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Proclamation recognizing the performers of the Billy Strayhorn Centennial Concert held at the Westinghouse High School Auditorium on October 17, 2015.
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WHEREAS, on October 17, 2015 at the Westinghouse High School Auditorium, Hand-in-Hand, Inc. and the Afro-American Music Institute, Inc. will present “Fantastic Strayhorn” the 2015 Billy Strayhorn Centennial Concert; and
WHEREAS, William Thomas “Billy” Strayhorn (1915-1967) was a jazz composer, pianist, lyricist, and arranger, best known for his successful collaboration with bandleader and composer Duke Ellington, lasting nearly three decades; and
WHEREAS, Billy Strayhorn graduated from Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and began his musical career studying classical music at the Pittsburgh Music Institute; and
WHEREAS, Strayhorn was a gentle, soft-spoken man who avoided the limelight, and thus has rarely received his due. In addition to his enormously popular Take the “A” Train, his best-known works are Day Dream, Lotus Blossom, and Lush Life; and
WHEREAS, a Pennsylvania State Historical Marker highlighting Strayhorn’s accomplishments can be found at Westinghouse High School and the former Regent Theatre in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood was renamed the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in honor of Strayhorn and fellow Pittsburgher Gene Kelly in 2000;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby honor the late Billy Strayhorn, one of the greatest composers of jazz, and we recognize the Westinghouse High School Alumni performers and honorees, as well as all of the artists performing in the 2015 Billy Strayhorn Centennial Concert.
2015 Billy Strayhorn Centennial Concert ~ Fantastic Strayhorn
Mistress of Ceremonies: Bev Smith
Afro-American Music Institute, Inc. Boys Choir ~Lift Every Voice & Sing
Professor Geri Allen ~ A Flower is a Lovesome Thing
Dr. James T. Johnson, Jr. ~ Isfahan
Floreece Davis ~ Daydream
George “Duke” Spaulding ~ Prelude to a Kiss
Howard Alexander III ~ UMMG
Frank Cunimondo/Adam Wade ~ Lush Life
Kenny Peagler ~ Pretty Girl
Sweet Thunder ~ Film Clip
Kenny Peagler ~ So This is Love
Vanessa German ~ Strayhorn
Howard Alexander III ~ Blood Count
Floreece Davis ~ Something to Live For
Adam Wade & Floreece Davis ~ Satin Doll
Blue & Gold All-Stars ~ Take the “A” Train
Honorees:
Strayhorn Family
Minister Darryl Strayhorn
Dr. Vernell Lillie
The Honorable Warren Watson
Art Nance
Nelson Harrison
Cecil “Valdez” Washington
John “Smitty” Smith
Eric Johnson
Tim Smith
Jevon Rushton