#1 Art & Entertainment Event
The distinguished arts awards, which recognize a lifetime of achievement, will this year have new producers, Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment, after organizers declined to renew the contract of longtime producer George Stevens Jr. and his son Michael. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama expected to be seated with the honorees: rock band the Eagles, singer-songwriter Carole King, filmmaker George Lucas, actress Rita Moreno, conductor Seiji Ozawa, and actress Cicely Tyson. The broadcast of the gala will air on CBS. Next: December 6, 2015
#2 Art & Entertainment Event
Civil rights activist Diane Nash was awarded the Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal in recognition of her role coordinating the 1961 Freedom Ride at this year’s gala. Martina McBride, Boyz II Men, Joss Stone, Tommy Tune, and 2Cellos performed for guests, who afterward gathered for dinner at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. Next: June 2016
#3 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #4)
The TV network honors African-Americans in the areas of art, music, theater, technology and business. Wayne Brady hosted the eighth annual event at the Warner Theatre, and the honorees were Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Phylicia Rashad, Usher Raymond, John W. Thompson, and Kanye West. The special later aired on BET. Next: January 23, 2016
#4 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #5)
Eddie Murphy received the nation’s top prize for humor at a gala performance that featured a roster of today’s top comedians, including Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Kathy Griffin, George Lopez, Tracy Morgan, Trevor Noah, Jay Pharoah, and others. It was the 18th edition of the event. Next: October 2016
#5 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #6)
The Shakespeare Theatre Company invites members of Congress to join a bipartisan performance of the bard’s work. This year’s show featured guest actor Samira Wiley of Orange Is the New Black. Next: May/June 2016
#6 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #7)
The documentary film festival screened 81 films from 25 countries, including four world premieres, at the 13th edition of the event. In addition to opening- and closing-night festivities, the gathering offered a two-day filmmaker conference and panel discussions. Filmmaker Stanley Nelson was honored at the Guggenheim Symposium. Next: June 22-26, 2016
#7 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #8)
The music festival, which began in 2005, delivered a lineup that included Common, Esperanza Spalding, and Femi Kuti & the Positive Force. Acts played at venues across the city including an outdoor stage at the Yards. Next: June 2016
#8 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #9)
The music festival from the fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen emphasizes environmental sustainability as well as assembling a stellar lineup. Sweetgreen took over the concessions at its venue, the Merriweather Post Pavillon, “to eliminate food and drink options that don’t align with our food ethos—like soda.” The event expanded to two days and featured more than 25 acts including the Weeknd, the Pixies, Kendrick Lamar, Calvin Harris, and Billy Idol. About 23,000 people attended. Next: Spring 2016
#9 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #10)
The performing arts festival presents creative and adventurous fare at venues throughout the city and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015. Another milestone for the organization this year was purchasing a permanent home where there was an outdoor beer garden and indoor bar open during the festival. The most successful shows were welcomed to perform during a “festival extension” the week following the event. Next: Summer 2016
#10 Art & Entertainment Event (up from #11)
The festival screened 125 films, chosen from 1,300 entries, at the E Street Cinema and U.S. Navy Memorial theater. For short film fans that could not attend in person, the festival also offered online access to more than 100 films that viewers could watch on their own devices. Next: September 2016
#11 Art & Entertainment Event (new to the list)
Riding the surging popularity of electronic dance music, the festival is now in fourth year and third venue to accommodate growing crowds. About 5,200 people attended this year’s event, which took place at the Merriweather Post Pavillon. Chance the Rapper headlined the event. Next: Summer 2016
