Free Duke Ellington concert on the Cade lawn on April 30

Press release from the Cade Museum

GAINESVILLE, Fla. —Legendary bandleader Duke Ellington ascended the ranks of American jazz by reinventing the big-band sound. From Harlem’s Cotton Club to venues around the world, Ellington’s orchestra delighted millions with gems like “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” and “Prelude to a Kiss,” and even spiritual music, too. Ellington defied genre and tradition, uniting music lovers of all lifestyles and backgrounds. Ellington’s jubilant sound can be experienced once again when 1000 Voices of North Central Florida present their fourth annual concert of his music on the Cade Museum lawn starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 30.

The fourth annual event started in 2020 as an outdoor concert to inspire hope in the community during the pandemic and continued as a tradition to celebrate what would be Duke Ellington’s birthday. Why at the Cade? It all starts with Dr. James Robert Cade, the museum’s namesake and lead inventor of Gatorade. He supported creative growth in the arts and music along with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In honor of Dr. Cade’s interest in both music and the arts, the Cade Museum, in partnership with the 1000 Voices of North Central Florida, hosts this concert every year at no cost to its audience. The Cade has also worked with the nonprofit 1,000 Voices of North Central Florida to connect diverse members of the community through music education and fellowship as well as assist in providing core necessities for individuals in our and surrounding areas. Admission to both the concert and the museum is free on April 30.

Funding is provided by the Community Foundation of North Central Florida. Bring your own chairs or a blanket, grab some takeout from a local restaurant, and enjoy an afternoon of jazz.