The annual Ellington Center Gala was, as ever, elegant, swinging fun! Mercedes Ellington, granddaughter of the legendary Duke, directed, staged and welcomed us to an evening of singing, dancing, and musicianship –  mostly to music by the Duke, with proceeds benefitting the Ellington Scholarship Fund and Programs www.thedukellingtoncenter.org Frank Owens on piano and the Ellington Center Band led off with “Take the A Train.”  Our MC, Adrienne Hahn in top hat, tails, and hot pants (over skyscraper legs) strutted down the steps of the magnificent Landmark on the Park and sang. When she perched on the lap of Ervin Drake,  ultra-dapper, nonagenarian songwriter (“I Believe” “Good Morning Heartache’), and musically invited him to “Come Fly Away.”  I thought he just might! The Pitch Blak Bass Band, winner of the first annual Bob Stewart Tuba competition, gave us  a sample of a big, brass sound. Then we  enjoyed the vocal stylings of T. Oliver Reid, Marion Cowings, and Antoinette Montague. Swing dancers Mickey Davidson and Jun Maruda showed us how to jitterbug and jump for joy!  Then, quintessentially graceful Michael Choi and Anna Truhkan (in tuxedo and burgundy velvet)  lifted us on wings of choreographed ballroom dance. After a brief intermission, we sat down to a sumptuous buffet (Spoonbread Catering).  The second half of the program featured the song “My Son” an excerpt from the musical “YES!” by Earl Wilson, Jr.  (vocals by T. Oliver Reid and Erick Pinnick, with Eugene Gwozdz on piano).  Board Member Larry Kerchner and Dennis Chicinno performed “Down at Mama Jones.” Last, but certainly not least, came a showcase of tap dancers, Broadway and opera singers, and, well, me – singing my original, multicultural, holiday song “Happy Hanukrismas”  What a thrill – laughter, applause, a request for lyrics, and a man who told me the song brought tears to his eyes!  Like Earl Wilson, Jr. I said “YES” to “Come Fly with Me” – I was flying! Happiness/Success Habits

• Do what you love, live your passion, and seize your opportunity! I love writing and singing songs and the Ellington holiday gala was the perfect venue for “Happy Hanukrismas.”  Were  there obstacles? Of course. I had barely finished writing the song that afternoon when I tucked it into my purse (just in case I got a chance to sing it),  and there was no chance to rehearse. But I knew the supremely gifted Frank Owens could play by ear and chords (even with my mistakes).  When Mercedes pointed at me, and said “You go first” I trusted her instinct and went for it!
• Love and enjoy the arts – any way you can – as a creator,  performer and/or appreciator and supporter! The arts give life beauty, meaning, and joy! Find a way to be part of that – give yourself that gift.
• Give back and support arts and education.  The Ellington Scholarship Fund and Programs supports developing talent and educational programs.  Keep Duke’s legacy alive!  Please visit www.thedukellingtoncenter.org

(Editor:/Photographer Jay Berman)

Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.

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