Come join us in celebrating the genius of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 20, 1899 - May 24,1974). Duke Ellington's music, along with Louis Armstrong's, was rare in that it crossed over from jazz to the pop world. Jazz historian, Gunther Schuller, called him, "the most significant composer of the genre". Duke was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Award for music in 1999. A few of his other awards include:
Presidential Medal of Freedom Award
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
24 Grammy nominations
9 Songs in the Grammy Hall of Fame
2009 Commemorative Duke Ellington U. S. quarter
1986 Commemorative Duke Ellington U. S. stamp
1973 French Legion of Honor
Greg Nielsen has put together an all-star band of outstanding talent. Naturally Greg will be on bone with retired Airmen of Note musical director Pete BarenBregge on reeds, newly retired internationally renowned Vince DeMartino on trumpet, L.A. producer, arranger, first call musician Dick Hamilton on piano, Air Men of Note veteran Cam Kayne on bass and Jimmy Dorsey Band Leader, vocalist, arranger, trumpet, percussionist, David Pruyn on drums. Wow what an ensemble.
This concert is dedicated to the extraordinary works of Duke Ellington. In addition, Greg has prepared some bonus material from the American Songbooks. Some of what you will hear:
Take the A Train
Black and Tan Fantasy
Mood Indigo
It Don't Mean a Thing
In a Mellow Tone
Cotton TailC Jam Blues
I Got it Bad (and That Ain't Good)
Seating limited to first 200. Tickets at the door with check or cash (no credit card).
