Honoring and preserving the legacy of Duke Ellington
Celebrating 15 Years of Music at Duke Ellington Circle
For 15 years, The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts has transformed Duke Ellington Circle into a living stage where music, dance, and community come together to celebrate the enduring legacy of Duke Ellington.
Founded by Mercedes Ellington, Duke Ellington's granddaughter, the Center preserves Duke's artistic legacy through performances, education, and public programs. Presented in collaboration with the American Tap Dance Foundation, our annual free outdoor concert has become a cherished Harlem tradition.
Join us on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 PM for the 15th Annual Duke Ellington Legacy Concert, co-hosted by Mercedes Ellington and Tony Waag. Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon featuring the Duke Ellington Center Big Band, led by Musical Director Eli Yamin, along with outstanding vocalists, dancers, and special guests.
To celebrate this milestone, we're launching our 150 Friends for 15 Years Campaign. Our goal is to raise $15,000 through gifts of $100 or more to help keep this beloved Harlem tradition free and open to the public.
$100+ Donation
Recognition in our commemorative 15th Anniversary event program (unless you choose to remain anonymous)
Legacy Circle | $1,000+
Personally signed Duke Ellington album by Mercedes Ellington
Invitation for two to an exclusive brunch with Mercedes Ellington
Commemorative Duke Ellington Center for the Arts sweatshirt
Legacy Circle recognition in our commemorative event program
Every gift helps preserve Duke Ellington's music, artistry, and spirit for future generations. Celebrate 15 years. Support the legacy. Help shape the future.
Become one of our 150 Friends today.
On April 29, Duke Ellington's birthday, Mercedes Ellington spoke with Soundboard, the Steinway & Sons Soundboard podcast on her grandfather's enduring influence and on her own career in dance and choreography. Visit steinway.com/soundboard to listen or subscribe to Soundboard wherever you podcast.
‘It’s interesting to see that all composers deal with the same struggles and the same big themes and the same questions of humanity.’
Mercedes Ellington
What’s Happening?
Don't miss out on some of our exciting events happening all year round. Join us for our next virtual event. We love you madly!
Photograph by Kyle Martin
Preserving the Legacy of Duke Ellington
Considered one of America's greatest composers, arrangers, and bandleaders, with over 3,000 compositions attributed to him, Duke Ellington is a seminal figure in the history of American music. It is our honor to preserve his legacy through education, documentation, and performance.
Photograph by Kyle Martin
“Love is supreme and unconditional; like is nice but limited.”
— Duke Ellington