2025 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert

The National Endowment for the Arts, in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, celebrated the 2025 NEA Jazz Masters in a free tribute concert on Saturday, April 26 at 8:00 pm ET. The 2025 recipients— Marshall Allen, Marilyn Crispell, Chucho Valdés, and recipient of the 2025 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy, Gary Giddins, are the latest in the 40+ year history of the National Endowment for the Arts honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz. Hosted by Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran, the concert featured performances by, and in honor of, the 2025 NEA Jazz Masters: Marshall Allen led the Sun Ra Arkestra; Marilyn Crispell performed with 2020 NEA Jazz Master and bassist Reggie Workman; Chucho Valdés joined his ensemble Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet featuring Horacio Hernandez, José A. Gola, and Roberto Jr. Vizcaino Torre; and more. In honor of Gary Giddins, David Murray performed alongside Russell Carter, Emma Dayhuff, and Marta Sánchez.