POSTPONED TO THE 2021-2022 SEASON

Washington Performing Arts commemorates the 100th birthday of unsung American cultural powerhouse, Hazel Scott (1920-1981). Renowned during the 20th century as a brilliant jazz and classical pianist and singer, Scott was one of the most powerful artist-advocates our country has ever known. In addition to being a mainstay at New York’s legendary Café Society, Scott appeared in film, on television, and on the radio. She was the first black woman to host a television show in the U.S., and during her time in Paris she organized one of the hottest salons, at which James Baldwin and close friend Mary Lou Williams were mainstays. The centennial will be commemorated with a series of main stage concerts and special events, educational programs, and a digital centennial portal promoting her legacy. These programs are being developed through archival research in consultation with Scott’s son, Adam Clayton Powell III.