Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala truly blew me away. As someone who studied biological sciences in university and currently works in finance, I have not had as much exposure to the arts; attending this gala showed me the remarkable impact art can have on our soul and well-being, and the powerful ways it serves as a vessel of brilliant expression for young people. The extraordinary performances of the young musicians revealed to me the necessity of structure in producing excellence.
Isiah J. Thompson’s quartet, playing alongside the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsailis
The event was hosted by Angela Basset and Courtney B. Vance, who served as an engaging, passionate, and humorous guides during the evening. It was anchored by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and included a diverse group of jazz artists, vocalists and dancers.
One aspect of the event that stood out to me was the historical importance of jazz to Jazz at Lincoln Center’s history, and American history more broadly. Michelle Obama presented the Ed Bradley Award for Leadership in Jazz to Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, describing him as a man who “dedicated his life to lifting people up and recognizing the value in every human being… knows we are all better off when we see the common humanity in everyone.
Darren Walker gave a riveting speech, explaining the event was a celebration of those with a radical yet simple vision - that jazz is an art form, rooted in the experience of Black people in the country, and deserves to be elevated to the pantheon of great classical art.
He honored the “band of zealots, yes, zealots” both past and present, who dedicated their time, resources, and energy to make such gatherings possible, ensuring that Americans and the world are able to benefit from the great art form that is jazz.
Darren Walker accepting the Ed Bradley Award for Leadership in Jazz
“Darren Walker dedicated his life to lifting people up and recognizing the value in every human being.. he knows we are all better off when we see the common humanity in everyone.”
Spike Lee presenting the Jazz at Lincoln Center Award for Artistic Excellence to Terence Blanchard
Spike Lee warmly presented the Jazz at Lincoln Center Award for Artistic Excellence to Terence Blanchard, praising Blanchard’s dedication to social justice and education and describing him as a man who dedicated his live to serving others. Lee also interestingly noted that music in his movies, several of which Blanchard participated in as a composer, was just as important to all other aspects of production.
Angela Basset, Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala host
Through the event I saw, firsthand, the power that Jazz of Lincoln Center’s educational programs has for young people and the community that benefits from their talents and training. Isiah Thompson, a band leader, was one of these young people. He had been playing jazz in the rooms of Rose Hall since he was a teenager. Thompson, along with his quartet, performed his composition, “maestros of the community”, explaining it was important for young people to recognize that giants existed in their communities - people who looked them them who have achieved success in a way they may relate to. Similarly, 20-year old Summer Camargo, who was Essential Ellington’s first and only triple-crown winner in 2018, gave a stunning performance.
I can only imagine how many young people’s lives have been changed through Jazz at Lincoln Center. I certainly benefited from the performances of those who have dedicated themselves to mastering the highest level of their artistry; the event was inspiring, uplifting, and moving.
Jazz at Lincoln Center offers concerts, early childhood and adult educational programs, and discussions. Click below to learn more.