Continuing their commitment to bringing popular artists and music to the Kennedy Center, National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) collaborated with celebrated crooner Kem and special guest, Grammy-winning singer Ledisi, for a two-night holiday concert.
The one-named singers, accompanied by the beautiful orchestral sounds, had audience members applauding as soon as NSO conductor Tim Davies announced their names.
“To appear with the National Symphony Orchestra is such a monumental occasion,” said Kem in an exclusive interview with The Washington Informer, as a guest on WIN-TV’s “Let’s Talk.” “We wanted to do something memorable, something we could return and do again or in other cities.”
Performing in the holiday-decorated Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Kem immediately had the audience in the palm of his hands with his inviting smile and wearing a dark green velvet suit with big, gold buttons.
The celebrated singer opened with “Christmas Time is Here” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Next, he sang the title selection from his holiday album, “What Christmas Means to Me,” and then “We Three Kings.”
After singing a few more songs from his holiday album, Kem introduced Ledisi, who came on stage wearing a gorgeous tiered gown with a wide skirt.
The audience responded with an outpouring of applause and cheers. Their duet “Be Mine for Christmas” is also on Kem’s Christmas album.
Ledisi’s voice is so powerful that she barely needs a microphone. Following the duet, she sang a solo version of “Give Love on Christmas Day,” and then spoke about working with Kem.
“When I first started, Kem had me open for him on his first tour,” said Ledisi, explaining their support for each other.
After Ledisi’s set, Kem returned to the stage with a wardrobe change– an all-ivory suit with black trimmed pockets.
Kem gave the audience what they were hoping for: songs from his catalog, including “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Love Calls,” “Share My Life,” the title of his autobiography, and other hit songs from his platinum-selling and Grammy-nominated career.
NSO Brings All the Music
NSO and various pop and R&B artists have recently sold out the Kennedy Center.
Artists and special programs have included Maxwell, Ne-Yo, Heather Headley, a tribute to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” and an ensemble of vocalists performing “Rent the Concert” based on the award-winning musical.
Last month, NSO performed “The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration,” with new arrangements of Whitney Houston’s hits and a unique blending of her videos and voice.
As she walked out of the show with her crystal-encrusted cane, Patricia Sarcome, a Kennedy Center Circles member, reflected on seeing Kem perform live for the first time.
“He was wonderful. He reminded me of singer Al Jarreau,” said Sarcome, who added that she had seen Ledisi perform previously and even had an opportunity to meet her.
During rehearsals for the Kennedy Center, Kem knew the concert would be rewarding.
“To hear my music with the arms of the National Symphony Orchestra wrapped around it was overwhelming,” said Kem.
The upcoming schedule of events at the Kennedy Center can be found at kennedy-center.org.
