Carol Kirkendall & Darryll Brooks
CD Enterprises is the concert promotion powerhouse of the region. A large percentage of the shows at Constitution Hall, Warner Theatre, and the 930 Club are brought to you by Darryll Brooks and Carol Kirkendall. Since the early 1970’s the duo of Darryll and Carol have consistently brought the nation’s capital shows that we wanted to see, at the right times for the right reasons.
This dynamic partnership has its roots in community service for Washington DC youth. With support from the DC Government, The National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Park Service, the pair founded the non-profit “Compared to What, Inc.” in the mid 1970’s to provide young Washingtonians broader exposure to diverse and innovative arts, athletic and educational programs during the summer. The program expanded to provide “Winter Workshops” where students had the opportunity to tour with the most popular entertainers in the world. Activities of the non-profit continued to expand to a weekly radio program for and by youth on WOL, along with the first ever live African American theatre program and civil rights exhibit at the Smithsonian. Each spring the organization sponsored the resoundingly successful “Human Kindness Day” a weekend kicked off by blocking the streets of DC and having a world famous celebrity like Muhammad Ali lead a run through the city which began a festive weekend of celebrating the accomplishments of DC students.
Human Kindness Day - 1974
By the late 1970’s possessing a visionary and prescient understanding of their community, Darryll and Carol made a seamless transition into providing residents of the entire country the most exciting and innovative entertainment tours in the industry. They share a unique place in the history of the development of new music genres in the Washington DC area. CD Enterprises introduced the country for the first time to the tours of the largest rock and rap legends that dominated the 1980’s. President Jimmy Carter made a much publicized appearance at a CD Enterprises sponsored Willie Nelson concert, and Darryll and Carol hold the distinction of presenting the first ever R&B concert at the White House during the Carter Administration. The business continued to thrive and develop successful partnerships with the most profitable names in entertainment from New Kids on the Block to Chuck Brown to the Rolling Stones. The company developed an unrivaled expertise in every facet of the music and entertainment business which continued to thrive through the 90’s handling everything from endorsements, national pay per view Lucha Libre wrestling, movie soundtracks and touring for dozens of award winning artists. Their shared vision of how to entertain people accompanied by unrivaled professionalism and integrity has kept Darryll and Carol at the top of the entertainment business for three decades and their mastery of the business continues with the top events in the area and around the country sponsored by CD Enterprises.
Power Source wishes to thank Darryll Brooks and the very private, rarely photographed Carol Kirkendall for their commitment to a vibrant American musical and artistic culture, showcased by purposeful and fun events within and surrounding the nation’s capital. Thank you for all that you have done, and let the good times roll!
Stevie Wonder receives a plaque from Mr. Brooks and Ron Dellums.
Raphael Saadiq & Carol Kirkendall
Mike Epps, Carol Kirkendall & Darryll Brooks
