‘Sugar Hill’: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker, comes to Chicago!

Tuesday December 19th thru Saturday December 30th, SUGAR HILL, an exhilarating story told in dance, is set to the music of the genre-defying collaboration between jazz icons Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn in a captivating way that has never been done before. SUGAR HILL reveals the glamour of the 1930s as seen through the lens of the nonconformist daughter of a high-society Black family in Manhattan and her fantastic dream world in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem. A jazz-steeped reimagining of the classic tale, this Nutcracker sends a stirring message that champions individuality and the journey to find the power of your unique self: “Go find what makes you different to find your magic”. With a Libretto/Concept by Jessica Swan, this original production features Direction/Choreography by Emmy Award Winner Joshua Bergasse, with Co-Choreography by Jade Hale-Christofi. Additional Choreography/Dance Consultation by Caleb Teicher, Jon Boogz, and Graciela Daniele (Tony Award). Orchestrations/Arrangements by John Clayton (GRAMMY® Award) and Larry Blank (three-time Tony Award Nominee).

The Auditorium Theatre has a past that follows the path of Chicago’s history, from the Great Chicago Fire and World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 to the great rock and roll era of the 1960s and 1970s to the present. From opera to hip-hop, from political conventions to sporting events, the Auditorium Theatre has played a role in the lives of Chicago citizens for 130 years. For tickets or more information about this event, go to auditoriumtheatre.org

Billy Strayhorn’s ‘Lush Life’ nominated for a 2024 GRAMMY Award

Congratulation to Billy Strayhorn for the 2024 GRAMMY nomination of his timeless classic ‘Lush Life’ in the GRAMMY category for Best Arrangement Instrument and Vocals. The Grammy nomination is courtesy of the magical voice of jazz superstar Samara Joy. The 66th annual Grammy Awards will be held February 4th, 2024 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Congratulations to Samara on this wonderful nomination and best of luck in all the categories that this jazz vocal powerhouse is nominated in!

Pittsburgh welcomes ‘Suite Life’: a celebration of Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly.

Saturday November 25th at 7:30pm, the Kelly-Strayhorn Theatre will be celebrating the music of composer Billy Strayhorn and the imagery of performer Gene Kelly in an unforgettable theatrical jazz benefit concert. KST welcomes music director and pianist Dr. Alton Merrell, as well as band members: Dwayne Dolphin (bass), James Johnson III (drums), and Colter Harper (guitar). The concert features jazz singer and Billy Strayhorn aficionado Joshua Banbury, along with Suite Life veterans Kelsey Jumper and Treasure Treasure. KST welcomes back our friends, media artist Scott Andrew, and lighting designer Madeleine Steineck for a dazzling visual experience. Come dressed for jazz and “singing in the rain,” immersing yourself in the shower of rich and lush harmonies.

VIP Reception Tickets: $100 – $200: Experience exclusive open bar access all night, curated cocktails, and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the private VIP reception hosted at Duolingo headquarters. Starting Time: 5:30pm.

Concert Tickets: $35 – $65: Celebrate the legacy of composer Billy Strayhorn and performer Gene Kelly at Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Concert-goers who purchase tickets at the elevated level will receive a special gift to remember the evening’s festivities. Starting Time: 7:30pm.

The VIP Reception will be held at— Duolingo Headquarters:| 5900 Penn Ave.
The Celebration Concert will be held at– The Kelly Strayhorn Theater:| 5941 Penn Ave.