Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) will conclude its 2004-2005 season with a two-week Ellington celebration at the beginning of May, anchored by the 10th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition. Highlighted events of the celebration include “Jazz for Young People,” “Jazz 101: Duke Ellington,” “Jazz Talk,” performances at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola and, of course, the Essentially Ellington Competition.
This “Jazz for Young People” session is entitled “What is a Big Band?” and will look at the design and sound of big bands, with a focus on Ellington’s music. Radio host and JALC curator Phil Schaap will give the “Jazz 101” lecture and will discuss Ellington’s legacy as well as play some of his tunes.
The season’s “Jazz Talk” series will conclude with a program entitled “Asphalt Jungle: Ellington’s New York.” This program will feature a discussion of Ellington’s historic New York moments with Brent Edwards, Phil Schaap, Joya Sherrill and Billy Taylor. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola will feature performances from the Marian McPartland Trio, Brandon Lee and His Quartet, the Julliard Jazz Orchestra and Ali Jackson and “Jammin’ with Jackson,” Victor Goines and the Rick Germanson Trio and Friends, all in memory of Ellington. Finally, the “Superbowl of jazz band festivals,” the Essentially Ellington Competition, will close the celebration with 15 high school jazz bands from around the country.
More information and tickets for all events are available at www.jalc.org.
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