University of Florida Performing Arts Presents DREAMING OF DUKE 1/22

Jazz meets classical in this unique celebration of the music of Edward "Duke" Ellington called Dreaming The Duke, making its way to Gainesville, Friday, January 22, at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Nnenna Freelon, a six-time Grammy Award nominated jazz vocalist, and soprano Harolyn Blackwell, recognized internationally for her exuberant and expressive performances in opera, will blend and shape respective genres to celebrate the legacy and influences of the great Duke Ellington.

From innovative solo pieces to dynamic duets; from full use of the double quartet to intimate vocal-piano selections; this show proves that legendary music and phenomenal talent produce timeless musical moments.

Joining these two stunning vocalists is noted pianist Mike Garson, whose work in both the jazz and classical worlds has made him the ideal arranger, accompanist and musical director for this performance. From J.S Bach to David Bowie, Garson's boundless musical talents have made him one of the most in-demand pianists in jazz and pop.

These three talents will lend their skills to create an unforgettable evening filled with timeless music: including beloved jazz standards (Prelude To A Kiss, It Don't Mean A Thing, and Love You Madly) and classical Ellington fare (Come Sunday from his famed Black, Brown and Beige Suite) as well as lesser-known gems from the Ellington canon including Solitude and Black Butterfly.

Nnenna Freelon, Harolyn Blackwell and Mike Garson in Dreaming the Duke
Friday, January 22, 7:30 p.m.
Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Pre-performance Discussion
Led by Nick Decarlis at 6:45 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $28.50-$50

Web sites:
University of Florida Performing Arts: www.performingarts.ufl.edu
http://www.nnenna.com/
http://www.mikegarson.com/
http://www.harolynblackwell.com/

To Purchase tickets, call the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 (toll-free). Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, the University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Union or from any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Cash, checks, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

UF students may purchase $10 tickets (with a valid student ID) at the Phillips Center Box Office and the University Box Office at the Reitz Union. Other students may purchase $10 student tickets (in the balcony) at the Phillips Center Box Office.

To post a comment, you must register and login.