Discovering Ellington at Strathmore

From February 3-20, 2012, Strathmore—an arts center located a half-mile outside the Capital Beltway in North Bethesda, Maryland—will stage its “Discover Ellington” festival. Through performances of hallmark Ellington compositions and seminal works, as well as lectures by experts, the event will examine Ellington’s contributions to American music by tracing his career from its beginnings in Washington, D.C. to the speakeasies of Harlem to the world’s finest concert halls. Concerts in the Mansion at Strathmore and the Music Center at Strathmore—a 1,976-seat concert hall—will feature performances by Paquito D’Rivera, Robert Glasper (pictured above), Brian Stokes Mitchell, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and the Morgan State University Choir. The festival is a central part of Strathmore’s year-long Celebrating American Composers series, a sweeping exploration of the dynamic talents and innovations that have shaped American music. “Discover Ellington” is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, Delia and Marvin Lang, and Strathmore’s Jazz Society and Artistic Initiatives Fund. The following events are part of “Discover Ellington,” presented by Strathmore unless otherwise noted: Ellington Standards Chris Vadala Trio Friday, February 3, 2012, 11 a.m., Mansion at Strathmore Admission: $15 Former Strathmore Artist-in-Residence mentor Chris Vadala, Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Maryland, is joined by former U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note guitarist Rick Whitehead and Landon School bass instructor John Previti performing instrumental Ellington standards. “The Duke” Lecture/Demonstration by Rusty Hassan Monday, February 13, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Mansion at Strathmore Admission: $15 Jazz musician, historian and educator Rusty Hassan will demonstrate how blues, spirituals, work songs, ragtime and New Orleans jazz were incorporated into Ellington’s compositions. The film short Symphony in Black will be shown as a part of Hassan’s examination of the Ellington’s music. Mostly Ellington Robert Glasper, piano Thursday, February 16, 7:30 p.m., Mansion at Strathmore Admission: $30 Glasper will perform the music of Duke Ellington along with his own original works and music by Thelonious Monk and other jazz legends. This concert is part of Strathmore‟s Music in the Mansion series, sponsored by Asbury Methodist Village. Channeling Duke Ellington Presented by the Levine School of Music Friday, February 17, 7 p.m., Music Center at Strathmore, room 309 Admission: $15 online, $20 at door The famous improvisations of the Duke Ellington/Jimmy Blanton duo are transcribed note for note and lovingly performed by bassist Karine Chapdelaine and pianist Bob Sykes alongside the performers’ own original improvisations. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.levineschool.org. Brian Stokes Mitchell Sings Ellington American Songbook Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra David Baker, conductor Manzari Brothers, tap dancers Friday, February 17, 8 p.m., Music Center at Strathmore Admission: $39–$79 Broadway leading man Brian Stokes Mitchell—backed by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and embellished by the dazzling footwork of D.C. tap sensation, the Manzari Brothers—will perform classics and forgotten jewels from the Ellington songbook. Big Band Ellington: Duke Goes Latin Saturday, February 18, 8 p.m., Music Center at Strathmore Admission: $29–$69 The Grammy-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, led by Arturo O’Farrill, with NEA Jazz Master and 10-time Grammy winner Paquito D‟Rivera, recreate the sound of the fabled Ellington big band in such classics as “Caravan” and “In a Sentimental Mood,” and perform new pieces inspired by Ellington. Ellington: A Sacred Concert Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra David Baker, conductor Morgan State University Choir Eric Conway, director Manzari Brothers, tap dancers Sunday, February 19, 4 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore Admission: $30–$59 In his last years, Ellington wrote three “sacred concerts.” The compositions and performances remain some of the most revered in American music, and Ellington himself called them “the most important thing I have ever done.” Strathmore recreates historical moments from these legendary concerts, including “Come Sunday” and “David Danced Before the Lord.” Discover Strathmore: Duke Ellington Monday, February 20, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Music Center and Mansion at Strathmore Admission: Free, no tickets required Strathmore’s annual family festival explores the wonders of all things Ellington in a free, all-day celebration for all ages. Live multi-media performances, participatory concerts and workshops, including the Hot 8 Brass Band and JazzReach, will demonstrate how Ellington’s influence has been adapted into varying musical styles. For additional information and tickets, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.