JazzNOW: A Salute to Duke Ellington, featuring: Aardvark Jazz Orchestra

7:15-8pm Pre-event wine & cheese reception (In-person only)

8-9pm Live performance in Fraser

GBH Music, JazzBoston, and the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra present a special tribute to Duke Ellington to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the iconic jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader's birth.

The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, one of the longest-running large jazz ensembles in the world, will showcase Ellington's works, such as Caravan (by Duke and Juan Tizol), Come Sunday, and I’m Beginning to See the Light, featuring Aardvark vocalist Grace Hughes, for live audiences in Fraser Performance Studio and streaming for audiences at home.  

The performance will explore the music of Ellington and his long-time artistic collaborator, jazz composer, pianist, lyricist, and arranger Billy Strayhorn. Guests will hear Blues to Be There from the Ellington/Strayhorn Newport Jazz Festival Suite, Chinoiserie from The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse Suite, and It’s Freedom, from the Second Sacred Concert. 

Mark Harvey, the music director of the Aardvark Orchestra, will lead the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra and acclaimed pianist Tim Ray.

This event will be hosted by James Bennett II, a co-host of GBH’s The Culture Show and an arts and culture reporter for GBH News.

This magical night is bound to sell out. Get your tickets today! You have two ticket options:

* $50 in-person event experience from 7:15-9pm, includes wine and cheese pre-reception

Please note by registering for this event your name and email will be shared with GBH and JazzBoston.

About Jazz Boston JazzBoston connects, promotes and advocates for the musicians, audiences and venues of Greater Boston’s dynamic and diverse jazz community. The nonprofit organization spreads the music and message of jazz and celebrates Boston as one of the world’s great jazz cities. Find more information at jazzboston.org.

This event is presented with support from our sponsor, The Goldstein Family Fund.

Event registration is required. Seating is general admission.

The maximum capacity of this event is 120

By RSVPing for this event, you agree to receive timely news and updates on events, films, and special offers from GBH.

Photo credit: Kate Matson

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Do you need any additional accommodations that we should be made aware of to participate in this event? If so, please contact us a minimum of one week in advanced of the event. We will do our best to accommodate your request. Reach us during regular business hours M-F, 9am-5pm at 617-300-3300 or via email: info@wgbh.org.

If you have questions or can no longer attend, please contact Audience and Member Services Department. Audience and Member Services can be reached during regular business hours M-F, 9am-5pm at 617-300-3300 or via email: info@wgbh.org.