Que viva Duke Ellington!

Duke Ellington was born April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. A major figure in the history of jazz music, his career spanned more than half a century, during which time he composed thousands of songs for the stage, screen and contemporary songbook. He created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds in Western music and continued to play what he called "American Music" until shortly before his death in 1974. - See the complete Biography here.

Celebrating Ellington's birthday, Bobby Sanabria has a full day with the two Afro-Cuban Jazz orchestra he leads.

Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra performed under the bless of Duke Ellington statue at 5th Ave. & 110th St. A lot of fun and joy in a beautiful spring day!

Now, I'm going to the second round. The New School Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra will perform in 50 minutes at Nuyorican Poet's Cafe in 3rd St between B and C avenues. See you there.