What a time to be alive! In March 2016, I was so excited to see the Kennedy Center turn their attention towards Hip Hop as one of its key programming genres. And what better leaders to have of the new programming other than Hip Hop legend Q-Tip and Director of Hip Hop Culture and Contemporary Music, Simone Eccleston?!
“To be able to present some of the pioneers that have played a foundational role in the culture, alongside contemporary artists who are creating work inspired by and/or impacting the Hip Hop generation, is extremely rewarding. I hope that you will join us this season,” said Q-Tip who is the Center’s first Artistic Director for Hip Hop Culture.
This season begins October 6, and will mark Q-Tip’s debut performance at the Kennedy Center as he shares the stage with Artistic Director for Jazz, Jason Moran.
Listen to a playlist of the Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture season
Here Is The 2017-2018 Hip Hop Culture Schedule:
Jason Moran and Q-Tip
October 6, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. in the Terrace Theater
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This will be Q-Tip and Jason’s first-ever musical collaboration! Following the concert, there is a free In the Beginning Dance Party with DJ Rich Medina + The Markmen in the Atrium.
Words, Beats, and Life Festival: Top Notch B-boy & B-girl Competition and Paint Jam
November 5, 2017 at 12 p.m.
Celebrating the art forms of breakdancing and graffiti through Top Notch 2017, a 3v3 b-boy competition, and WBL’s annual Paint Jam. WBL will present 30 D.C.-based artists creating live works of art outdoors at the Kennedy Center.
The Bridge Concert Series: Pioneering Emcees Vol. 1
November 20, 2017 at 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall
A celebration of trailblazing artists for Hip Hop culture. The series will feature MC Sha-Rock, Queen Lisa Lee, Roxanne Shanté, Spoonie Gee, Kurtis Blow, Kool Moe Dee, Kool DJ Red Alert, and more.
In The Beginning Dance Party: Holiday Jam and Silent Disco
December 8, 2017 at 7 p.m. in the Atrium
A speical holiday party, silent disco edition!
Critical Breaks Reading Series: Chinaka Hodge’s Chasing Mehserle
March 9-10, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in the Family Theater
A performance piece that maps the city of Oakland’s changing demographics, morphing culture, gentrification, and the communal response to the real-life tragedy of Oscar Grant.
Wild Style 35th Anniversary Film Screening, Discussion and Demo
March 16, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Terrace Theater
Join Director Charlie Ahearn and special guests for a screening of Hip Hop’s first motion picture-ever documenting the rise of early Hip Hop. The screening will be followed by a discussion moderated by Charlie Ahearn along with special guests Fab 5 Freddy, Grandmaster Caz, Busy Bee, and a DJ demo by Grand Wizard Theodore, the inventor of the Scratch technique.
Early arrival suggested. The event will be followed by an after party too!
Between The World and Me
April 7, 2018 at 8 p.m. in the Eisenhower Theater
A live performance showcasing a powerful framework for understanding our nation’s history and current crisis.
If interested in purchasing tickets call the Instant Charge office at (202) 467-4600 or visit here
