Bassist, bandleader and educator Marcus Shelby and his fabulous orchestra pay homage to one of the greatest artists in jazz: Duke Ellington! America’s most celebrated jazz composer — with over 3,000 compositions to his credit — Ellington was heralded as “beyond category,” and provided the world with some of the most enduring melodies ever written.

For this matinee in honor of Black History Month, Shelby and his stellar line-up share the indelible work of Ellington’s musical legacy alongside that of his most celebrated collaborator, Billy Strayhorn. Expertly performed by Shelby and narrated with important context for young audiences, Ellington’s music showcases the masterful writing and arranging that continues to delight and amaze audiences around the world. Comprising many of the Bay Area’s jazz greats, the Shelby Orchestra delivers a joyful and hard-swinging program that celebrates the genius that was and is Duke Ellington!

Band Personnel:
Marcus Shelby, bass & musical director
Darynn Dean, vocals
Tony Peebles, alto sax
Michael Booker, alto sax
Patrick Wolff, tenor sax/clarinet
Danny Brown, tenor sax
Melecio Magdaluyo, bari sax
Danny Lubin-Laden, trombone
Joel Behrman, trombone
Riley Baker, trombone
Erik Andrews, trumpet
Mike Olmos, trumpet
Chris Clarke, trumpet
Richard Benitez, trumpet
Greg Jacobs, piano
Jemal Ramirez, drums

Set List:
Braggin’ in Brass, by Duke Ellington
Jeep’s Blues, by Duke Ellington
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), by Duke Ellington
I Like the Sunrise, by Duke Ellington
Rockin’ in Rhythm, by Duke Ellington
Encore: C-Jam Blues