The George Duke Legacy Project will raise funds for:
- Recording George's "Bass Concerto" for Christian McBride & the 67-member Symphonic Jazz Orchestra
- SJO's expanding "Music in the Schools" residency programs in underserved communities throughout Southern California
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George Duke was a musical innovator, creator, and mentor to so many. His legacy as a recording artist is vast, from Cannonball Adderly to Dianne Reeves, Frank Zappa to Michael Jackson, to over 40 recordings as a solo artist. Simply put, George forever changed the landscape of jazz, r&b, funk, pop and classical music.
In memory of the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra's co-music director, the SJO presents the George Duke Legacy Project.
For over nine years, George Duke served as co-music director of the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra. In 2011, he was commissioned by the SJO to compose a new concerto for bass soloist Christian McBride and the orchestra. Just before his passing, we began making preparations to record this important new work, and now you can help make this happen.
Grab some cool perks and win a chance to Conduct the 67-member Symphonic Jazz Orchestra!
Your $50 level perk counts as one entry
Your $100 level perk counts as two entries
Your $250 level perk counts as SIX
entries into this drawing to conduct!
The winner, selected from all $50 and above contributions, will conduct the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra's recording session sound check . This 15-minute session will be videotaped and photographed so you'll have plenty of keepsakes to share. Your odds of winning are very good - so support the SJO's recording and music education program for a chance to win this priceless experience. (Please note the recording date is Martin Luther King Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 - a school holiday).
You can also make a tax-deductible contribution via mail with a check to:
Symphonic Jazz Orchestra PO Box 1421 Culver City, CA 90232
Federal Tax ID# 95-4847284
This perk is going fast - only 5 spots remain for the intimate Dianne Reeves private home concert!
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In support of the George Duke Legacy Project, Grammy-Award winning vocalist Dianne Reeves will perform a private house concert on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 11th in Brentwood. Seating is extremely limited for this intimate fundraiser where you will meet and greet Dianne. There are only 5 pairs of tickets remaining and reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets are $600 per couple and include a wine and cheese reception prior to the concert. The tax-deductible tickets can be purchased via the perk listed at the right or by mailing a check to The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra PO Box 1421 Culver City, CA 90232. Please feel free to call the SJO office with questions at 310/876--8130.
Testimonial Video with Quincy Jones, Rashid Duke, Tommy Davidson & Christian McBride
Become a Referrer and win a Downtown LA Package for two valued at $270.
Sign On to Indiegogo (top right button), and share the George Duke Legacy Campaign with your friends using the social media buttons above. This will track all your friends who contribute and the referrer with the highest total at the end of the campaign Monday evening will win:
"Discover Historic Downtown LA"
The winner will enjoy a one night stay for two at the beautiful Hilton Checkers boutique hotel, a guided tour of downtown’s amazing architectural landmarks and lunch at Philippe The Original!
Total value: $270.00
Watch "George Duke: In His Own Words" video
The Impact
The SJO maintains
a very active "Music in the Schools" program throughout Southern California. This includes our award-winning music residencies “Bach to
Bebop,” “Intro to Music” and "Playing the Bells” targeting students from
Kindergarten through 5th grade. The SJO has served over 40,000
young people and their families through its school
programs, workshops and free Family and Community Concerts.
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In its 13-year
history, the SJO has commissioned and premiered many great works – but has never
recorded. With a 67-member ensemble, it is an expensive proposition. With George’s death last
year, the importance of recording his work took on greater meaning. George’s legacy to Christian and the SJO is
this powerful work that deserves an audience that only a recording can provide.
Q & A
Who is the SJO?
The non-profit Symphonic Jazz Orchestra is
dedicated to perpetuating the uniquely American genre of symphonic jazz – music
that blends the worlds of jazz and classical music. The orchestra has featured such soloists as Christian McBride, Dave Grusin, The Yellowjackets,
Raul Midon, Luciana Souza, Phil Perry, and of course, our co-music director
George Duke.
What's on the recording?
Our recording of
George Duke’s “Dark Wood: Concerto for McBride” features Christian McBride, along with “Symphonic
Captain’s Journey” by composer and guitarist Lee Ritenour, and “Rhapsody in Blue” with piano soloist Bill
Cunliffe and the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra.
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When will the recording be available?
Late Summer 2015
What is the financial goal of the project?
While we have
targeted $45,000 as our initial goal, in order to properly finish the project - as well as expand our "Music in the Schools" program, the overall goal is $75,000.
We are grateful for the support of the ASCAP Foundation, Playboy Jazz Festival, KJazz 88.1 FM, and Steve Bland & Blue Room Post, who launched the George Duke Legacy Project, along with In-House Music (CA), Jazz at Lincoln Center (NY), the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild (PA), Thelonious Monk Institute (DC/CA), Centric TV, and all of George's friends and family who helped make this possible.
How does the “Perform with the SJO” benefit work?
For this recording project, we are making eight spots available for musicians - of any age or level - who want to perform with the SJO during the recording sound check. This 15-minute session will be videotaped and recorded so in addition to a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you will walk away with some great photos and video of you being a part of this world-class ensemble. Please note the recording date is Martin Luther King Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 (a school holiday). Available instruments are: violin, viola, cello, orchestral bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. (Feel free to call the SJO office for more details - 310/876-8130 or write us at info@SJOmusic.org)
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What is "Bach to Bebop"?
"Bach to Bebop" is the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra's flagship elementary music residency. Students learn about such composers as Bach, Copland and Ellington, compose their own blues songs, and perform their songs. as well as keyboard improvisation before their whole school. To learn more about the orchestra's various "Music in the Schools" programs, click here.
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To make a tax-deductible contribution via mail, please send a check to:
Symphonic Jazz Orchestra PO Box 1421 Culver City, CA 90232
Federal Tax ID# 95-4847284