Festival Hall, Greensboro’s premier arts venue and cultural center presents the final show of the 2022 Jazz Series, The Jazz Legacy Project:  Billy Strayhorn, Take the A Train, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022 at 7:30 pm..  Strayhorn has a recording strike to thank for the opportunity of a lifetime. He has his unparalleled gift for impressionistic tones and colors to thank for turning that opportunity into co-creating the most prolific and indelible music of the 20th century. “I am excited to shine a light on Strayhorn’s beautiful music and career,” states drummer Justin Varnes, “Including a crazy set of circumstances that led to his song ‘Take the A Train’ becoming Duke’s (Ellington) theme song.”

The Jazz Legacy Project:  Billy Strayhorn, Take the A Train caps off the three-part jazz series at Festival Hall this year. Each program is roughly 90 minutes, with the goal of bringing the casual jazz listener inside the minds and music of the most influential and interesting American musicians of all time. The life and music of the artist/composer is entertainingly narrated by the drummer, Mr. Justin Varnes, and seminal jazz pieces are played to illuminate the narration. These are NOT tribute concerts in the sense that the musicians are trying to recreate the original performances, but instead to celebrate the essence and accomplishments of the particular artist. Tickets start at $20 general admission. 

Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn are towering figures in jazz music specifically and American music in general. The pair are responsible for some of the most enduring music of the 20th century. We’ll explore their vast library of masterworks for big band with Eric Reed, one of the modern era’s great pianists. Season tickets are available. Call 865-684-1200, ext. 2. Additional information about the show is available at knoxjazz.org.