KENNEDY CENTER HONORS AND A TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanSunday, December 2, 2012, was an evening of flavorful fashion and political prestige as celebrities, talented artists and actors joined President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as they gathered for the 35th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.
With a touch of the holidays brightening the venue, all attendees were in jubilant spirits. It was a time to honor and celebrate the careers of seven extraordinary artists and award them for their accomplishments in 2012. Those individuals were blues artist Buddy Guy, actor and director Dustin Hoffman, comedian and television host David Letterman, Ballerina extraordinaire Natalia Makarova and rock band Led Zeppelin. Each of the members of the band, keyboardist/bassist John Paul Jones, guitarist Jimmy Page and singer Robert Plant were recognized individually as well.
Each of those honored has contributed an immense part of themselves to the entertainment world and Kennedy Center Chairman, David M. Rubenstein, especially made mention of their talent, creativity and tenacity in his opening speech. Seen attending in fine fashion were Ray Romano and wife, Tina Fey, Jimmy Kimmel and Alec Baldwin and his new bride and they all gave the crowd a bit of humor for the evening. Foo Fighters, Lenny Kravitz and Kid Rock paid musical tribute. Ballerina Natalia Marakova was honored by a graceful dance performance. Morgan Freeman honored Buddy Guy.
This annual gala has always been the climax of culture in Washington and will be broadcast on CBS for the world to watch on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. ET. It takes place on the Kennedy Center Opera House Stage and is produced by George Stevens Jr. and Michael Stevens who have received three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Television Special for the Honors and are now nominated for a sixth time. They have also received the Peabody Award and awards from Writers Guild of America. The honorees each gave heartfelt tributes and many thanks for the award bestowed upon them so graciously. Past winners include Oprah Winfrey, Kirk Douglas, Meryl Streep, Barbara Streisand and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
President and Mrs. Obama received the honorees and members of the nominating Artists Committee as well as the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees at The White House prior to the gala ceremony.
At the event itself, President Obama spoke a few words of congratulations. He thanked all those who made the evening possible including Caroline Kennedy, President Kennedy’s amazing legacy, quoting the President’s words.
Here are some excerpts from the President’s speech worth remembering:
“And it speaks to something that has always made this country great — the idea that here in America, more than any other place on Earth, we are free to follow our own passions, explore our own gifts, wherever they may lead us. And people from all around the world come here to make sure that they too can provide us the incredible gifts that they have. “
“Tonight’s honorees didn’t just take up their crafts to make a living. They did it because they couldn’t imagine living any other way. That passion took each of them from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of their profession. Tonight, in the People’s House, we have a chance to say thank you.”
“It’s that unique power that makes the arts so important. We may not always think about the importance of music or dance or laughter to the life of this nation, but who would want to imagine America without it? That’s why we celebrate artists like the ones here tonight. And that’s why, in this season of joy and thanksgiving, they have earned our deepest appreciation.”
At the end of an uplifting and joyful evening was the supper dance in the Grand Foyer.
The Kennedy Center Honors Medallions were presented on December 1, 2012 at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
It was a busy holiday week when the honor ceremony led up to the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony which took place on Thursday, December 6, 2012. The First Family was there along with host for the evening, Neil Patrick Harris. The show featured performances by Jason Mraz, Ledisi, James Taylor, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Colbie Caillat and “American Idol” season 11 winner Phillip Phillips. Mrs. Obama, in a bright turquoise sparkling blue overcoat with white pants and actor Rico Rodriguez of “Modern Family”, read from ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’. They then proceeded to read a story to all the anxious children.
President Obama reminded all the onlookers of the true meaning and message of Christmas. “Let’s reach out and help those who need it most”. He especially made note of those that were devastated by Hurricane Sandy in October. And with the flip of the switch, the tree illuminated the night sky and the First Family gave a “Merry Christmas and God Bless.”
May this holiday season remind us that the spirit of brotherhood and generosity unite us as citizens and one big family. The tree shines all across the country as a beacon of hope for all Americans.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images, Reuters, A/P
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