beautiful, regal place watching this grand concert for free; empower us to help save the arts.

The orchestra concluded the show first with Michael Daugherty’s spiffy “Route 66” followed by Aaron Copeland’s “Hoedown.” And then several generations of music lovers streamed out, happy about getting even the briefest glimpse of the evening’s extraordinary talent.