Entertainment
5th Anniversary Duke Ellington Jazz Festival June 5-15 Celebrates New Orleans
By Re: Staff Writer
Jun 8, 2009, 17:33

Having recently provided a jazz group for a private pre-inaugural dinner for President and Mrs. Obama and their family and friends, Duke Ellington Jazz Festival (DEJF) Executive Producer Charles Fishman is turning his full attention back to this year's annual festival, the music event that has put Washington, DC, on the international jazz map. He and Sunny Sumter, DEJF's Managing Director, have announced big plans for this year's fifth anniversary, which will feature a spectacular celebration of New Orleans.

"We're excited to pay tribute to the unique, rich and diverse musical heritage of New Orleans," said Fisher. "We'll offer two free special performances on The National Mall this year and honor New Orleans' own musical treasure, pianist/composer/educator Ellis Marsalis, at our annual Jazz Masters concert presented at and in conjunction with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts," added Sumter.

Adds Sumter, who also directs the [UTF-8?]festival's education program, "We've expanded the festival to 11 days from seven days last year, which enables us to include more free and community-based programs, such as two Jazz n Families Fun Days at the Phillips Collection. And we've moved the festival permanently to June to have broader appeal to residents and tourists alike, who usually have more flexible schedules in the summer and whose children will be out of school."

The DEJF will present over 100 programs in almost 50 venues, bringing jazz to every part of the city and to every level of fan from young to old, artist to student, resident to tourist. For schedule and ticket information, visit www.DEJAZZFEST.org


2009 DEJF Festival: Celebrating New Orleans - Artists Include:

Paquito D'Rivera, DEJF Artistic Adviser


Terence Blanchard Harry Connick, Jr.

Duke Ellington Orchestra Bob French's Original Tuxedo Band

Donald Harrison Little Freddie King

Branford Marsalis Ellis Marsalis

Delfeayo Marsalis Jason Marsalis

Nicholas Payton Rebirth Brass Band

Dr. Billy Taylor Irma Thomas

Don Vappie & the Jazz Creole Serenaders Dr. Michael White

Buckwheat Zydeco


2009 DEJF Festival: Celebrating New Orleans - Day by Day Highlights:
(Further program details to follow)



June 5
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden * National Gallery of Art

Jazz in the 'Hoods
June 5-15 Jazz in the 'Hoods * Evening shows in clubs and hotels around the city

Jazz 'n Families Fun Days
June 6-7 Jazz 'n Families Fun Days - 2 free days of music & activities * Phillips Collection

June 8-15
6PM - Kennedy Center Millennium Stage concerts



June 10
Paquito D'Rivera presents Dr. Michael White * Embassy of France

Two FREE Days on The National Mall

June 13: 1pm * Sylvan Theater

Terence Blanchard, Rebirth Brass Band, Little Freddie King, Nicholas Payton, Don Vappie & The Creole Jazz Serenaders

June 14: 1pm * Sylvan Theater

Buckwheat Zydeco, Bob French's Original Tuxedo Band, Davell Crawford, Donald Harrison, Irma Thomas

Closing Concert: Celebrating a Jazz Master: Ellis Marsalis
June 15: 730pm * John. F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Ellis Marsalis Tribute Concert at the Kennedy Center featuring Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis; Harry Connick, Jr; Dr. Billy Taylor. Maestro Marsalis will receive the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival Lifetime Achievement Award.

WWW.DEJAZZFEST.ORG
www.twitter.com/dejazzfest
www.myspace.com/dejazzfest
www.facebook.com/pages/Duke-Ellington-Jazz-Festival/80177484768





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