NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the regions premier and Grammy-nominated orchestra, pays tribute to New Orleans civil rights icons Edgar “Dooky” Chase Jr. and Leah Chase in a jazz-filled program, RHAPSODY IN BLUE, on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. on the Orpheum Theater’s main stage. Past LPO Principal Guest Conductor and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins returns to the LPO podium to lead a spirited program of works by American composer George Gershwin and famed American jazz pianist Duke Ellington. For more information, visit www.lpomusic.com.
“Visionaries like Edgar and Leah Chase are fundamental to culture and history of our city,” says Executive Director Anwar Nasir. “The LPO is honored to celebrate the Chase family legacy with music that their very own Dooky Chase Orchestra played across New Orleans over 75 years ago.”
The Chase family’s prominence is reflected in the food, culture and civil landscape of New Orleans. Since its opening in 1941, the famed Dooky Chase Restaurant has been a meeting place for entertainment, delicious food, and a safe space for discussions around and with the African American community. Historic leaders including Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are among many who broke bread and strategized at the Chase family’s restaurant. Amid a growing restaurant empire, Edgar “Dooky” Chase Jr. grew as a talented band leader, thus establishing the DookyChase Orchestra, at one time known as the “most progressive in the south,” with his sister and vocalist, Doris Chase. The Dooky Chase Orchestra played the big-band sounds of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and more throughout New Orleans and the southeast in the 1940’s. LPO’s RHAPSODY IN BLUE concert marks the 75th anniversary of the Dooky Chase Orchestra’s final performance.
LPO’s RHAPSODY IN BLUE concert illuminates the historic big-band era of the early 1940’s that has transcended American music in New Orleans and beyond. One of America’s most influential composers, George Gershwin, was known for his jazz compositions which are heavily represented throughout the evening’s program. Rhapsody in Blue, known for its seamless combination of classical and jazz elements with a piano solo and jazz band, celebrates its 100th anniversary and will close out the evening’s program. Visual and performing artist, and Edgar and Leah Chase’s granddaughter, Chase Kamata, joins the program performing vocal solos including Harold Arlen’s famed Over the Rainbow. The program also features works by Duke Ellington, jazz music’s biggest creative force and iconic band leader and composer, including Giggling Rapids from The River Suite and Satin Doll.
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale and range from $28 to $110. Student tickets are available for $10 with proof of student ID. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.lpomusic.com or contact Patron Services by calling 504-523-6530.
PROGRAM
Thomas Wilkins, conductor
Marcus Roberts Trio with Marcus Roberts, Jason Marsalis, and Rodney Jordan
Chase Kamata, vocalist
Gershwin: Crazy Girl Music
Gershwin: Fascinating Rhythm
Gershwin: Someone To Watch Over Me
Berlin: Always
Ellington: Giggling Rapids from The River Suite
Ellington: Satin Doll
Gershwin: Embraceable You
Arlen: Over the Rainbow
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
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