"The Legacy of Duke Ellington" produced by Healdsburg Jazz Presented by Marcus Shelby (artistic director of Healdsburg Jazz)

A 90-minute live presentation by composer, bassist, and artistic director of Healdsburg Jazz Marcus Shelby, honoring the birthday of African American composer, pianist, and bandleader Edward "Duke" Ellington, who was born on April 29. 1899 in Washington, DC.  Ellington was the most prolific and most influential American composer in the 20th century having written suites, tone poems, ballets, film scores, theatrical play scores, and popular music for over 50 years. He was a master pianist who came out of the stride piano school led by James P. Johnson and Willie the Lion Smith. Ellington became a nationally known artist during his 4-year residency with his orchestra as the house band at the Cotton Club from 1927-1933. For the next 40 years, Ellington would go on to compose some of the most memorable music in American culture and become the single most influential bandleader and composer of blues and swing.  Artistic Director of Healdsburg Jazz Marcus Shelby will give an interactive presentation that will include recorded music, live music, an overview of the history of Duke Ellington, Ellington's influence on music, the importance of Duke Ellington, and Q&A.  The presentation is for all ages and is open to everybody to attend, no matter if you know a lot about "jazz music" or not.