What is the purpose of The Duke Ellington Society?Our purpose is described in our Mission: "The Duke Ellington Society (TDES, Inc.) celebrates the music and life of composer, bandleader and pianist Duke Ellington, to develop an appreciation and understanding of his music among all people."

When and where does the Duke Ellington Society meet?
The Society meets once a month from September through June, usually the third Wednesday, at Saint Peter's Church, 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street in New York, New York. Entrance is on 54th street between Lexington and Third Avenues.

The location is easily accessible via the E, V and 6 trains. E and V stop is Lexington Avenue and 6 stop is 51st street.

Metered parking is available on 54th street and parking garages are also available in the area.

What happens at the meetings?
Most meetings feature an invited guest who may be a musician (we've hosted virtually every member of the Ellington orchestra), producer, jazz historian, scholar, musicologist, writer or record/CD collector. Our meeting formats have included recorded music featuring the guest speaker, live music provided by the speaker performing on his/her instrument to illustrate a point in their presentation, performance or reading of a play, viewing a film followed by discussion and panel discussion of a pertinent topic.

Two meetings each season are parties with live music and refreshments. In September we celebrate the Opening of the Season and in December we have our Holiday Party.

Do I have to be a member to attend meetings?
One does not have to be a member to attend meetings. However, after attending three meetings we would like it very much if a person would consider joining the Society.

The two party meetings (September and December) are free to members. For nonmembers we have a suggested donation (usually $15 to 20) to help cover the costs of the event.

How much does it cost to become a member?
Annual dues are $40. Some of our members purchase life memberships which are $500.

Does the Society have concerts?
The Society has an Annual Concert each year, on a Saturday evening, usually at the end of April, to celebrate the Duke Ellington's Birthday Anniversary which is April 29. Each concert has a special theme that incorporates a particular aspect of Duke Ellington's music. See the "Concerts" section of this website for further details.

In addition, the Society often has one other concert usually on a Saturday evening. In the past these have been in early February.

Our concerts are held in the Sanctuary of Saint Peter's Church, our meeting place, and there is a suggested donation specific to each concert.

Where should I go to find out more about Duke Ellington?
Use this website, which includes Beginners Guides, Recommended Reading List, and Recommended Listening List as well as archives listing our previous meetings and guest speakers. Cassette tapes of meetings are available at Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies in Newark, New Jersey and at The Schomberg Center, a branch of the New York Public Library at 135th Street and Lenox Avenue in New York, New York. Consult the archives of this website for available tapes.

You may also connect with other pertinent websites, such as the Smithsonian Institution (which contains the largest archive on Duke Ellington's music.) See the Links section on this website.

Where should I go to find out more about Billy Strayhorn?
See the special section on this website under Duke Ellington: "Billy Strayhorn Biography". Also visit the Billy Strayhorn website at www.billystrayhorn.org.