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The NEA Jazz Masters fellowship, established in 1982, honors the lifetime achievements of those who have dedicated their lives to a distinctly American art form. Among the very first inductees was the visionary Sun Ra, a composer, bandleader, and keyboardist whose creativity transcended earthly bounds. Over the past four decades, the NEA Jazz Masters program has continually celebrated artists and advocates whose influences resonate around the world.

Marshall Allen, a cherished member of the Sun Ra Arkestra since the mid-1950s, now embodies the legacy of this esteemed fellowship. Having taken on the mantle of leadership shortly after Sun Ra’s transition in 1993, Allen—now a centenarian—radiates vitality as he links us to cosmic history. His journey is an inspiring reminder of the enduring power of music and creativity. Join him as he performs with the Arkestra during the 2025 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert at the Kennedy Center on Saturday, April 26. This celebration will be hosted by the talented pianist Jason Moran and streamed live, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the music starting at 8 p.m.

Pianist and composer Chucho Valdés, at 83, enriches this gathering with his distinctive Afro-Cuban jazz influences. His Royal Quartet will contribute to the concert, embodying a vibrant cultural tapestry that enhances the evening. Another remarkable artist, Marilyn Crispell, represents a different yet equally profound journey in music. This avant-garde pianist, now 78, has been a guiding force for over 40 years, having emerged from a collaborative sphere that propelled her to prominent recognition. At the concert, she will perform alongside fellow NEA Jazz Master, bassist and educator Reggie Workman, creating a harmonious blend of experience and innovation.

Gary Giddins, 77, is recognized as the 2025 recipient of the A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy, a testament to his impactful contributions outside of performance. As an esteemed jazz critic and educator, Giddins has enriched the landscape of jazz through his insights and advocacy. Celebrated tenor saxophonist, composer, and bandleader David Murray will honor Giddins during the concert, leading a quartet featuring the talented pianist Marta Sánchez.

This evening promises to showcase an array of remarkable performances, and we invite you to experience the joy of music through the livestream. Following the event, an archive of the webcast will be made accessible, offering a revisitation of this extraordinary celebration.

On the same day, NPR will host a listening party at their headquarters, inviting you to engage further with the NEA Jazz Masters. Led by NPR Music’s Felix Contreras and DC Jazz Festival President & CEO Sunny Sumter, the event will feature enriching conversations with the 2025 NEA Jazz Masters, complemented by music from their notable careers. This gathering is free and open to the public; simply RSVP to secure your place and partake in this communal celebration of jazz and its enduring legacy.