Legendary pianist, songwriter and vocalist Marcia Ball will appear on Saturday, Dec. 9, as part of “A Jazz Piano Christmas” from The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The event, presented by NPR and The Kennedy Center, is an annual holiday tradition featuring four celebrated pianists performing their favorite seasonal music. The other artists on the program are Helen Sung, Joanne Brackeen and Abelita Mateus. The concert will be recorded for future NPR broadcast and streaming online.
“I am honored to be invited to participate in this year’s NPR’s “A Jazz Piano Christmas” program alongside three other amazing piano women,” Ball said.
Ball has earned worldwide fame for her ability to ignite a full-scale roadhouse rhythm and blues party every time she strolls onto a stage. The New York Times says, “Marcia Ball plays two-fisted New Orleans barrelhouse piano and sings in a husky, knowing voice about all the trouble men and women can get into on the way to a good time.”
Ball’s signature groove-laden New Orleans R&B, heart-wrenching ballads and rollicking Gulf Coast blues have made her a one-of-a-kind favorite with music fans all over the world. Her songs paint vibrant pictures with richly detailed characters, flavors and scenes straight out of Louisiana and Texas.
Earlier this year, Ball was named an official 2018 Texas State Musician, along with country music superstar George Strait, by the Texas State Legislature. She holds 10 Blues Music Awards, nine Living Blues Awards and five Grammy Award nominations. Born in Texas and raised in Louisiana (before settling in Austin in 1970), she has been inducted into both the Gulf Coast Music Hall Of Fame and the Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame. Her love of the road has led to countless performances at festivals, concert halls and clubs all over the world. Living Blues declares, “Her originals sound like timeless classics and southern soul masterpieces that no one else can imitate.”
-Alligator Records
