8:30pm: $15; 10:15pm: $10 & 11.30pm: Free
If you are familiar with the jazz composition, "Take the A Train," then you know something about not only Duke Ellington, but also Billy "Sweet Pea" Strayhorn, its composer.
Strayhorn joined Ellington's band in 1939, at the age of twenty four. Ellington liked what he saw in Billy and took this shy, talented pianist under his wings. Neither one was sure what Strayhorn's function in the band would be, but their musical talents had attracted each other. By the end of the year Strayhorn had become essential to the Duke Ellington Band; arranging, composing, sitting-in at the piano. The results of the Ellington-Strayhorn collaboration brought much joy to the jazz world.
The Ellison/Rager quintet brings a fresh interpretation to the works of this great jazz master. Performing all original arrangements this quintet presents a lyrical, swinging performance of this great music and will have the audience snapping their fingers and tapping their toes all evening.
Musicians: Josh Rager - Piano / Charles Ellison - Trumpet / Cameron Wallis - Tenor Saxophone / Alec Walkington - Bass / Marting Auguste - Drums
