April 11-18, 2009

Cityfolk Celebrates Billy Strayhorn

While Pittsburgh rightly takes its place as home to Billy Strayhorn, Dayton, Ohio is where this gifted pianist/composer was born. Cityfolk, Dayton’s traditional arts organization, has planned a week of activities celebrating his life and music. Over twenty-five years of presenting jazz, Cityfolk has illuminated the vast legacy of Duke Ellington (often involving Dayton-based Ellingtonians such as Mitchell “Booty” Wood
and Norris Turney).

Now Billy Strayhorn, long associated with Ellington, receives his own overdue tribute. Our goal is to bring this important musical legacy to life for the residents of southwestern Ohio. Students, teachers and the general public will have a chance to learn more and to listen live to some of the magnificent music he created and collaborated on with Duke Ellington.

Made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts
American Masterpieces program.

Special thanks to Billy Strayhorn Songs, Inc.