News Release: May 3, 1999
Jazz on the Mall
Free Concert
Saturday, May 22
2 to 6 pm
7th Street at Madison Drive, N.W.,
Washington, DC
(Raindate Sunday, May 23)
Free Jazz Concert on the Mall, May 22, with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Dukes of Dixieland to Celebrate New National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Washington, DC -- The National Gallery of Art will present a free, open-air jazz concert on Saturday, May 22 (rain date Sunday, May 23), from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the National Mall at Madison Drive and Seventh Street, N.W. The concert celebrates the Gallery's new Sculpture Garden and the centennial of Duke Ellington's birth. The afternoon of jazz will feature the acclaimed Duke Ellington Orchestra in their only Washington appearance this year and New Orleans' oldest continually performing jazz band, the Dukes of Dixieland.
The world-renowned Duke Ellington Orchestra was founded by Washington's own, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. Led by the Duke himself until his death in 1972, the orchestra is now directed by his grandson, Paul Mercer Ellington. A songwriter, bandleader and conductor, Paul Ellington, at the age of 20, continues the Ellington legacy by performing jazz classics and all-time favorites such as Take the A Train, Satin Doll, and Sophisticated Lady, which will be played on May 22.
The Dukes of Dixieland bring their own distinct jazz style to Washington. A New Orleans tradition in their fourth decade, the Dukes of Dixieland have shared the stage with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Pete Fountain, and have appeared as special guests with major symphony orchestras. Founded in 1949 by the Assunto brothers, the group reached international fame in the fifties and early sixties. Today's six-member ensemble will perform foot-stomping favorites such as Tiger Rag, Petite Fleur, Honky Tonk Train Blues, and When The Saints Go Marchin' In. The Dukes of Dixieland have appeared on several national television programs, and record on their own jazz label. They have received rave reviews for their recent release, Sound of Bix.
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is a gift to the nation by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. The elegant, landscaped garden, which opens to the public on May 23, is located adjacent to the West Building at Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. It will offer visitors year-round enjoyment with a center fountain and winter ice-skating rink. The Sculpture Garden will include nearly 20 works by preeminent artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Mark di Suvero, Isamu Noguchi, and Roy Lichtenstein.
For up-to-date information on the free concert call the National Gallery of Art's concert line at (202) 842-6941. The concert is made possible by The Circle of the National Gallery of Art.
# # #
