Artists To Curate New Performance Series At Kennedy Center

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Kennedy Center in Washington is unveiling a new programming slate under its new president, including a performance series curated by leading artists and festivals celebrating Ireland and skateboarding culture.

Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter is announcing plans Tuesday. Under her signature series, jazz pianist Jason Moran, dancer Damian Woetzel, mandolinist Chris Thile and composer Mason Bates will be the first artists crafting programs across artistic genres.

To open the season in September, Moran will lead a festival on skateboarding, music and media -- complete with an outdoor skateboarding ramp.

The 2015-16 season includes more than 2,000 performances in music, theater and dance. An international festival celebrating Irish arts and culture will mark the centennial of Ireland's move toward independence dating back to the Easter Rising in 1916.