The Roots, Branford Marsalis, John Mayer, Smokey Robinson and Mambo Sauce to perform "An American Playlist" at Kennedy Center

?uestlove will perform alongside D.C. go-go troupe Mambo Sauce at the Kennedy Center. (Jennifer S. Altman/TWP)

By Chris Richards

Free performances are a daily affair at the Kennedy Center, but rarely come this star-studded. Today, the K.C. announced "An American Playlist: Three Evenings Celebrating the Performing Arts," a series of free gigs from July 18-20 featuring ?uestlove and Black Thought of the Roots (performing with local go-go heroes Mambo Sauce), jazz maestro Branford Marsalis, R&B legend Smokey Robinson and guitar guy John Mayer (who will presumably be on his best behavior).

Tickets will be distributed at the Kennedy Center's Hall of Nations on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 10.