Swing Set

It’s time to salute “The Duke” as Strathmore launches its weeks-long tribute to legendary jazz composer—and DC native—Duke Ellington Feb. 3. Discover Ellington, which runs through Feb. 20, features a packed roster of lectures and swinging shows. From a Grammy-winning orchestra to a university choir, we’ve found a few of the top performances for paying homage to the famed musician. Plus, we checked in with Tony Award-winning Brian Stokes Mitchell, who performs on Feb. 17, to see how he chose the Ellington numbers for his tribute.

Chris Vadala Trio
Woodwind wizard Vadala entertains with Ellington classics and period jazz standbys for a daytime dose of musical therapy. The University of Maryland director of jazz studies joins forces with guitarist Rick Whitehead, recently named best jazz instrumentalist by the Washington Area Music Association, and John Previti on bass for this celebration of American compositions. Feb. 3. 11AM, $15, Mansion at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, strathmore.org

“The Duke”
Lecture/Demonstration
Historian and WPFW 89.3FM broadcaster Rusty Hassan reveals how Ellington infused his arrangements with stylings from different musical genres. Hassan’s presentation will also include Ellington’s groundbreaking nine-minute film Symphony in Black, which confronts the racial stereotypes of his era. Feb. 13. 7:30-9PM, $15, Mansion at Strathmore, Shapiro Music Room

Robert Glasper
Much like his idol Ellington, this 33-year-old pianist hovers between two different styles in his roles fronting two distinctly different bands. Experience Glasper’s original compositions, as well as takes on Ellington, Thelonius Monk and other jazz greats at this cozy concert at the Mansion. Feb. 16. 7:30PM, $30, Mansion at Strathmore

Duke Goes Latin
The Grammy-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra lays its fused rhythm and style over Ellington standards like “Caravan” and “In a Sentimental Mood.” New pieces seeking inspiration from the festival’s star, like “Ellington Overture” and “Ellington Afro-Latin Suite” should help audiences find their inner ritmo latino. Feb. 18. 8PM, $29-$69, Music Center at Strathmore

Sacred Concert
Toward the end of his life, Ellington wrote and composed three “sacred concerts,” expressing his spiritual roots through the medium of jazz. The Morgan State University Choir, backed by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, will perform choice selections from the hallowed works, including “Come Sunday” and “Something ’bout Believing.” Feb. 19. 4PM, $30-$59, Music Center at Strathmore

Q&A With Brian Stokes Mitchell
Broadway’s booming baritone performs an all-Ellington arrangement at the Music Center at Strathmore on Feb. 17 ($39-$79). Accompanied by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and teen tap sensations the Manzari Brothers, Mitchell will perform from Sophisticated Ladies, as well as Ellington’s unfinished Queenie Pie. We check in with the Tony Award-winning star.

What does it mean to you to be part of this celebration? It’s pretty cool. Jazz is fun, and I was raised listening to it. I don’t know if you know, but my son’s name is Ellington. I’ve worked with Ellington’s family, and I know the music very well.

How did you decide which numbers to perform from Ellington’s vast archive? They gave me the task of putting together the show, and I’ve learned not to be dictatorial. My approach is to follow the path of least resistance. The event gives me a chance to perform songs I already know and also perform new numbers that I’ve always wanted to do.

What are the challenges of this type of performance? I want to make sure everything is in the right key. It’s different if you have time, but we basically have one rehearsal. But we have incredible music and talent, and I’m not nervous because of the composer.

What’s next for you? Anything that will lead you back to DC? I am working on three new albums. I really want to perform the classic Broadway album I’m working on at The Kennedy Center for a one-night-only benefit for The Actors Fund. I love DC, and I call it my second home because I’m down here so much.