THE KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

Last week, my siblings and I traveled to Washington, DC for the KENNEDY CENTER HONORS where my mother was awarded one of the distinguished awards. Congrats to MOM!

Each year, the KENNEDY CENTER HONORS give national recognition to 5 individuals who through their lifetimes have made significant contributions to American culture through the performing arts. This year’s Honorees included my mother (beautifully, strong and talented performer, singer actress and above all great mom), Leon Fleisher (amazingly talent composer and pianist), Steve Martin (super funny comedian, actor, writer), Martin Scorsese (iconic academy award winning film-maker), Brian Wilson (kind hearted musician and songwriter best known for the Beach Boys).

I love Washington, DC so I was excited as we flew in over the Potomac River. I reminisced about my college days as I spotted Georgetown’s campus from high above.

The festivities started with a welcome brunch at the Kennedy Center. The invitation said business attire and we were by far the most shnazzy family in our designer duds surrounded by a sea of coats and ties (business in LA is very different than on the East coast). We sat at the front table with all the honorees and their families. I sat directly across from Steve Martin (I love him!) and pushed some nasty seafood stew around in my bowl (yuck!) The chairman of the Kennedy Center spoke and honoring began.

That evening, we dressed in black tie (I wore a pale pink floor length dress not a black tie) and headed to the State department for a Gala dinner hosted by Condoleezza Rice. Each of the honorees were toasted with a list of their achievements and highlights from their careers. It was a lovely affair (and it’s always fun to get all dolled up) and the food was better than at the brunch.

Back at the hotel that night, we hung out with the family and honored our mom in our own way (We laughed and snacked and watched movies). I am so fortunate to come from a supremely FABULOUS woman and have such a close-knit family!

The next day, I took off and strolled Georgetown (my old hood). I cruised the waterfront (Potomac river) and the boathouse where I spent almost every morning of my college career (I rowed varsity Crew all four years!) I checked out all the new high-end shops and boutiques (boy, have things changed in the many years since I lived here). I strolled across the campus and read my book on the lawn. It’s so weird to be back because its been years since I was a student here, but I don’t feel that much older and I don’t feel like it’s been that long (BUT it has been!)

That evening, we got all dolled up in black tie again and headed to the White House. There was some talk of boycotting because of conflicting political views with the president, but in the end it is not about politics. This is about the Arts and our Mom.

How odd to find myself in the Great Hall of The White House! I would never picture myself saddled up next to the President for a photo by a huge Christmas tree, but there we were. It was surreal, but cool and Bush was actually very personable and nice (I still may not think he is a FABULOUS president, but after meeting him I actually kinda felt bad for him.)

The president said a couple words about each of the honorees then we dined from a great buffet spread to the tunes of a choir. After dinner, we headed to the Kennedy Center for the actual taping of the TV honors.

Each of the honorees sat in the President’s box right in front of the stage (right next to the President) with their spouses seated behind them. My mom doesn’t have a significant other, so I was voted to fill the seat. We watched the touching and heartfelt tributes to Martin Scorsese, then Steve Martin, then Mom.

Smokey Robinson said a couple words from the Motown days then introduced the video montage off mom’s career highlights and achievements (Not a dry eye in the place. It was beautiful!) Jordan Sparks sang a Supreme’s medley, Vanessa Williams performed highlights from Mahogany and Lady Sings The Blues and Ciara rocked out to some of mom’s more recent 90’s hits. It as FABULOUS! You must tune in and watch when it airs on CBS December 26 at 9pm.

After the show, there was a grand dinner dance, but we stayed only a short time because everyone was exhausted and our flight was super early the next day. The KENNEDY CENTER HONORS were FABULOUS and the whole weekend a whirlwind of amazing experiences in our nation’s capital.

What a great honor for my mom to be recognized at such a high level for her talents and achievements. It was amazing to be able to be a part of this super FABULOUS weekend!