DECLASSIFIED®: Ben Folds Presents With William Shatner

• William Shatner, vocals

Legendary actor, musician, activist, and recent space explorer William Shatner joins NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds for a special concert presented as part of Ben’s casual, late-night DECLASSIFIED® series. This unique "part concert, part party" series defies the traditional symphony experience with exciting guest artists, pre-show activities, and more.

This exclusive concert event is presented following the Star Trek actor’s recent trip to space after decades portraying iconic starship captain James T. Kirk. The mission, completed October 13, 2021, made him the oldest human (and only artist) to travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

As Shatner’s friend and frequent collaborator, Folds feels that Shatner can articulate a profound perspective on the fragility and vulnerability of our planet, with our atmosphere being a thin line between what Shatner describes as "life and death". As part of the concert, Shatner will perform new and original spoken-word songs in his powerful, distinctive style.

Folds and Shatner have previously collaborated on Shatner’s acclaimed album Has Been, featuring their highly-praised version of Pulp's Common People. In 2020, Shatner released The Blues, which quickly reached number one on Billboard's Blues chart. Shatner also experienced immense success with Shatner Clause, a holiday album released in 2018 which peaked at number two on the Billboard chart.

Pre-show outside the Concert Hall on the Millennium Stage at 8pm, featuring a cappella groups performing as part of the DC Camp A Cappella Intensive.

Free beer tasting from Port City Brewing, cornhole, a photo booth, & more!

Please review the Kennedy Center's full COVID-19 policy details and requirements at https://www.kennedy-center.org/visit/covid-safety/ before attending this event.

About National Symphony Orchestra

https://www.kennedy-center.org/nso/home/

About William Shatner, vocals

https://williamshatner.com/ws/