The legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra will perform a Christmas show at the Grand Casino Hinckley Events & Convention Center on Saturday, December 5, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15, $20 and $25 and are on sale now!

Duke Ellington, one of the 20th century’s most renowned musicians, is among the signature figures in the history of jazz. Whether as composer or band leader, Ellington transcended musical and racial boundaries. In his 50-year career, Ellington played more than 20,000 performances worldwide and created more than 2,000 pieces of music, including the classic hits “Take the A-Train,” and “Prelude to a Kiss.”

Ellington also received 13 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the French Legion of Honor, and the Pulitzer Prize. His image appeared on a U.S. stamp in 1986, and he is the first African-American to be featured solo on a U.S. coin, which was released in January of this year.

After his death, his only son, Mercer Ellington, who had been serving as the band’s business manager and trumpet player, took over its leadership. Mercer Ellington led the orchestra until his father’s death in 1974, continuing the Duke’s tradition of constant touring, one-night engagements, and high-intensity, hard-driving jazz. When Mercer passed away, Duke’s grandson, Paul Ellington took over the leadership role.

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg declared April 29, 2009, “Duke Ellington Day” in honor of the 110th anniversary of the jazz legend’s birth.