The residency kicks off on October 6 with CQ Comedy Showcase featuring acclaimed comedians: actor, director, executive producer, and writer Chris Spencer; celebrated actor and Saturday Night Live co-head writer and co-anchor of SNL’s Weekend Update Michael Che, comedian, actress, and Daytime Emmy Award–winning talk show host Sherri Shepherd, award winning British actress, writer, and co-creator of the sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, Gina Yashere, actress Zainab Johnson, and comedian Flex Alexander. The CQ Comedy Showcase will be hosted by actor, writer, and producer Royale Watkins with music from legendary Hip-Hop DJ and producer Clark Kent.
For the creative black tie affair on October 7, guest artists will include: Grammy nominated Hip-Hop icon MC Lyte, R&B singer-songwriter Kem, R&B vocalist Muni Long; Trinidadian “King of Soca” and multi award–winning artist, producer, and songwriter Machel Montano, platinum–selling rap artist Jadakiss of The Lox, legendary Hip-Hop duo Camp Lo, Vin Rock of Grammy–award winning Hip-Hop group Naughty by Nature, acclaimed R&B singer Tracie Spencer, singer-songwriter and R&B sensation Shanice, and jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet. Chris Spencer will host the evening, while Igmar Thomas and his Revive Big Band will provide orchestral accompaniment.
On October 8, CQ Praise & Worship, a soul-stirring afternoon of gospel music, will include Grammy Award winner Hezekiah Walker, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Grammy, Tim Bowman Jr, Maranda Curtis & Faith City Music, musician and songwriter Jules Juda, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award winner and Grammy nominee J.J. Hairston, and and gospel artist Charles Jenkins.
Tickets for the weekend’s events are available via the Kennedy Center website or by calling 202-467-4600.