Strayhorn Inc.

Towne Bank Jazz Series presents a Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn tribute concert. Tickets start at just $55.00 for seats in the upper-level and the back rows of Sandler Center For The Performing Arts. The best seats near the stage or Towne Bank Jazz Series - Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn meet-and-greet packages always have a higher price point. These premium Towne Bank Jazz Series - tickets will cost as high as $220.00 a ticket. The average price for a single ticket to the Towne Bank Jazz Series - Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn will cost you around $91.00. Come out and enjoy the show!

• The Denison University Department of Music presents music events for the community to enjoy. Tickets are required for some events. For information and tickets, contact Chris Montgomery at 740-587-6220 or visit denison.edu/events/arts.
• Monday, September 18th, at 7pm, the Department of Music at Denison University presents "Such Sweet Thunder" featuring some of the Midwest's finest jazz musicians paying loving tribute to the music of Duke Ellington and his musical partner Billy Strayhorn in the Sharon Martin Hall of the Michael D. Eisner Center for the Performing Arts, located at 240 W. Broadway.

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Francois Vaiana (vocals), Emily Allison (vocals), Mathieu De Wit (piano), Max Malkomes (bass),Laurent Vigneron (drums). Billy Strayhorn was one of the greatest composers and arrangers of jazz history. Unfortunately, he always lived in the shadow of the great Duke Ellington. Composing some of Ellington’s most well known tunes such as “Take the A train”, “Isfahan”, “Satin Doll” and “Lush Life”. Today is a great opportunity to pay homage to this great musician. Two of the greatest Belgian Jazz Voices will help you discover the work of the magnificent Billy Strayhorn. This is part of our Singers Sunday! series. On the last Sunday of every month, The Music Village presents a special concert with the spotlight on vocalists. Every month is a different theme, featuring a pair of professional singers. It’s a monthly celebration of passion for vocal jazz accompanied by a trio of top musicians.

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

Pittsburgh Public Theater announced the 2023/2024 season! The season opens September 19th with the world premiere of Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn Something to Live For." "Ever Up and Onward" is widely known to be the composer, arranger and jazz pianist's motto. The complete season reveal will be at the PPT's annual gala on April 13th at the Heinz History Center.

Highmark Presents Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For opens the 2023/2024 season at Pittsburgh Public Theater and runs September 19th to October 8th. This lush new project is the latest passion project of Pittsburgh favorite Rob Zellers  with Kent Gash, who is also directing, and musical direction from internationally renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker. They tell the extraordinary story of jazz songwriter Billy Strayhorn, known for songs including "Lush Life" and "Take the 'A' Train," who faced hatred and heartbreak as a Black queer man even while playing alongside greats including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Something to Live For will feature a live jazz band on stage at the O'Reilly Theater, and is produced in association with Swee Pea, LLC.

"We are so excited to bring this Pittsburgh legend to life on the stage,"  say's Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, "and see Strayhorn's motto as the perfect way to define the work of our upcoming season."

This is a free event hosted by Joseph Hall, Executive Director of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

The discussion will focus on Billy Strayhorn's incredible contributions to the world of jazz and his life as an out, queer, Black man during a time when that was a very radical thing to be. Panelists include David Hajdu, writer of the biography "Lush Life;" Pittsburgh jazz historian Dr. Nelson Harrison; music professor and contributor to the book "Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life," Bruce Mayhall Rastrelli; co-founder of the Pittsburgh Queer History Project Harrison Apple; and MCG Jazz Executive Producer Marty Ashby. 

From his impoverished beginnings in Pittsburgh to his lifelong collaboration with Duke Ellington, this world-premiere new musical follows the highs and lows of Billy Strayhorn's career, the joys and heartbreak of his personal life, and the challenges he faced living as an openly gay Black man in mid-20th century America at the dawn of the civil rights movement. Through his collaborations with Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and the greatest jazz orchestra of all time, Billy Strayhorn transcended racial and sexual barriers and brought a unique fusion of jazz and classical music to the world with all-time favorites including “Take the ‘A’ Train” and the immortal “Lush Life.”