KenCen Jazz Director Fired

Another longtime Kennedy Center senior staffer has been fired. This time it is Kevin Struthers, senior director of programming for Jazz and Special Concerts. He reported his news to the Washington Post, which confirmed it with a KenCen spokesperson. Neither Struthers nor the Center had any further comment.

In the job since 1995, he was responsible for all jazz activities, as well as one-offs “from country to classical.” Highlights of his tenure include producing Jazz Masters Tribute Concerts of 2016- 2019 and 2022-2024; creating the interdisciplinary Jason + series, showcasing jazz pianist Jason Moran; “Ellington 125” a series of events honoring the 125th anniversary year of Ellington’s birth; the “Blue Note at 75,” celebrating the famed record label on its anniversary; the “Jazz in Our Time: Living Jazz Legends” award ceremony and concert, involving 30 international jazzists; launching the international diplomacy “Jazz Ambassador” tours with the U.S. Department of State; producing  CDs and satellite- and online-radio KenCen jazz programs, and much, much more.  

But apparently not enough.

Upcoming scheduled September appearances in the Jazz series include those by violinist Maximilian Jacobs and guitarist Lari Basilio. 

MSN