24th International Duke Ellington Study Group Conference To Be Held in NYC

The 24th International Duke Ellington Study Group Conference will be presented by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts (DECFA) in New York City from Thursday, May 19, through Sunday, May 22, 2016, it was announced today by acclaimed dancer/choreographer Mercedes Ellington, Founder and President of the New York based arts organization created in 2004 to further the legacy of her grandfather, the legendary composer/Jazz musician/Orchestra leader, Duke Ellington.

The public is invited to join music lovers, musicians and leading scholars from around the world for a series of panels at St. Peter's Church as well as at musical events across New York City designed to celebrate, preserve and expand the legacy of Duke Ellington, who is widely recognized as America's most prolific American composer of the 20th century.

"My work day begins the minute I wake up, and ends the minute my head hits the pillow- only God knows what time that is. I know I'd just rather wear out than rust out!"- Duke Ellington, America's most prolific composer of the 20th century

Highlights of the Conference will include a Gala Opening Night Reception at St. Peter's ('The Jazz Church), 54th Street and Lexington Avenue), where attendees will meet jazz devotees from around the world as well as Ellington family members, panel discussions led by eminent scholars and artists covering topics as Duke's career, influence and culture, a historic reunion of producers and performers from Broadway productions hat featured the Duke's music, such as After Midnight and the Tony Award-Winning Sophisticated Ladies, performances by world renowned artists and Broadway celebrities at the MIST Harlem and St. Peter's Church and even guided bus tours and excursions to Jazz at Lincoln Center, Cotton Club, The Apollo, the Ellington Statue, Duke Ellington Boulevard, plus Harlem speakeasies and clubs frequented by the Duke.

Other events include screenings, including a special screening at The Paley Center for Media (25 West 52nd Street) of Duke Ellington's ground-breaking 1956 musical allegory A Drum Is a Woman about Carribee Joe and his drum which evolves into a woman's persona known as Madam Zajj. Pioneer dancer/ choreographer Carmen de Lavallade, who played Madam Zajj in the original, will join the panel which includes Candido Camero and Bobby Sanabria. There will also be a champagne brunch honoring Carmen de Lavallade, who will receive the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts "Beyond Category Award."

Jazz lovers and Ellington aficionados are expected to attend from all parts of the globe. Space at the conference is limited and those planning to attend are invited to purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid being shut out! There are three ticket prices: Tickets guarantee entrance at all Conference Events. Regular tickets for the four-day conference are priced at $325; Seniors 65 and older may purchase discount tickets for $175; and Students with ID may purchase $125 discount tickets. Special rates for groups of 10 or more, contact kikeldin@gmail.com. For complete Conference Information, visit www.DECFA.org.