Remembering Lady Day: Billie Holiday 1915 - 1959
Time & Location
About the Event
The music of Billie Holiday will be played in The Jazz Centre UK all day. Featuring the legendary Lester Young, Count Basie, Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw.
Songs include ‘What a Little Moonlight Can Do’, ‘Fine and Mellow’, ‘Easy Living’, ‘I Can’t Get Started’, ‘They Can’t Take that Away from Me’, ‘No Regrets’, ‘Billie’s Blues’, and of course ‘Strange Fruit’.
Programme
12 pm. The JCUK Media Centre
‘Lady Day: The Many Faces of Billie Holiday’
A sparkling documentary featuring rare TV and movie clips. It includes commentaries by a stellar group of musicians who worked with her, and knew her well; Carmen McRae, Annie Ross, Buck Clayton and Harry Edison from Count Basie’s band, and Billie’s last accompanist, Mal Waldron. Actress Ruby Dee reads from her autobiography ‘Lady Sings the Blues’.
2-3.30pm. The JCUK Media Centre ‘The Very Best of Friends’
Digby Fairweather talks about Billie; her career, her friendship with Lester Young (1909-1959), and much more. With the very best of Billie on record.
3.30pm. The JCUK Media Centre ‘Billie Holiday: The Ultimate Collection’
A wonderful collection of filmed and radio performances; an interview with Mike Wallace, an audio rehearsal session with pianist Jimmy Rowles, interviews with friends and fellow musicians, and a photo gallery of images and personal letters. Performance highlights include three from TV’s 1956 ‘Stars of Jazz’ series.
4.30-6pm. Discussion group with refreshments.
6pm-8pm. Beecroft Centre Lecture Theatre
Direct from New York, via London’s ‘Pheasantry’, award-winning singer-pianist Daryl Sherman presents ‘Wishing for the Moon’; an intimate recital of Billie Holiday’s songs. With Digby Fairweather (trumpet) and star guests to be announced. Admission £10
For tickets please e-mail:enquiries@thejazzcentreuk.co.uk or call (01702) 215169 to leave reservations.