Lydia Harrell and Rhianna Radick Top 2015 Duke Ellington Jazz Vocal Competition in NYC

Lydia Harrell, a Michigan native currently living in Boston, and actress Rhianna Radick, who was born in Philadelphia and has lived in New York City for the past two years, were winners of the Second Annual Duke Ellington Jazz Vocal Competition held Saturday, October 24, at the 41st Annual 52nd Street Duke Ellington/Americana Jazz Festival in Manhattan.

Each of the half dozen competitors performed two musical numbers composed by Ellington. Ms. Harrell, who was declared the First Place winner by the judges, received a check for $250, and Ms. Radick, the runner-up, collected a check in the amount of $150.

Noted jazz pianist Rachel A. Kaufman played keyboard for the competitors. The competition was emceed by Talent Manager and Entertainment Producer Robert R. Blume.

The Second Annual Duke Ellington Vocal Jazz Competition was presented by The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, founded in 2004 by Ellington's granddaughter, Mercedes Ellington, a well known dancer/choreographer. Ms. Ellington served as one of the judges and presented the checks to the two top finalists.

Pictured: The two winners with Mercedes Ellington, founder and President of The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, who was a judge, and Talent Manage and entertainment producer Robert R. Blume, who emceed the competition.