Kenny Barron Honored with 2010 NEA Jazz Masters Award

Renowned jazz pianist Kenny Barron was recently bestowed a 2010 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Masters Award - the nation's highest honor in this distinctly American music. Barron is considered one of the undisputed masters of the jazz piano for his elegant playing, sensitive melodies and infectious rhythms.
The Los Angeles Times calls him "one of the top jazz pianists in the world" and Jazz Weekly says he is "The most lyrical piano player of our time."

Barron will appear at the Center April 24, 2010 with the Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall with fellow musicians Regina Carter, Russell Malone and vocalist Kurt Elling.

Barron was one of eight recipients to be honored with the 2010 award. Each recipient will receive a $25,000 grant and be publicly honored in an awards ceremony and concert on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.