Upcoming Events
Kennedy Center | Ellington 125
Beyond Category at The Kennedy Center
Mercedes Ellington has been invited to join the celebration of the 125th Birthday of Duke Ellington at The Kennedy Center. Duke Ellington didn’t call it jazz. He called his music “American Music,” and liked to describe those who impressed him as “beyond category.”
But no one deserves that description more than The Duke. Throughout the 2023–2024 season, the Kennedy Center commemorates Duke Ellington’s 125 birthday with institution-wide celebrations of the American icon who changed how the world heard music. An outstanding musician, charismatic band leader, and prolific composer, the Washington, D.C. native was an innovator across an expansive and eclectic range of styles…from pop and theatrical to swing, fusion, and beyond. See what’s coming and join the party! Mercedes Ellington is the honored guest the evenings of the Jazz Houston Orchestra and On the Road with Duke Ellington, a film screening.
Celebrating Duke Ellington's 125th Birthday in The City of Jazz
Join us for a fun family birthday party filled with love, led by Mercedes Ellington celebrating her grandfather, Duke Ellington! Experience an evening brimming with love, music, and surprises, dedicated to celebrating his unparalleled legacy. Co-hosted with Tony Waag.
A celebration of the 125th birthday of jazz great Duke Ellington with The Duke Ellington Center Big Band under the musical direction of Eli Yamin. Special guest artist and eight-time Grammy Award winner Arturo O’Farrill will be featured in the evening’s lineup of dancers, vocalists, and surprise guests, including drummer Bobby Sanabria, Broadway veteran Ty Stephens, top tapper DeWitt Fleming Jr., and jazz singers Antoinette Montague and Marion Cowings. The multiple award-winning icon of New York City cabaret, Sidney Myer, will be narrator for this special event.
Presented by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts in Association with the American Tap Dance Foundation.
A NIGHT AT THE ELLINGTON
A Special Event with Performances by Musicians, Vocalists and Dancers. Presented by The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts and The American Tap Dance Foundation Co-Hosted by Mercedes Ellington & Tony Waag.
No cover charge. Reservation are highly recommended to ensure seating for the event. Reserve here!
Happy Birthday Duke Ellington!
Happy Birthday Duke Ellington!
This annual event is co-produced by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts and the American Tap Dance Foundation to commemorate Duke Ellington’s birthday and in celebration of National Tap Dance Day on May 25th.
This event is FREE & open to the public, co-hosted by Mercedes Ellington & Tony Waag and feature performances by the Duke Ellington Center Big Band and a host of musicians, dancers and vocalists.
The Duke Ellington Statue is on 5th Avenue and 110th Street in Manhattan.