Aretha Franklin to be honored in Washington D.C.

The Queen of Soul is being recognized by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

The Queen of Soul will accept the Institute’s Founder’s Award at the organization’s 25th anniversary event in Washington, D.C. on September 12, according to Rolling Stone.

The celebratory gala will be held at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater and boasts appearances by Madeleine Albright, Quincy Jones and Colin Powell.

Along with honoring Ms. Franklin, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz will host the 2011 International Jazz Piano Competition Semifinals, where 12 pianists will compete on the keys.

The contestants’ performances will be analyzed by a panel of judges like Herbie Hancock, Ellis Marsalis, Danilo Perez and Jason Moran. Three lucky winners will advance to a competition for scholarship prizes and a Concord Music Group recording contract.


Source:BET.com