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The honorees were actor Steve Martin, singer
Diana Ross, pianist Leon Fleisher, director
Martin Scorsese and Beach Boy Brian
Wilson. “With their extraordinary talent,
creativity, and perseverance, the fi ve 2007
Honorees have transformed the way we, as
Americans, see, hear, and feel the performing
arts. We will forever be thankful for the great
gift they have shared with us,” said Kennedy
Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman.
Highlights of the evening were Hootie
and the Blowfi sh’s performance of “California
Girls” that drove President Bush and fi rst
lady Laura Bush to join guests in a standing
ovation; Robert De Niro’s tribute to director
Martin Scorsese; Steve Carell’s wickedly
humorous speech about Steve Martin; |
a
captivating rendition of “Reach Out and
Touch Somebody’s Hand” by Yolanda Adams
in honor of Diana Ross (who actually
looked like she was enjoying herself)
and the poignant documentary on
pianist Leon Fleisher’s life.
The post-performance dinner party
in the Kennedy Center’s Grand Foyer
brought out lots of gawker-stalkers.
Good thing Miss Ross was in a good
mood when guests who were
caught off guard kept
bumping into her while
she was engaging Martin
Scorsese. Wilson
remained sweet but
subdued at his family
table; Steve Martin
most graciously posed for photos; Vanessa Williams unbelievably
gorgeous but solitary at a mostly empty
table. And as for Miss Diaz, who knows?
She left as she came. |
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