Jazz lovers who count Duke Ellington among their favorite musicians need to check out the upcoming Discover Ellington festival. As part of its yearlong look into historical American composers, Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, will be celebrating the life and music of Edward Kennedy Ellington starting February 3. The 7-day festival will feature classes, lectures, concerts and free family activities that revolve around the jazz legend's life and influences.
Artists will interpret some of Ellington's best pieces and Strathmore will recreate moments from three "sacred concerts" that were performed and recorded live in New York City between 1965 and 1973, a year before Ellington's death. The must-see musical event, Ellington: A Sacred Concert presentation with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, will take place on Feb. 19.
The festival culminates on Feb. 20 with a free, all-day open house festival with performances, workshops and sample classes for all ages.
For more info and a complete schedule of events, visit strathmore.org/DiscoverEllington.
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