Jazz in the Gardens | A Tribute to Nat King Cole

Jazz in the Gardens returns for its sixth season with an outdoor concert honoring Nat King Cole (1919–1965), the celebrated vocalist, pianist, and crossover pop icon known for his velvety baritone, elegant phrasing, and classics such as “Unforgettable.” The evening features New Orleans jazz vocalist Phillip Manuel, saxophonist Marshall Keys, and other accomplished musicians from the Washington, D.C., area, with executive producer Donna Limerick presenting the program.

Guests can explore Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, museum shop, and the exhibition *Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles* before settling in for the concert on the Lunar Lawn.

When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Showtimes: Hillwood exploration runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; the concert takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Hillwood closes at 8 p.m.

Venue: Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden, with the concert held outdoors on the Lunar Lawn.

Tickets: $30 general admission, $25 for Hillwood members, $10 for students, and $5 for children ages 6–18. Children under age 6 attend free.

Lineup: Phillip Manuel is the featured vocalist. His polished, expressive baritone has been heard in performances, recordings, commercials, and international jazz tours spanning more than three decades. Marshall Keys plays saxophone with a soulful tone and highly developed improvisational style. He has received a National Endowment for the Arts grant, performed Wayne Shorter’s music for the Smithsonian, appeared at the National Gallery of Art, toured internationally as a State Department Jazz Ambassador, and collaborated with musicians throughout the Washington jazz community and beyond.

Presenter: Donna Limerick is an award-winning documentary, radio, and television producer and the president and executive producer of North Star Communications. She has worked with figures including Ken Burns and Henry Louis Gates Jr., produced projects involving major jazz artists, and has served as executive producer of Hillwood’s *Jazz in the Gardens* series since its launch in 2021.

Program: The concert celebrates Nat King Cole’s lasting influence on vocal jazz and popular music. Cole rose to prominence as a jazz pianist before becoming an internationally known singer and the first Black artist to host a nationally televised variety program.

Before the concert: From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., attendees may tour the mansion, gardens, and greenhouse; see *Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles* in the Adirondack building; and visit the museum shop and Merriweather To Go.

Seating and picnicking: Guests should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Picnicking is welcome.

Food and beverages: Merriweather To Go offers sandwiches, light snacks, and beverages, including beer, wine, and champagne by the glass or bottle. Because of Hillwood’s liquor license, outside alcohol is not permitted.

Inclement weather: If weather disrupts the outdoor program, it will be postponed to Thursday, September 17. Ticket purchasers will be notified of a postponement by 3 p.m. If poor weather continues, the concert will instead be livestreamed on Thursday, with purchasers receiving performance access information by 3 p.m.