The Kennedy Center: A (Covertly) Free Gem

Courtesy of The Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts

By Francesca Faccani

Overlooking the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the National Cultural Center and the capital’s benchmark for artistic performances. However, not many people know that every day the Center also stages free shows open to anyone. 

Inaugurated in 1971, the Kennedy Center was meant to be a memorial for late President Kennedy, and was thought to be, from the very beginning, an all-comprehensive center for a wide range of live performance genres. In fact, the keyword of these shows is “diverse”: not only are they different every day without ever repeating, but they are also diverse and run the gamut in a matter of disciplines, styles, and geographical traditions.

For example, on Monday, February 10, a performance will take place called  “LBTQ Changemakers – We Are Everywhere”, a book presentation sponsored by the Library of Congress, whereas the next day, on Tuesday, the Indian band Dhruv Sangari and the National Sufi Ensemble is going to perform.

These free shows take place at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, situated in the Grand Foyer, which was appositely created for the “Performing Arts for Everyone” initiative in 1997. The founders are the capital’s most notable philanthropists: James A. Johnson, who also served as chairman of the Kennedy Center, and his wife, Maxine Isaacs.

The free performances take place at 6 p.m. and are approximately one hour long. Because of the free access policy, the seating is on a first come first served basis.

When informed about the initiative, Marcella Bertolino, a politics senior, was surprised that she didn’t know about it and said that she’ll definitely go.

Still, if you can’t make it to the show, you’ll be able to stream it live on the Kennedy Center’s YouTube channel. On its website, the Center also archives the performances and stores them in a vast database, accessible to everyone, called the Digital Stage.

Though each performance is special in its own way, there is one in particular that you’re not going to want to miss. On February 20, the Catholic University Symphony Orchestra will be performing, guided by faculty composer Robert A. Baker.

Over the years, the Millennium Stage has hosted many famous artists such as songwriter Sufjan Steven, spoken word artist Patti Smith, folk icon Pete Seeger, and also renowned international performers, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Brazilian pianist Sérgio Mendes, and many others.

On January 24, I personally attended the awarded performance “A Night out with Jackie Moms Mabley”, a reenactment of the 50s comedian’s show. I have rarely enjoyed a show more: it was witty and hilarious at the same time. Additionally, the stage was surrounded by colored lights which graciously interact with the play and create a dreamlike atmosphere. It is the place to be.

Aside from the free Millennium Stage’s performances, once or twice every semester, the Catholic University’s Office of Campus Activities offers free tickets for otherwise expensive performances at the Kennedy Center. The initiative is called D.C. Nite Out, and on January 29, students attended The National Ballet of Canada. 

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts proves to be the capital’s ultimate cultural institution, although remarkably underappreciated by CUA students.