“Duke Ellington Jazz Series” at the Lyric Theatre

PNC Bank, Friends of the Lyric announce “Duke Ellington Jazz Series”

The “Duke” is returning to Lexington.

As part of its 2012 programming calendar, the LyricTheater will present a three-concert music series based on the music of legendary jazz icon – Duke Ellington.

The brainchild of University of Kentucky professor and director of opera Dr. Everett McCorvey, the Duke Ellington Jazz Series will unite the talents of the UK Jazz Orchestra with Miles Olsand, as well as the American Spiritual Ensemble. Each show will also feature a guest jazz artist performing along with the two groups.

The first show of the series, sponsored by PNC Bank and Friends of the Lyric will be held on Friday, Feb. 25.

“We are so excited to see programming of this quality that is so in line with the mission of the Lyric,” said PNC Bank president Harry Reichart, one of the series’ primary sponsors. “The Ellington Series will appeal to a diverse audience with some amazing performers on stage, paying tribute to an American legend.”

Friends of the Lyric president George Brown, is equally excited about educational and community outreach portions of the series.

“There will be a number of ways that schools in the East End and downtown benefit from the series,” Brown said. “Besides matinee-type performances, we plan on everything from musical workshops to free jam sessions – even free documentaries on Duke and other jazz greats around the Ellington series.”

KyForward
posted on Jan 7th, 2012
Original Article