Bruce Springsteen [ tickets ] and Dave Brubeck [ tickets ] will be among those honored this year at the 32nd annual John F. Kennedy Center celebration of the arts. Writer, composer, actor, director and producer Mel Brooks; opera singer Grace Bumbry; and actor, director and producer Robert De Niro also will receive the Kennedy Center Honors of 2009, which will be celebrated with a star-studded gala Dec. 6 at the Kennedy Center Opera House, according to the center's website.

"This year, the Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals whose unique and abundant artistry has contributed significantly to the cultural life of our nation and the world," Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman said in a statement. "Dave Brubeck's genius has dazzled us for six decades and has helped to define an American art form." Schwarzman said Springsteen has always had his finger on the pulse of America with his gritty and honest songs that speak to the everyman.

The Kennedy Center Honors medallions will be presented the night before the gala (12/5) at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Springsteen, Brubeck and the other honorees also will be received by the President of the United States and Mrs. Obama at the White House prior to the Honors Gala celebration. During the gala performances, the honorees will be seated with the President and First Lady.

The Honors Gala will air Dec. 29 on the CBS television network.