NEXT at the Kennedy Center: Season 1
Episode 1: Let My Children Hear Mingus (2022 - PBS)
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.
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Role: Producer
Above: Keki Mingus is joined by legendary jazz artists to discuss the impact of Charles Mingus’ most explicitly political work, “Fables of Faubus,” which was written as a protest against the segregationist governor of Arkansas, Orval E. Faubus.
Above: Jazz saxophonist Charles McPherson joins the Mingus Big Band to perform "Peggy's Blue Skylight" by Charles Mingus.
Episode 2: A Joni Mitchell Songbook (2022 - PBS)
Celebrating the influence of Joni Mitchell with performances by Vince Mendoza, the National Symphony Orchestra, Renée Fleming, Lalah Hathaway, Jimmie Herrod, Raul Midón and Aoife O'Donovan.
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Role: Producer
Above: Grammy award-winning songwriter and musician Aoife O'Donovan performs Joni Mitchell's classic 'Woodstock'. Mitchell's song was inspired by the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival of 1969 and it appeared on her 1970 album 'Ladies of the Canyon'.
Above: Raul Midón, Jimmie Herrod, Lalah Hathaway, Graham Nash, and Renée Fleming discuss the indomitable influence of Joni Mitchell.
Episode 3: The Roots Residency (2023 - PBS)
Hip Hop legends The Roots give an electrifying performance during their residency at the Kennedy Center. Beyond the stage, the band endeavors to inspire others and explore the depths of their creative potential.
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Role: Producer
Above: Questlove and Black Thought of the Roots discuss the importance and impact of performing hip hop in institutions such as the Kennedy Center.
Above: An excerpt from the Roots Residency performance of "Act Too (Love of My Life)."
Episode 4: Ballet Hispánico's Doña Perón (2023 - PBS)
Ballet Hispánico explores Evita Perón's diverging legacies in this invigorating and emotional work. Her story is interpreted through movement - following her journey from dancehall performer to Argentina's First Lady and sudden death.
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Role: Producer
Above: Eva Perón balances working in dance halls as she begins to build her career as a young, ambitious actress.
Above: Members of the Ballet Hispánico company share personal anecdotes about growing up and embracing their Latin heritage.
Episode 5: Continuum: Jason Moran & Christian McBride (2023 - PBS)
Music icons Jason Moran and Christian McBride collaborate for an electrifying performance at the Kennedy Center. They share stories about their legendary teachers and introduce us to their remarkable protégés.​
Role: Producer
Above: Jason Moran recounts the story of performing with jazz legend Cassandra Wilson as a young, aspiring pianist.
Above: Protégés of Christian McBride and Jason Moran, Liany Mateo and Sequoia "Redwood" Snyder perform Geri Allen's "Feed the Fire."