Bayou City Concert Musicals Presents ELEGANT ELLINGTON Next Month

Bayou City Concert Musicals continues its popular cabaret series with Elegant Ellington, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 20; 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 21; and 7:30 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2107, at the Performance Centre of the Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main between Holman and Berry Street, in the heart of Midtown.

Houston legend Rob Landes will musical direct and host the evening that will also feature vocal performances from Anthony Boggess-Glover, Regina Hearne, Danica Dawn Johnston, and Joel Sandel.

Born in 1899 in Washinton, D.C., Edward Kennedy (Duke) Ellington was one of the most influential composers in the development of American jazz. Ellington himself did not call his music "jazz"; he said he wrote and played "American Music." Indeed, both musicians and music critics have often termed his music "beyond category." Jazz master Winton Marsalis said, "His music sounds like America."

During his career, which stretched from his teenaged years playing for dances in his hometown to his death in 1974, Duke Ellington wrote over three thousand songs, played more that 20,000 performances, won 13 Grammy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, the French Legion of Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Elegant Ellington will feature some of his most popular and influential works, including "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," "Satin Doll," Take the 'A' Train." "Sophisticated Lady," and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore."

Tickets are $35.00 and are available by calling 713-465-6484 or on line at bayoucityconcertmusicals.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, but reservations are recommended.