Duke Ellington found deep inspiration in Africa, travelling with his orchestra to Dakar, Senegal in 1966 to perform at the first World Festival of Negro Arts. This trip led him to compose several of his most iconic works including Afro-Bossa, Liberian Suite, and the Grammy Award-winning Togo Brava Suite. Co-music-directed by saxophonists Chris Lewis and Alexa Tarantino, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis celebrates these compositions and the spirit of Duke’s historic trip, nearly 60 years later.

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Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Auburn University

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents touring initiative provides an opportunity to see up-and-coming musicians who have been identified as rising stars by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
“Songs We Love” explores the first 50 years of jazz song and highlights the highly influential years of jazz history: the 1920s–1950s. Three guest vocalists join this all-star group to sing through some legendary jazz tunes and pay tribute to icons of the past. Famous singers to be explored include Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Songs We Love

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Since 1988, Wynton Marsalis has led the 15-piece Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which simultaneously honors the rich heritage of Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong while presenting a stunning variety of new works from illustrious names, many of whom perform regularly with the ensemble. Don’t miss this dynamic School Day Performance favorite!

Lincoln Center Orchestra

Feb 12, 2026

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Feb 4, 2023

Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Songs We Love

Lincoln Center Orchestra