October 24 2022 — Charlotte, NC — JazzArts Charlotte announces Charlotte’s regional premiere of a rare production of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite for the holiday season. The biggest production of JAZZ ROOM in its 9-year history, this performance features a full onstage All-Star 16-piece Charlotte Regional Jazz Orchestra, a dynamic ensemble of modern jazz dancers, vocalists, and more.

Duke Ellington’s re-imagined interpretations include “Sugar Rum Cherries”, “Peanut Brittle Brigade”, and other selections. The show will also include holiday favorites like, The Night Before Christmas plus a guest appearance by the JazzArts All-Star Youth Ensemble.

“JazzArts Charlotte has been envisioning this special performance for years, and is thrilled to finally bring it to fruition,” says Lonnie Davis, President of JazzArts Charlotte. “Building off of Ellington’s work, this staged performance creates a modern, jazzy spin to a timeless holiday classic that the whole family will enjoy!”

A few notes that make this performance special:

This regional premiere is based on a body of music, discovered only in 1991 and rarely performed, considered one of Duke Ellington’s best.

A pivotal figure posthumously awarded a 1999 Pulitzer Price, Duke Ellington is frequently called the most significant composer of jazz, known for his inventive use of big band. Currently, the online Jazz Exploration Workshop series is delving into the many reasons Ellington has made jazz history.

This full big band jazz orchestra, live and on the stage, boasts sixteen of the region’s finest musicians led by award winning trumpeter and Musical Director Ashlin Parker, a founding participant of JazzArts Charlotte and founder of the renowned Trumpet Mafia.

Lula Elzy, choreographer of this production, was the first to identify this piece from unknown archives and to create the visual production component.

As part of this event, the JAZZ ROOM Holiday Edition is JazzArts Charlotte’s only annual benefit, with a pre-concert dessert reception and silent auction supporting the JazzArts Academy, performance-based programs, and local musicians. Pre-reception begins at 6:30, and performance begins at 7:30 each evening. The silent auction is also available online, and runs from December 3 through intermission of the final show.

Additional performances accompany the production, bringing holiday favorites such at the Night Before Christmas read by jazz vocalist Dawn Anthony, plus a guest appearance by the JazzArts Youth All-Stars.

As part of this event, the JAZZ ROOM Holiday Edition is JazzArts Charlotte’s only annual benefit, with a pre-concert dessert reception and silent auction supporting the JazzArts Academy, performance-based programs, and local musicians. Pre-reception begins at 6:30, and performance begins at 7:30 each evening.

Join us at this year’s spectacular JAZZ ROOM Holiday Edition, December 8-10, at the Booth Playhouse. Reserved seating tickets starts at $38.

Thanks in part to special event sponsors by Moore & Van Allen and GCG Wealth Management, LLC.