September 10, 2007- The third annual Duke Ellington Jazz Fest is officially off and running with its invitation only opening reception held at the Inter-American Development Bank in Northwest, D.C.
A medium sized
crowd, dining on culinary delicacies and platters of seasonal fruit and fresh vegetables formed in the bank’s lobby
and chit-chatted about this year's line up of talented artists amidst a backdrop of a colorful art display and a stately
waterfall.
The evening's
reception would officially mark the beginning of the weeklong tribute to D.C.'s own Edward Kennedy 'Duke' Ellington.
Over twenty
artists from around the nation will partake in this event to preserve jazz history, and its legacy - and preserve we
must.
From its humble,
southern New Orleans roots, to Rag Time, to Be-Bop style, to the days of Big Band, jazz is a musical art form, genre, and style often transformed,
duplicated, and enjoyed, the world over – and has stood the test of time.
The reception
featured the soulful and sophisticated stylings of Ms. Nnenna Freelon , D.C.'s own Davey Yarborough, and Latin jazz flutist Paquito D'Rivera.
The annual
jazz fest also pays homage to and celebrates the 93rd birthday of John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie.
Festival Executive Director, Charles Fishman,
is quick to point out Dizzy’s contribution to his own life.
“Dizzy
was not only an outstanding jazz artist, he was my friend, mentor, and teacher”, says Fishman.
"He influenced
many jazz artists."
Venues, many
for free, continue around the city to include Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts, various U Street corridor jazz
clubs, the Kennedy Center, and on the National Mall.
For a complete
list of festival venues see www.dejazzfest.org.
Sponsors of
this year's event include the Washington Post, Fannie Mae Foundation, Smooth Jazz 105.9, and Patton Boggs.