Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra Plays “Duke” Ellington at MCG; The Clarks Set to Rock Jergel’s (CPs Fri., 3/27/15)

1) Various musical artists have been dubbed the King of This or the Queen of That, but there’s only one Duke. In a career that took him from ragtime piano playing to composing and band leading—and from nightclubs to New York’s Carnegie Hall and beyond—Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was a key figure not only in popularizing jazz in the 20^th century but also in shaping and expanding it as a musical form. Now the MCG Jazz series presents a rare live performance of his first full-length jazz symphony: Black, Brown and Beige, composed for his Carnegie Hall debut in 1943. Ellington wrote B, B & B at a time when he was working closely with composer/arranger Billy Strayhorn, who grew up in Pittsburgh, so it’s a fitting tribute. The Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra of New York will play the piece at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night., 1815 Metropolitan St., Manchester.

2) For Pittsburgh natives, The Clarks need little in the way of introduction. Distinguished Indiana University of Pennsylvania alumni Dave Minarik, Scott Blasey, Greg Joseph, and Robert James comprise the rock ‘n’ roll band, which has in many ways assumed the role of Pittsburgh’s musical poster child. In the past couple of decades, Pittsburgh has come into its own as a cultural hub, with a nationally recognized, robust, and youthful music scene, but The Clarks have been representing Pittsburgh in the music world since even before that, starting in the late ‘80s. They’re most active throughout Western Pennsylvania, though they also tour Ohio, West Virginia, and beyond. The Clarks also have found success commercially, having written and performed music for brands like (most notably) Toyota. And though their chief stomping ground is our own region, they’ve performed on national TV programs like “The Late Show with David Letterman.” In case you haven’t heard their music or even if you have, check them out at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille tonight at 9 p.m.. Erica Blinn opens. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

3) And who is Carmen? One of the most famous heroines of the opera: the high-spirited, exotic-dancing, and, um, knife-toting factory girl of the early 1800s who is pursued by a dashing young soldier and an extremely dashing bullfighter. You know it’s not going to end happily, but the adventures (and music!) along the way add up to quite a ride. Pittsburgh Opera presents Georges Bizet’s masterpiece with a cast of all-stars brought in as the leads. Mesmerizing mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham has sung the role of Carmen worldwide and will sing it here. Tenor A.J. Glueckert is the soldier Don José and baritone Morgan Smith is Escamillo, the toreador. 8 p.m. Continues through March 29. Benedum Center, 237 7^th St., Cultural District.

Share on Social Media