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Ambitious programming initiatives and extensive renovations brought a new look to the Lincoln Theatre last season!
Marquee names like Alicia Keys, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Omar Sosa, the Swell Season, and Dianne Reeves were highlights of a stellar season at the Jewel on U. Red carpet events like the Gospel Grammy’s and the DC premiere of the Denzel Washington-Oprah Winfrey film production, The Great Debaters, with special guests Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker and Denzel Whitaker added a touch of glamour to U Street. A favorite annual event, the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival returned with performances by Roy Hargrove, the Danilo Perez Trio among others. HBO filmed comedy specials starring D.L. Hughley, Jim Norton and Dave Attell that were broadcast nationally. Other events such as the Vagina Monologues, boxing and the Capitol Movement Project were all crowd favorites.
 There was truly something for everyone. From jazz to hip hop to the Reel Affirmations International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival to Dakshina Dance Company’s Festival of Indian Arts, everyone in our world-class city could find an opportunity to sing, dance, reflect and connect.
Arts partnerships with the likes of the Smithsonian Institute, Washington Performing Arts Society, Washington National Opera, the Embassies of France, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, Radio One, the 9:30 Club and more brought the top names in music, dance, drama and film to our storied stage. They have helped us to realize our vision for the Theatre to function as a Cultural Crossroads, with a focus on programming that promotes cultural awareness. On this stage for all voices, we create a space for connections between the multicultural communities that reside in this world-class city.
 Without a doubt, the biggest achievement of 2007 was bringing in over 8,000 DC public school students as part of our Cultural Enrichment initiative. We were able to supplement the local youth’s art education with events like a workshop and concert with Grammy-winning Latin jazz artist, Omar Sosa, and theatrical productions, American Rice and African Roots, Latino Soul, which explored multicultural identity, all expanding the imagination and worldview of tomorrow’s future leaders. Other community events included a classic film series for senior citizens held throughout the year.
By ambitiously expanding our commercial booking, we will bring a new level of prestige and professionalism to our performing arts programming. All of our high profile shows will reflect the multi-cultural nature of our city and appeal to the diverse audience that resides in D.C. The Lincoln will be the preeminent destination for top notch performing arts events in the District. As U Street experiences a rebirth, the Lincoln Theatre is rising back to its place at the top!
The upcoming season will prove that the Lincoln is more than a concert hall. The theatre’s significance as one of the prime incubators of U Street’s resurgence and as an ideal showplace for mainstream and emerging talent will be reclaimed in one of the most exciting entertainment seasons to hit Washington in years. Don’t miss your chance to join us in continuing to preserve the historic Lincoln Theatre’s legacy as a cultural beacon for Washington and the world. We’ve got a seat saved for you!
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