ACCENTUATE ACCENTUATE
POSITIVE
POSITIVE
the because great music never gets old
The Story
In 1944, Bing Crosby made Johnny Mercer’s “Accentuate the In 1944, Bing Crosby made Johnny Mercer’s “Accentuate the Positive” a hit on film and radio. The song became an anthem of Positive” a hit on film and radio. The song became an anthem of hope, helping Americans persevere through World War II. hope, helping Americans persevere through World War II. Popular songs of the era, many written for Broadway, served as Popular songs of the era, many written for Broadway, served as an unofficial soundtrack to American life, offering comfort and an unofficial soundtrack to American life, offering comfort and connection during the Spanish Flu, both World Wars, Prohibition, connection during the Spanish Flu, both World Wars, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. and the Great Depression. In honor of the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026, Jazz at the In honor of the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026, Jazz at the Ballroom is presenting this timeless music through live Ballroom is presenting this timeless music through live performances and a new album. These songs remind us of performances and a new album. These songs remind us of enduring emotions—hope, grit, joy, love, optimism—and the enduring emotions—hope, grit, joy, love, optimism—and the refusal to let hard times define us. They show that in every era, refusal to let hard times define us. They show that in every era, people search for light, find silver linings, wrap their troubles in people search for light, find silver linings, wrap their troubles in dreams, and practice the art of starting over again. dreams, and practice the art of starting over again. This music is both a reflection of our history and a tribute to the This music is both a reflection of our history and a tribute to the enduring American spirit. enduring American spirit.
TBD
TBD
FELIX PEIKLI
OLIVIA CHINDAMO
ANGELA GREY
ROBBIE LEE
ALPHONSO
HORNE
WYATT
MICHAEL
CHAMPIAN
FULTON
The Show
The performances include 67 musicians from our roster. Exact artists and song lists depend on performance date and city.
more about us HERE
Accentuate the Positive at the Kennedy Center
Songs include: The Music
Stomping At The Savoy Tea for Two
Moonlight Serenade You Go To My Head Accentuate the Positive Blue Skies It Had To Be You Moonglow I’ll Be Seeing You
JAZZ AT THE BALLROOM is committed to keeping the American Songbook and swinging, classic jazz thriving and sharing this extraordinary American art form with the greater public.
Beyond the concerts, JATB works to introduce, teach, and explore this incredible art form through workshops, special events, and public concerts at schools, hospitals, senior living communities and other places where people do not easily have access to the arts. Through these efforts, they keep unforgettable jazz standards alive and foster a love of music in future generations.
SUZANNE WALDOWSKI