Over the weekend, musicians paid tribute to the late Leonard Cohen with the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., over two nights, April 26 and 27, by reprising choice cuts from his revered repertoire. Representing an event highlight were Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Bill Frisell’s collective take on You Want It Darker originator, “Steer Your Way.” Watch below. 

Prior to the previously mentioned delivery, other artists ascended the historic stage, reaching into a bag of classics and deep cuts that peppered both nights, including Madison Cunningham’s contributions to “Dance With Me to the End of Love” and “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye.” This was followed by a trio of songs from jazz-leaning musician and vocalist Gregory Porter. Before Tedeschi and Trucks’ aforementioned run-through, they added “Anthem” into the mix, which gave way to “Steer Your Way.” 

For Ben Folds’ part, he chose “Famous Blue Raincoat” and “Happens to the Heart.” Also included on the bill were Larry Klein, Don Healy and Trish Underwood–who took on Cohen’s staple track, “Hallelujah.” The mentioned moments flanked Tedeschi’s lead on “Waiting for the Miracle,” as well as Trucks and Frisell’s take on “Avalanche,” robbed of its lyrics in favor of an instrumental approach. Notably, previously announced participant JD Souther was absent due to COVID-19. 

Scroll down to watch the “Steer Your Way” cover.