Catch the Original 1939 'A' Train

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has declared April 29 Duke Ellington Day in honor of the 110th anniversary of the jazz legend's birth. To commemorate his life, The Islands Of The Bahamas are sponsoring a special run of the last surviving 1939 'A' Train, made famous by Duke Ellington's signature tune Take the A Train.

Paul Ellington, members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and musicians from Music Under New York (MUNY) will perform the iconic song on the mezzanine at 125th Street and St. Nicholas. All musicians will then board and perform on the historic train as it travels out to JFK in regular service.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 10 a.m. Remarks and performance by Paul Ellington, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and musicians from MUNY 11 a.m. sharp All Aboard! 'A' Train departs 125th Street, making express stops 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The 'A' Train runs in revenue service and is open to the public

WHO: Paul Mercer Ellington and The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Musicians from Music Under New York. Mercedes Ellington, granddaughter of Duke Ellington, Maurice Hines, stage, screen and television performer, Stanley Kay, friend of Duke Ellington, Joel Iskowitz, artist of the Duke Ellington Quarter released by the U.S. Mint Bahamas musicians and VIPs JetBlue Airways crewmembers