The Spiritual Side of Duke explores the less recognized and spiritual elements of Ellington's famous body of work, honoring one of jazz music's greatest legacies in homage to his "sacred concerts," three massive works from Ellington that were written between 1965 and 1973 that combine elements of jazz, classical, choral, gospel, blues and dance.
Featuring a septet led by percussionist John Lumpkin and starring vocalists Brianna Thomas and Vuyo Sotashe.
FREE ADMISSION & ALL AGES!
About John Lumpkin: John Lumpkin II is a producer, arranger, and artists through the Jazz, R&B and Gospel scene. He obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Florida under the direction of Danny Gottlieb and Master's Degree from Florida State University under the leadership of Leon Anderson. John grew up in the pentecostal church and still plans to exercise his gifts there as well as other national venues. However, he says "The church is the root of my zeal for music and forever shall be".
Throughout his career John has shared the stage with greats such as Delfeayo Marsalis, Wycliff Gordon, Marcus Roberts, Arturo Sandoval, Curtis Fuller, Marcus Printup, Houston Person, Rufus Reid, Ben Tucker, James Moody, Nathan Davis, and David Baker. From serving on staff at the University of North Florida and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, he is also the founder of the Jazz Discovery Series at The Ritz Theatre in Jacksonville, FL. His level of expectancy drives him to see many other things emerging from his gift of music to the world.
About Phoenicia Festival of the Voice: The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice is a 501c3 organization with a mission to elevate the human spirit and enhance community through the power of the voice in music. Through performances across a range of musical genres, it seek to expand the audience for the vocal arts and to discover and develop new vocal talent from around the corner and around the world. The Festival also seek to be an economic engine for the region, adding to the recreational activities, the fine cuisine, and the alluring shops the possibility to perform and experience vocal music in the pure mountain air and exceptional natural beauty of the Catskills.