When it comes to describing Duke Ellington, it's easy to run out of superlatives. One of the defining figures of American music? Sure, with a 50-year career that includes standards such as “It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" and “In a Sentimental Mood," that's a given.
Honoring the composer's 110th birthday, the two-day celebration will attempt to encapsulate many sides of Ellington's rich musical life in a brisk two days.
Beginning on Saturday afternoon with the composer's work for small jazz combos performed by UCLA students (under the direction of renowned guitarist and UCLA faculty member Kenny Burrell), the festival also will touch on Ellington's classical pieces, his once-controversial “Sacred Music" concerts, a recently discovered folk opera called “Queenie Pie," and finally, on Sunday night, three ensembles performing selections from his massive catalog of big band favorites.
In addition to an array of contributions from UCLA students and faculty, the weekend also will feature performances by recording artists Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bill Henderson, Dwight Trible and others from the world of jazz.
Duke Ellington's 110th Birthday Anniversary Festival of Music
Schoenberg Hall, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood.
Saturday, 2 p.m.
UCLA Student Jazz Combos
7 p.m.
UCLA Philharmonia
with vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, violinist Lesa Terry, Kenny Burrell and others.
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Excerpts from “Queenie Pie" and Ellington's “Sacred Music"
concerts featuring Dwight Trible and Chester Whitmore.
7 p.m.
UCLA Jazz Orchestra, UCLA Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and Latin Jazz Ensemble
joined by Kenny Burrell, Bill Henderson, Barbara Morrison and others.
Price: Free
Info: (310) 206-3033, www.schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/events
For more information contact All About Jazz.
