Kennedy Center Hosts 'American Voices' Festival

WASHINGTON (AP) -- While "American Idol" and "The Voice" draw many contestants who want to be stars, opera singer Renee Fleming is bringing together experts in Washington to explore the art behind the singing.

Fleming is hosting the "American Voices" music festival this weekend at the Kennedy Center to explore the diversity of American signing styles -- spanning pop, country, musical theater, classical music, gospel and jazz.

Sara Bareilles, Ben Folds, Alison Krauss, Sutton Foster and Josh Groban are among those who will perform Saturday night with the National Symphony Orchestra. Some will also host master classes this weekend.

Symposium sessions will feature leaders from the music business, including Peter Mensch, the manager of Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Mike Dungan, CEO of Universal Music Nashville.

Festival tickets are available online.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)