On April 29—Edward Kennedy Ellington’s 125th birthday—Jazz at Lincoln Center kicks off a two-week celebration of the Duke. Through Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra concerts in Rose Theater, pre-concert lectures, sets and jam sessions in Dizzy’s Club, and the national Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival, we honor the life and work of Duke Ellington, one of music’s most influential figures and a lodestar for Jazz at Lincoln Center since our founding in 1987.
On April 29—Edward Kennedy Ellington’s 125th birthday—Jazz at Lincoln Center kicks off a two-week celebration of the Duke. Through Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra concerts in Rose Theater, pre-concert lectures, sets and jam sessions in Dizzy’s Club, and the national Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival, we honor the life and work of Duke Ellington, one of music’s most influential figures and a lodestar for Jazz at Lincoln Center since our founding in 1987.
MAY 2–4
Duke Ellington at 125: The Jazz at lincoln center orchestra
Throughout his career, Duke Ellington used his international fame for the greater good. To celebrate the musical giant’s 125th birthday, the JLCO salutes their greatest inspiration by performing some of his more socially conscious repertoire. Pre-Concert Lecture: May 2, 6pm and May 3, 7pm with Tatum Greenblatt
MAY 9–11
Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival
The top 15 high school-aged jazz bands from across the country will converge at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s home for this annual competition. Students will spend three days immersed in workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals, and performances, and compete for top honors in, the nation’s premier jazz education event.
Dizzy’s Club
APR 29
Ayn Inserto Jazz Orchestra: Duke at 125
Dizzy’s Club, 7pm & 9pm
APR 29
Jam Session led by Simona Daniele
Dizzy’s Club, 11pm
APR 30
Helen Sung & Aaron Diehl Play Ellington
Dizzy’s Club, 7pm & 9pm
May 1
Helen Sung & Geoffrey Keezer Play Ellington
Dizzy’s Club, 7pm & 9pm
May 2–3
Bertha Hope & Mike King Play Duke Ellington
Dizzy’s Club, 7pm & 9pm
May 4–5
Marc Cary & James Hurt Play Ellington
Dizzy’s Club, 7pm & 9pm