Legend has it that Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967) wrote one of the icons of the American songbook, “Lush Life,” at the tender age of 16. Though this early date has been disputed by some scholars, what isn’t in question is that Duke Ellington's first recordings of Strayhorn’s work were published when Strayhorn was only 23 years old.
In this centenary year of Billy Strayhorn’s birth, it’s fitting that the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis concludes our 2015-16 season by celebrating his life and career with additional music direction by JLCO pianist Dan Nimmer.
As Duke Ellington’s key collaborator — and in his own right — Strayhorn is one of jazz music’s seminal yet often under-recognized composers, author of bellwethers like “Take the A Train.” For this celebratory tribute, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will be joined by renowned vocalist and pianist Johnny O’Neal, who fulfills a long-held desire to perform with us. Throughout his career, O’Neal worked regularly with Clark Terry, Ray Brown, Art Blakey, and many others. Of O’Neal, piano legend Barry Harris, who mentored him in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s once said: “He’s a very special cat. If ever somebody sounded like Art Tatum, it’s him. He’s got it all.”
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY & SATURDAY @ 8 PM
Show Finder
Lush Life: Celebrating Billy Strayhorn
First Preview: May 18, 2016
Opening Date: Jun 10, 2016
Closing Date: Jun 12, 2016
Running Time: 02:00
Playing @
Rose Theater
Frederick P. Rose Hall Broadway at 60th Street, New York, NY 10019
Show Notes: 1 Intermission
Age Guidance: 13
Audience Advisory: Free pre-concert discussion, nightly, at 7 pm.
TDF Tickets Offers:
TDF Member tickets:
Not currently available for this show
Listed at 
Never
Full-price tickets:
$40.50 - $135.50
Video
Accessibility
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Assisted Listening System
Assistive listening devices are available for Rose Theater at the coat check with deposit of credible form of identification. -
Entrance
Rose Theater is accessible through primary entrance on Broadway at 60th Street with elevators to the fifth and sixth floors. -
Parking
Central Parking Systems 345 West 58th Street (Between 8th and 9th Avenue) -
Restroom
Men’s and Women’s Restrooms are accessible on the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels -
Visual Assistance
Large-type and Braille programs are available for all Jazz at Lincoln Center concerts in Rose Theater. The programs may be obtained at the PSPD information table on the fifth floor -
Water Fountain
Water fountains are accessible on the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels. -
Wheelchair Info
Wheelchair seating is available at all levels and price ranges. Persons who use wheelchairs and are able to transfer may request an aisle seat with removable armrest when purchasing tickets. Wheelchair loans are available for people who require a wheelchair to go to and from their seats on a first come first serve basis. Please call the house manager at 212-258-9501 the day before the concert to arrange for this service.
