OCT 14 Episode 1 | Let My Children Hear Mingus

The Kennedy Center celebrates jazz icon and social activist Charles Mingus at 100. Through performances and conversations, we explore how his outsized personality and inimitable style pushed boundaries and paved the way for future generations.

Performances and interviews by the Mingus Big Band, Christian McBride, Charles McPherson, Jason Moran, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Robert Glasper, among others.

TRUMPETS

Tatum Greenblatt
Alex Norris
Philip Harper

SAXOPHONES
Abraham Burton
Mark Gross
David Lee Jones
Scott Robinson
Lauren Sevian

TROMBONES
Conrad Herwig
Ku-umba Frank Lacy
Earl McIntyre

PIANO David Kikoski
BASS Boris Kozlov
DRUMS Donald Edwards

Guest Saxophone Charles McPherson

FIRST MINGUS BIG BAND SONG:
Boogie Stop Shuffle

Solos:
Abraham Burton, Tenor Sax
Conrad Herwig, Trombone
David Kikoski, piano

SECOND MINGUS BIG BAND SONG:
Peggy’s Blue Skylight

Solos:
Charles McPherson, Alto Sax
Ku-umba Frank Lacy, French Horn

THIRD MINGUS BIG BAND SONG:
Fables of Faubus (words and lyrics by Charles Mingus

Solos:
Ku-umba Frank Lacy, Vocals
Philip Harper, Trumpet

FOURTH SONG:
So Long Eric

Solos:
Boris Kozlov, bass
Charles McPherson, Alto Sax
Tatum Greenblatt, Trumpet
Abraham Burton, Tenor Sax
Lauren Sevian, Baritone Sax
Charles McPherson, Alto Sax
Scott Robinson, Tenor Sax
David Lee Jones, Alto Sax
Mark Gross, Alto Sax

"NEXT at the Kennedy Center," a new primetime series from The Kennedy Center and PBS, spotlights cultural leaders from the worlds of hip hop, jazz, folk, comedy, modern dance and more. Captured to match the unique style of our featured artists, each episode weaves together performances filmed live at the Kennedy Center with intimate off-stage moments, contextualizing their significance and impact on American culture.

Through the decades, the Kennedy Center has been at the forefront of reflecting the breadth of America's diverse performing arts culture. While symphony, opera, ballet, and Broadway remain at the heart of the Center's identity, hip hop, comedy, jazz, and modern dance are equally embedded within the fabric of our national cultural center.