Low-key Kennedy Center arts awards to honor Joan Baez, Dick Van Dyke
Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke and folk icon Joan Baez are among those receiving this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, one of America’s most prestigious arts awards, which will be distributed at a scaled-back event reimagined due to the pandemic.
Choreographer and actress Debbie Allen, country singer-songwriter Garth Brooks and violinist Midori round out the 43rd class of honorees.
The Kennedy Center — Washington’s performing arts complex that serves as a living monument to slain president John F. Kennedy — was forced to twice postpone its night of red-carpet glitz traditionally held in December due to the coronavirus.
Instead of a single gala, a series of small in-person events with socially distant audiences and virtual tributes is now slated for May 17-22. The honorees will receive their medals during that week.
“This past year has taught us many things including the need to be flexible and adaptable,” Kennedy Center president Deborah