Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drums Competition


The star-studded “Women, Music and Diplomacy” Gala honoring former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the Kennedy Center on Sept. 23 showcased not only award-winning Jamison Ross, who took the $25,000 first place price and recording contract, followed by Justin Brown and Colin Stranahan, but an “only in Washington moment” of Tipper Gore and Albright jamming with the best. If that were not enough, actress Helen Mirren who quipped, “I can say that I know a queen when I see one” shared the stage with luminaries including Institute Chairman Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and special guests Chris Botti and Aretha Franklin, who garnered her well-deserved “Respect.”

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