Instagram story viewer> @decfa> Posts

Duke Ellington Center for Arts

@decfa

578

followers

303

following

The official instagram account for the esteemed Duke Ellington Center for the Arts.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

THE DUKE ELLINGTON CENTER BIG BAND
What a powerful afternoon of music, swing, and celebration!

The Duke Ellington Center Big Band brought Duke Ellington’s timeless music to life at the Duke Ellington Statue, honoring his extraordinary legacy through the sound of a live big band.

Under the musical direction of Eli Yamin, this incredible ensemble filled the afternoon with the energy, elegance, blues, rhythm, and swing that make Duke Ellington’s music eternal.

Eli Yamin — Musical Director / Piano @elispeaksmusic
Jason Curry — Alto Saxophone / Clarinet @jcurrysax
Andy Faber — Tenor Saxophone @andyfabersax
Alphonso Horne — Trumpet @horneswag
Alex Jeun — Trombone @bonetraveler
Jason Marshall — Baritone Saxophone @jasonmarshalljazz
Jennifer Vincent — Bass @jennifer.vincent.9674
Jerome Jennings — Drums @iamjeromejennings

From the opening notes of “Come Sunday” to the powerful sounds of Ellington’s classics throughout the afternoon, this remarkable group honored Duke’s music with musicianship, passion, and swing.

We are proud to celebrate these extraordinary artists and the continuing legacy of Duke Ellington through live music.

The music lives on. The legacy lives on. The swing lives on. taken in Duke Ellington Circle by @decfa

17

0

a month ago

Creole Love Call — Antoinette Montague, Grammy winner Catherine Russell, and Sharon K. Janda @montagueantoinette @catherinerussellmusic @sharonkjanda

Three remarkable voices came together for a beautiful celebration of Duke Ellington’s distinctive early composition. Sharon K. Janda brought her warmth, spirit, and unique musical personality to the performance, beautifully complementing the extraordinary vocal power and presence of Antoinette Montague and our special guest, Grammy winner Catherine Russell.

Together they created a wonderful celebration of jazz, connection, and the enduring magic of Duke Ellington’s music.

A truly memorable moment of the afternoon.

Photo by Jamara Wakefield @jamaraproducer taken in Duke Ellington Circle by @decfa

15

1

a month ago

Tony Waag & Mark Mindek bringing so much joy and dancing to the 15th Annual Joyful Celebration at Duke Ellington Circle! What a beautiful day it was—filled with music, movement, laughter, and community. A truly joyful celebration! @waagville @stiltdancer1 #dukeellington taken in Duke Ellington Circle by @decfa

10

1

a month ago

Great fun and great music. We had a ball. So happy the rain stopped, and the sun came out and so did an audience. It was a family affair as usual. So pleased to be a part of this wonderful annual event. Bless you Mercedes. @jazzpowerinitiative @americantapdancefoundation @decfa @max1poll @montagueantoinette #tap#jazz#ellington #music #nyc by @decfa

59

1

a month ago

It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” — The Duke Ellington Center Big Band & Full Cast

And of course… IT HAD TO SWING!

The Duke Ellington Center Big Band and Full Cast came together for one of Duke Ellington’s most famous and enduring songs. It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)says it all. Music, dance, rhythm, joy—and that unmistakable Ellington swing! A celebration that had the entire cast moving and the audience feeling the beat!

@americantapdancefoundation
@montagueantoinette @milesandmilesofpurinton @jeffreybarr5 @andreawrightmusic @elispeaksmusic @aclincolnofficial @marioncowingsmusic @sharonkjanda
@karencallawaywilliams @stiltdancer1 @alfonsohorne @jcurrysax @max1poll
@itsnicolasking @bigappleballroom @michaelthechoi @emanohalova @iamjeromejennings @jennifer.vincent.9674 @bonetraveler @jasonmarshalljazz @marydovelcsw @tystephensjaazz taken in Duke Ellington Circle by @decfa

25

0

a month ago

Come Sunday with The Duke Ellington Center Big Band. We opened our celebration with one of Duke Ellington’s most profound and beautiful compositions.

Performed by the Duke Ellington Center Big Band, under the musical direction of Eli Yamin, this timeless work set the tone for an afternoon honoring Duke’s music, spirituality, elegance, and extraordinary artistic vision.

The celebration was co-produced and co-hosted by Mercedes Ellington, Duke Ellington’s granddaughter and Founder & Artistic Director of The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, and Tony Waag, Founding Director of the American Tap Dance Foundation.

Our extraordinary cast featured Grammy Award–winning vocalist and three-time Grammy Award nominee Catherine Russell, along with Michael Choi, Marion Cowings, Karen Callaway Williams, Sharon K. Janda, AC Lincoln, Mark Mindek, Antoinette Montague, Ema Nohalova, Max Pollak, and Ty Stephens. Special guest David Schroeder.

It was a beautiful beginning to a very special celebration of Duke Ellington — bringing together music, dance, movement, and some remarkable artists to honor a musical legacy that continues to inspire. by @decfa

6

0

a month ago

Night Creatures with Michael Choi, Ema Nohalova & Mark Mindek
The mood shifted into something mysterious, theatrical, and utterly captivating with Night Creatures.

Ballroom dancers Michael Choi and Ema Nohalova, alongside stilt walker Mark Mindek, brought imagination, movement, and dramatic energy to this unforgettable piece—revealing yet another dimension of Duke Ellington’s extraordinary musical world. Duke was never confined to one sound or one style. His music invited movement, storytelling, and imagination—and this performance captured that spirit beautifully.

A mesmerizing reminder of why Duke Ellington’s artistry continues to inspire across generations. @emanohalova @michaelthechoi @stiltdancer1

Photo by @waagville taken in Duke Ellington Circle by @decfa

9

0

a month ago

Still feeling the magic from yesterday’s celebration! @waagville @americantapdancefoundation @decfa
We were honored to co-host and co-produce the 15th Annual Duke Ellington Celebration at the iconic Duke Ellington Statue in Harlem — an unforgettable afternoon filled with music, dance, community, and the timeless spirit of Duke.

Through Mercedes’ artistic vision, alongside the incredible Tony Waag, we were proud to help bring the energy, creativity, and legacy of Duke Ellington to life in the heart of Harlem.

Presented by The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, in collaboration with the American Tap Dance Foundation, this special gathering continues a beautiful tradition of honoring one of Harlem’s greatest musical visionaries.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this celebration so special.

The legacy lives on.
The music lives on.
The spirit of Duke lives on.

#DukeEllington #DukeEllingtonCelebration #Harlem taken in Duke Ellington Circle by @decfa

56

6

a month ago

Two powerful performers came together for Rocks in My Bed. Marion Cowings and Ty Stephens brought personality, soul, humor, and vocal energy to this wonderful Ellington classic. A memorable musical conversation between two artists celebrating Duke’s rich blues tradition.
@tystephensjaazz @marioncowingsmusic taken in Duke Ellington Circle by @decfa

21

1

a month ago

Rhythm became the instrument! Max Pollak brought his extraordinary mastery of rhythm to Rhythm Pum Te Dum & Body Percussion. With the body itself becoming part of the music, Max demonstrated the endless possibilities of rhythm, movement, and percussion—a perfect expression of the creative spirit at the heart of Duke Ellington’s legacy. @max1poll by @decfa

22

2

a month ago

The rhythm took us on a journey with “Caravan.” AC Lincoln brought movement, and powerful rhythmic energy to this iconic Ellington composition. Caravan continues to prove just how adventurous and influential Duke Ellington’s musical imagination. @aclincolnofficial by @decfa

71

7

a month ago

A powerful moment of reflection through music and the incomparable performance by Antoinette Montague @montagueantoinette

“What Color Is Virtue?” invites us to think beyond appearances and consider the universal qualities that connect us as human beings.

In a celebration of Duke Ellington—an artist whose music crossed boundaries of culture, race, geography, and generation—it was a particularly meaningful message.

Video by Jamara Wakefield @jamaraproducer taken in Duke Ellington Circle by @decfa

33

1

a month ago