An Evening of Ellington — Memphis’s Celebration of International Jazz Month

Music Royalty Is Coming To Memphis. Duke Ellington’s "Heirs to the Jazz Throne" -The Savoy Ellingtons, April Ellington, and Edward Ellington Jr. — are bringing their father’s legendary legacy home to the city he loved.

An Evening of Ellington, a landmark cultural celebration honoring the enduring legacy of Duke Ellington and his deep, often overlooked connection to The City of Memphis, will reconnect Memphis with a powerful piece of its musical history.

Presented by Stax Music Academy and Soulsville Foundation in partnership with Voice Concepts Incorporated, this unforgettable evening brings Ellington’s legacy to life through world-class performances and a powerful intergenerational collaboration. Joined by Living Legend H.B. Barnum -Musical Conductor for Aretha Franklin (for 42 years) and other iconic artists, including Frank Sinatra, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, The Beatles, and Mariah Carey — all with a direct connection to the Ellington legacy — and to this remarkable program.

Adding to the evening's significance, is world-renowned Major Recording Artist Wendy Moten who is a genre-defying Vocalist with Memphis roots that have carried her seamlessly across the music genres of Country, Jazz, and Pop — Wendy will deliver a Special Tribute Performance to The Savoy Ellingtons, performing “Come Sunday,” a deeply moving composition from Duke Ellington’s Sacred Collection — the body of work that Ellington himself considered his greatest achievement.

*This special tribute performance is presented by Memphis Tourism — Convention & Visitors Bureau.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural event you won’t want to miss.

At the heart of the evening is a 100-piece student orchestra anchored by the Memphis Central High School Jazz Band — the #1 Jazz Band in the World and Winners of the 2025 Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City, founded by jazz icon Wynton Marsalis. Directed by Dr. Ollie Liddell, the ensemble will be joined by students from Overton High School, White Station High School, Cordova High School, and Collierville High School — The Top 5 of Memphis’ finest high schools together on one stage, representing the extraordinary next generation of Memphis musicians.

This unforgettable evening brings Ellington’s legacy to life through world-class performances and a powerful intergenerational collaboration. More than a concert, An Evening of Ellington is a celebration of Memphis as a global birthplace of music—and a powerful reminder of the city’s role in shaping the sound of America.

Date: Friday, April 17, 2026

Time: Doors Open at 7:00 PM | Show Starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Crosstown Theater, Memphis, TN

Admission: Free and open to the community

Attire: Elegant Evening Chic. Formal Attire optional. No Casual.

FREE admission. RSVP required.

staxmusicacademy.org | soulsvillefoundation.org | (901)942-7627

Presented by Stax Music Academy & Soulsville Foundation, in partnership with Voice Concepts Incorporated, with support of Memphis Tourism Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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