Jazz Events | SJMO Concerts and Events Smithsonian Event Calendar

Smithsonian Jazz Events

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The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

Concerts
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and Maestro David N. Baker present from the Music Archives at the National Museum of American History.

Tuesday, August 25 – Blues Alley Supper Club, Georgetown
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Septet perform “The Music of Johnny Hodges”
Johnny Hodges was best known for his long association with the Duke Ellington Orchestra as a much-featured soloist on many of the classic Ellington recordings in the 1940s. Songs such as "Things Ain't What They Used To Be," "Don't Get Around Much Any More," and "Passion Flower" are only a few of his well-known works. In March 1951 Johnny Hodges left the Ellington Orchestra, taking with him Lawrence Brown and Sonny Greer to form his own small group. The success of this small group produced many wonderful recordings and even a hit record, "Castle Rock." In the Jazz session for the Lincoln Park Music Festival, the SJMO will delve into the late Johnny Hodges' brief but important artistic period from 1951 up until his rejoined the Ellington Orchestra in 1955.
Musicians: Scott Silbert (Alto Sax), Charlie Young (Tenor Sax), Tom Williams – (Trumpet), John Jensen (Trombone), Tony Nalker (Piano), Regan Brough (Bass) & Ken Kimery (Drums)
For tickets go to:www.bluesalley.com

Saturday, October 24 – Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History
Portrait of Julian “Cannonball” Adderley
One of the great alto saxophonists, Julian “Cannonball” Adderley burst upon the jazz in 1955 forming a quintet with his brother Nat Adderley. His first attempt as a band leader failed which precipitated a short but important stint with Miles Davis from 1957 to 1959, but eventually returned to leading his on group from 1959 till his death in 1975. This concert will look at the time brief time with Miles Davis to his own career as a leader.
For tickets go to: http://residentassociates.org

Friday, December 5 - Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History
Swingin’ in the Holidays
Come bring in the holiday season with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra performing swingin’ holiday classic.   
For tickets go to: http://residentassociates.org

Saturday, February 20 – Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History
“The Lady Who Swings the Band” - Mary Lou Williams Centennial Celebration
In celebration of Mary Lou Williams 100th birthday and Black History Month the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra will sample the vast musical career of Mary Lou. This program will feature music throughout her career including Andy Kirk and the Clouds of Joy, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, up until her death.   
For tickets go to: http://residentassociates.org

Saturday & Sunday, February 27-28 – Manchester Craftsman’s Guild, Pittsburgh, PA
A Jazz Collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Jazz Program
Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most significant vocalists of all time. She recorded a multitude of classic albums with a big band. This evening will feature many of the original big band arrangements graciously made available to MCG by the Smithsonian Institution’s Jazz Program with the assistance of the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation. Pittsburgh favorite and New York Voices co-founder, Kim Nazarian, pays tribute to Ella with her elegant style and vocal expertise 
For tickets go to: http://mcgjazz.org

Saturday, April 10 – Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History
“Hub-tones” The Life of Freddie Hubbard
One of the great jazz trumpeters of all time, Freddie Hubbard formed his sound out of the Clifford Brown/Lee Morgan tradition. His career led him to brief associations with Philly Joe Jones, Sonny Rollins, J.J. Johnson, Art Blakey, Quincy Jones and finally to his own group where he achieved his greatest popular success in the 1970s with a series of albums for Creed Taylor and his record label CTI Records.
For tickets go to: http://residentassociates.org