This program is over. Hope you didn't miss it! Browse other programs we offer Mamie Smith, Bessie Smith, and the Centennial Year of Race Records 2022-2023 Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra In-Person Concert Series Evening Performance Saturday, February 18, 2023 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET Add to calendar iCalendar Gmail Yahoo Mail Outlook Outlook.com Code: 1P0779 Location: National Museum of Natural HistoryBaird Auditorium10th St & Constitution Ave, NWMetro: Federal Triangle Select your Tickets Resize text Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert (Photo: Jaclyn Nash) Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 32-year history as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The new SJMO season promises to continue that tradition in a series of standout concerts, all of which are held in person. The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Ensemble delves into the vocal styling of legendary blues singers Mamie (“Queen of the Blues”) Smith and Bessie (“Empress of the Blues”) Smith. Both Mamie and Bessie Smith (no relation) were highly touted in the 1920s for their groundbreaking Okeh “Race Record” recordings. Singer Ekep Nkwelle performs “Crazy Blues" (1920), "Gulf Coast Blues" (1923), and “Jenny’s Ball” (1931). 2022-2023 Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Concerts April 1: Jazzed About Art: Jazz Appreciation Month June 10: Duke Ellington General Information This concert will be held at the Baird Auditorium at the National Museum of Natural History. Limited number of tickets will be for sale at the door. Mobile device and credit card only; no cash transactions. Refer to our health and safety information for in-person programs. No series tickets are available.