Concert Series

Ellington Jazz Series

For thirty-seven years, the Duke Ellington Fellowship has brought the giants of jazz to Yale’s concert halls and to the city's public schools. In 1972, Yale President Kingman Brewster presented the first Ellington medals to thirty jazz greats, including the Duke himself. That year marked the beginning of a series of extraordinary jazz concerts performed by a virtual “Who’s Who” of jazz: Eubie Blake, Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, Odetta, Joe Williams, Art Blakey, Kenny Clarke, Sonny Greer, Jo Jones, Max Roach, Ray Brown, Charlie Mingus, and Dizzy Gillespie, to name just a few.

The program continues with concerts and residencies by both the great legends of jazz and an exciting new generation of artists. Hosted by the program’s founder and director, Willie Ruff, recent concerts have featured Joshua Redman, James Moody, Elvin Jones, Dave Brubeck, the Heath Brothers, Ahmad Jamal, and Kenny Burrell.

2011–12 Season

Fridays at 8 pm
Morse Recital Hall in Sprague Hall

The Mitchell-Ruff Duo and the Whole Drum Truth
Nov. 4 :: The duo of Willie Ruff, horn and bass, and Dwike Mitchell, piano, joins with the Whole Drum Truth, a quartet of leading drummers from modern American jazz led by Albert "Tootie" Heath.

Toshiko Akiyoshi Quartet
Dec. 9 :: Featuring Toshiko Akiyoshi, piano; Lew Tabackin, saxophone; and more.

Ron Carter Trio
Mar. 23 :: Donald Vega, piano; Russell Malone, guitar; and Ron Carter, bass.

Matt Wilson's Arts and Crafts
May 11 :: Terell Stafford, trumpet and flugelhorn; Gary Versace, piano, organ, and accordion; Martin Wind, bass; and Matt Wilson, drums.