Sure, favorite D.C. headliner John Legend was pegged as the musical guest for Monday night’s A Standing Ovation for DC Teachers award ceremony and celebration at the Kennedy Center on Monday. And Washington Redskins Linebacker Rocky McIntosh, NBC 4 anchorman Jim Vance and Mayor Vince Gray also took part in honoring more than 660 of the best teachers in District of Columbia Public Schools. But even the presenters knew they were overshadowed when the “Godfather of Go Go” Chuck Brown appeared on stage.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen! I’m so happy to be here and am so deeply honored. I feel like bustin’ loose,” Brown shouted to the concert hall crowd of fans.
Brown, who obtained his high school degree when he was an inmate at Lorton jail, talked about the importance of teachers and education in general. “I got my diploma when I was 25 years old and I don’t want any kid to get their diploma the way that I got mine,” he said.
The always vibrant and vocal Washington fixture was on hand to introduce the DC Public Schools Teacher of the Year award. “I am deeply honored to present the final excellence in teaching award to one precious lady who my grandson says is his favorite teacher, Shira Fishman,” Brown grinned.
“Mr. Mayor, you’re the mayor but he’s the man,” Vance pointed out as Gray took the stage.
Even Gray acknowledged following Brown would be a difficult task, but successfully managed to rustle up a few laughs with Redskins jokes. “Do you know what it’s like in this city the day after the Redskins win? People will speak to you, people smile, people come to work and now we’ve won two games in a row!”
