“Jazz in the Key of Ellison” on Stage in Philadelphia on April 14
On Thursday, April 14, The Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Verizon Hall in Philadelphia is hosting a one-night-only performance of Jazz in the Key of Ellison, a spoken-word and jazz tribute to Ralph Ellison, acclaimed author of the National Book Award-winning novel Invisible Man and accomplished trumpeter, who was close to many of the great jazz musicians of his time—from Armstrong and Ellington to Bird and Monk.
The show was conceived by Don Katz, founder and executive chairman of Audible, who studied under Ellison at NYU in the 1970s. Katz credits Ellison for spurring his 20-year writing career and Audible’s founding saying, “From its earliest days, Audible’s vision and mission have been inspired by Ralph Ellison’s ability to hear the music in well-wrought arrangements of spoken words. In many ways, Audible exists today to honor his legacy.”
The star-led evening of music and narration will feature a pre-show fireside chat between Katz and Professor Robert O’Meally, founder and director of Columbia’s Center for Jazz Studies, followed by performances from:
- Iconic Labelle singer and recording artist Nona Hendryx,
- 2017 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition winner Quiana Lynell,
- Jazz and gospel singer Lizz Wright,
- Poet, playwright and novelist Carl Hancock Rux,
- The Andy Farber Jazz Orchestra from the Broadway show After Midnight.
Hailed as “a star-studded tribute” and “joyful noise, alive with the sound of Ellison’s favorite musicians” by Downbeat, the concert premiered at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark before touring in Miami, San Diego and Chicago. Following the one-night event at The Kimmel Cultural Campus, Jazz in the Key of Ellison will return to its hometown of Newark, N.J. this fall.
