Nancy Reed Dishes on Duke Ellington's 'Nutcracker' and Morris Museum's new 'Grinch Suite'

Dec 7

Dec 7 Nancy Reed Dishes on Duke Ellington's 'Nutcracker' and Morris Museum's new 'Grinch Suite'

Duke Ellington was a jazz composer and bandleader in the early 1900s. He is quite possibly one of the greatest jazz composers of all time. Written alongside collaborator, Billy Strayhorn, "The Nutcracker Suite" is a jazz reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s" Nutcracker Suite."

The Water Gap Jazz Orchestra will be performing Ellington’s rendition alongside the new "Grinch Suite," written by WGJO director, Dr. Matt Vashlishan, on December 17, 2023, at the Morris Museum.

Featuring Ellington’s own grandson, Mr. Edward Ellington II, as narrator and Mrs. Nancy Reed as vocalist, the performance stands to be an excellent way to ring in the holiday season.

Jersey Arts speaks to Nancy Reed about her experience working with the orchestra as well as her own history with jazz.

Morristown | December 17, 2023 @ 3pm

LINKS
Morris Museum
Water Gap Jazz Orchestra: Nutcracker and Grinch Suites
Transcript

Gina Marie Rodriguez

Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.