Mercedes Ellington News

TAP!, Dancers Over 40's final event of their 2011 - 2012 season brings the world of tap center stage for a discussion and performance by DO40 members and guests. This May's event is hosted by Mercedes Ellington, (Sophisticated Ladies, No, No, Nanette!) and begins with a discussion of the history of tap by DO40 members Mercedes and Lee Roy Reams (42nd Street).

The Duke Ellington Center For The Arts and The Players will co-present a Benefit Cocktail Reception and Concert by the Duke Ellington Center Big Band at The Players, 16 Gramercy Park South, on Sunday, April 29, 2012, - Duke Ellington's 113th Birthday. The concert will feature performances of Duke Ellington's most memorable musical pieces performed by the Duke Ellington Center Big Band, under the direction of Frank Owens, plus vocals by Antoinette Montague and Marion Cowings; a performance by The Mickey Davidson Swing Dancers; and the ballroom artistry of Michael Choi.

The Rose Nagelberg Theatre at The Baruch Performing Arts Center was SRO for the special presentation of Earl Wilson Jr.'s 'topical, rousing & inspiring new musical' YES!

The first public presentation of Wilson's new show, called YES! THE MUSICAL, will be given a single showcase salon performance on Monday, March 5, at 8 PM -- one year and one day later from the day he started it -- at the Rose Nagelberg Theater at the Baruch Performing Arts Center on 25th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue. The production, with book, music and lyrics by Wilson, is being presented by The Theater at the Duke Ellington Center For The Arts, with Mercedes Ellington as director- choreographer.

Career Transition For Dancers and Complexions Contemporary Ballet, will present WINTER HEAT Latin Dance Party on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Edison Ballroom (240 West 47 Street).

The first public presentation of Wilson's new show, called YES! THE MUSICAL, will be given a single showcase salon performance on Monday, March 5, at 8 PM -- one year and one day later from the day he started it -- at the Rose Nagelberg Theater at the Baruch Performing Arts Center on 25th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue. The production, with book, music and lyrics by Wilson, is being presented by The Theater at the Duke Ellington Center For The Arts, with Mercedes Ellington as director- choreographer.

Career Transition For Dancers and Complexions Contemporary Ballet, will present WINTER HEAT Latin Dance Party on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Edison Ballroom (240 West 47 Street).

Rolex presented A HALLOWEEN THRILLER, Career Transition For Dancers' 26th Anniversary jubilee on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the newly renovated New York City Center.

Rolex presented A HALLOWEEN THRILLER A Dance Celebration of Ghosts, Ghouls, Vampires & Wilis, - Career Transition For Dancers' 26th Anniversary jubilee on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the newly renovated New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (btwn. 6' and 7' Aye) NYC. Chita Rivera hosted this one-night-only entertainment extravaganza for kids and adults of all ages!

$1,087,050.50 was raised on Monday, October 31st, when Rolex presented A HALLOWEEN THRILLER A Dance Celebration of Ghosts, Ghouls, Vampires & Wilis, - Career Transition For Dancers' 26th Anniversary Jubilee to a capacity audience at the newly renovated New York City Center.

Rolex presents A HALLOWEEN THRILLER A Dance Celebration of Ghosts, Ghouls, Vampires & Wilis, - Career Transition For Dancers' 26th Anniversary Jubilee on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the newly renovated New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (btwn. 6th and 7th Ave) NYC.

Encore Community Services will hold its 37th ANNUAL 52nd STREET AMERICANA JAZZ FESTIVAL on Saturday, October 22nd on 52nd Street from Fifth to Seventh Avenues from 12 Noon to 5 PM. Renowned dancer/choreographer Mercedes Ellington (granddaughter of the late, great Duke Ellington) and the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts will be honored at this year's Festival.

Rolex presents A HALLOWEEN THRILLER A Dance Celebration of Ghosts, Ghouls, Vampires & Wilis, - Career Transition For Dancers' 26th Anniversary Jubilee on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the newly renovated New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (btwn. 6th and 7th Ave) NYC.

Encore Community Services will hold its 37th ANNUAL 52nd STREET AMERICANA JAZZ FESTIVAL on Saturday, October 22nd on 52nd Street from Fifth to Seventh Avenues from 12 Noon to 5 PM. Renowned dancer/choreographer Mercedes Ellington (granddaughter of the late, great Duke Ellington) and the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts will be honored at this year's Festival.

Rolex presents A HALLOWEEN THRILLER A Dance Celebration of Ghosts, Ghouls, Vampires & Wilis, - Career Transition For Dancers' 26th Anniversary Jubilee on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm at New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (btwn. 6th and 7th Ave) NYC.

Rolex is set to present A HALLOWEEN THRILLER A Dance Celebration of Ghosts, Ghouls, Vampires & Wilis, - Career Transition For Dancers' 26th Anniversary Jubilee on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm at New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (btwn. 6th and 7th Ave) NYC.