Wynton Wynton Wynton at Symphony Center! Jan. 22 & 23, 2016

Wynton Marsalis and his world renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra are in residence this weekend at Symphony Center.  They'll perform three concerts, including a Jazz for Young People concert on Saturday Jan. 23 at 1 pm called "Who Is Duke Ellington?"  We caught last year's concert about Dave Brubeck, and I am sure that this will be equally amazing.  Wynton Marsalis is half jazz genius, half musical shaman, and his passion, humor, and desire to educate are so evident in his repartee with the audience.

The other two concerts look to be especially awesome, especially the Saturday Night classic "Battle of the Bands" between Marsalis and his troupe playing Ellington, and the Count Basie orchestra playing (guess who?) Count Basie!

If you like jazz and/or want your kids to like jazz, these are don't-miss concerts (especially the Jazz for Young People concert)

THE THREE CONCERTS

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.  Photo by Frank Stewart.

Jazz in the Key of Life (Jan. 22, 8 p.m.),Created by longtime JLCO member and trombonist Vincent Gardner.  Gardner’s inspiration and set list comes from iconic pop music of the 1970’s including selections by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Donny Hathaway and more.  

Wynton Marsalis.
photo by Todd Rosenberg.

Jazz for Young People,®: Who Is Duke Ellington? (Jan. 23, 1 p.m.)Celebrating the American composer, pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington, this program highlights his unique contributions to jazz including the landmark tune “It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing). ” There will be a 30 minute Q&A led by Wynton Marsalis, immediately following the performance. 

Battle Royale Also Featuring the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra led by
Scotty Barnhart (Jan. 23, 8 p.m.)This raucous and joyous celebration of big band traditions will include the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performing Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn classics and the Count Basie Orchestra, which celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2015, performing signature Basie standards.

HOW TO GET TICKETS
Tickets for all SCP Jazz series concerts can be purchased by phone at 800-223-7114 or 312-294-3000; online at cso.org, or at the Symphony Center box office: 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604.