Carl Woideck Jazz Heritage Project: "Billy Strayhorn Centennial" at John G Shedd Institute for the Arts

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Composer-arranger-pianist Billy Strayhorn is not a household name, but he should be. For many decades, he was Duke Ellington’s behind-the-scenes composing and arranging partner. In recent years, however, Strayhorn's reputation as a unique artist--independent of the Duke--has been growing. This year, musicians all around the globe are celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth, and Carl Woideck’s Jazz Heritage Project is no exception. Saxophonist/educator Woideck and an all-start cast of great Eugene musicians will anticipate Strayhorn’s actual 100th birthday in December with well-known pieces like Strayhorn’s “Take the 'A' Train", “Lush Life", and “Satin Doll” plus lesser-known songs like “A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing".