The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents “Jazz in Our Time,” a weeklong celebration of jazz by master musicians who have sharedthis unique American music with the world for more than a half-century.

At the opening concert, Dr. Billy Taylor, the Center’s Artistic Advisor for Jazz, will present The Living Legend Jazz Award to 35 artists of international renown. Among the recipients are drummer Louis Bellson, pianist Dave Brubeck, saxophonist Sir John Dankworth, clarinetist Buddy De Franco, vocalist Al Jarreau, vocalist Dame Cleo Laine, pianist Michel Legrand and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.