“Help!’ The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration

What do the Beatles and Duke Ellington have in common?  Come and find out from the accomplished author of the book and hear talented local jazz musicians play songs by the Beatles and Duke Ellington.

Arrive in the early evening at the historical, spacious, Calvary Episcopal Church Hall in Fletcher to mingle with friends and indulge in fine wines and a spread of lovely, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts created by your musical feast hosts. 

Hear an interesting presentation by author Dr. Thomas Brothers about his book, “Help! The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration.”  

Dr. Brothers is a Professor of Music at Duke University.  He is the author of four books, including Louis Armstrong, Master of Modernism which was a Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2014. At Duke, he teaches in the areas of Medieval, Renaissance, Jazz, African-American music and The Beatles. He holds degrees in Music from The University of California at Berkeley (Ph.D.) and The University of Pennsylvania (B.A).

After the book talk, sit back and enjoy live music of The Beatles and Duke Ellington, performed by jazz pianist Michael Jefry Stevens of Black Mountain and his jazz ensemble, including a talented female vocalist. 

Michael has released over 100 CD’s featuring his own music and composed over 350 compositions for both large and small ensembles.  In 2021 Michael received a $10,000 Doris Duke Foundation Performing Artist Recovery Fund Grant. Michael was an artist in residence for EMU Conservatory in La Plata, Argentina, and he has taught master classes all over the world. 

Door prizes will be gifted including signed books by Dr. Brothers and CD’s by Mr. Stevens.

This is sure to be an inspirational evening of entertainment and enlightenment not to be missed.

Details and directions will be sent to all guests.