MERCEDES ELLINGTON speaks and NICOLAS KING performs.

Must RSVP by noon of the Sunday before

$60 admission includes a three-course lunch payable at the door by cash or check only

EVENING EVENT

Mercedes Ellington is an acclaimed Broadway and television tap dancer, choreographer, director, and producer, as well as founder and Artistic Director of the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts. A third-generation member of the distinguished Ellington family, she has dedicated herself to preserving and advancing her grandfather Duke Ellington’s musical legacy while forging her own path in dance. A graduate of the Metropolitan Opera School of Ballet, she made her New York City Opera debut and broke barriers as one of the June Taylor Dancers on The Jackie Gleason Show, where she performed for seven years and became captain of the troupe. Her distinguished career includes numerous Broadway productions, including Sophisticated Ladies, Play On, and No, No, Nanette, as well as international performances throughout Europe, Asia, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. She founded the tap company BalleTap USA, received an AUDELCO Award for her choreography in Storyville, and was named an Honorary Citizen of Paris. Mercedes continues to perform and compete in ballroom dance with her partner, Michael Choi. Through her artistry and leadership, she proudly carries forward the Ellington legacy while making her own enduring contribution to the performing arts.

Nicolas King has been performing since the age of four, making his Broadway debut in Beauty and the Beast, followed by A Thousand Clowns opposite Tom Selleck and Hollywood Arms, directed by Hal Prince, all before the age of 12. His extensive career includes appearances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, eight consecutive performances on The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, and guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show, and The View, among others. He also originated the voice of Oscar on Discovery Kids’ Kenny the Shark and appeared in more than two dozen national television commercials. From 2002 to 2012, Nicolas toured internationally as the opening act for his mentor, Liza Minnelli. His honors include the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Julie Wilson Award, a Bistro Award for Outstanding Performer of the Year, the AMG Heritage Award for Artist of the Year, and the 2019 Legends Award. His album On Another Note, recorded with jazz great Mike Renzi, received Grammy consideration. For more information, visit officialnicolasking.com.