"Songwriters: The Next Generation," a program of The ASCAP Foundation and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, showcased the work of four emerging songwriters and composers on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on March 24 and 25, 2011. Each evening’s hour-long program was hosted by ASCAP members and two-time GRAMMY Award winners, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer. The March 24 concert featured jazz composers Sonia Szajnberg with the Sonia Szajnberg Band and Zaccai Curtis who played with The Curtis Brothers Quartet. The March 25 performance highlighted the original works of pop songwriters Katie Costello with Dave Eggar and Dan Mackenzie and his band.
"Songwriters: The Next Generation," was conceived by the late jazz pianist, educator, composer and ASCAP Foundation Board member Dr. Billy Taylor. Throughout his life, Dr. Taylor stressed the importance of showcasing the talent of contemporary composers who are also performers. The first night of the performances, which focuses on jazz composers, will be dedicated to his memory.
"Songwriters: The Next Generation," presented by The ASCAP Foundation and made possible by the Bart Howard Estate, is part of The Kennedy Center’s free, daily performance series. The concerts and Q&A were webcast live and can be viewed here: http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/.
Click here for more details regarding the featured songwriters and composers.
