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Duke Ellington Jazz Festival (DEJF) Executive producer Charlie Fishman and managing director Sunny Sumter have announced the 2009 lineup for the DEJF.
As previously announced, the theme for this year is “The Musical Heritage of New Orleans,” and the headliner as such is trumpeter Terence Blanchard — who will be performing his 2007 piece A Tale of God’s Will: Requiem for Katrina in its entirety on June 12, in a free concert at the National Mall.
Another highlight is a closing concert tribute to New Orleans pianist Ellis Marsalis, which will feature his sons Branford, Jason, and Delfeayo, along with Harry Connick Jr., a 15-piece big band, and some surprises.
The list of featured artists after the jump.
Paquito D’Rivera (DEJF Artistic Director)
Terence Blanchard & Orchestra
Harry Connick, Jr
Davell Crawford
Duke Ellington Orchestra
Little Freddie King
Branford Marsalis
Delfeayo Marsalis
Ellis Marsalis
Jason Marsalis
Nicholas Payton
Rebirth Brass Band
Irma Thomas
Buckwheat Zydeco
Precise schedule TBD, and will be posted at the festival’s website when finalized.
Also note that this year the festival has been moved from fall to summer, scheduled for June 5-15. The city has arranged for DEJF to have a permanent spot on its events schedule in the second week of June. In addition, the “Jazz on the National Mall” event, previously the final day of the festival, will now expand to three days, June 12-14.