Tribute concert for Duke Ellington: Jazz evening in Oberkochen!

Tribute concert for Duke Ellington: Jazz evening in Oberkochen!

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, a special concert by the South West OldTime All Stars (Swoas) takes place in the town hall in Oberkochen. The event starts at 8 p.m. and is all about the honor of the famous jazz musician Duke Ellington, who would have been 125 years old this year. The concert bears the motto "Celebrating the Duke / Nutcrackersuite" and promises to present the imperishable music from Ellington in a new light. Tickets for the event are available on shop-oberkochen.de

The Swoas have completed hundreds of appearances in Mannheim since their debut concert in 2018 and have established themselves in the European traditional jazz scene. Members of the group are distributed across the entire federal territory, which gives the band a characteristic versatility. Your repertoire not only includes your own arrangements, but also elements of classic jazz standards, such as the works of Louis Armstrong, especially the recordings of the Hot5 and Hot7.

The musical homage

The recently newly arranged "Nusskracker Suite" by Pjotr Tchaikovsky, which was edited by Felix Fromm, the tromboneist of the Swoas, for the concert, is a central element of the event. This processing gives an insight into Ellington Innovative way of adding classic music jazz elements. As early as the late 1920s, Ellington and his “small bands” laid the foundation for later big band.

known pieces such as Mood Indigo , caravan and Digadigadoo will also be on the program. Admission prices are 15 euros, with a reduced rate of 10 euros.

Duke Ellington Erbe

The native Washington Edward Kennedy Ellington, known as Duke Ellington, is considered a significant personality in the history of jazz. Born on April 29, 1899, he grew up in a family of musicians, which shaped his love for music early on. At the age of fifteen he earned his first money with music and had already composed his first piece, soda fountain rag at the age of seventeen.

ellington innovative compositions and complex arrangements that merged different styles led to being considered one of the pioneers of jazz. His influence extended far beyond the jazz scene and still shapes international cultural conversations today. Ellington won numerous awards, including 13 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969. His legacy continues, inspired by many contemporary artists and remains an apprenticeship in genre experimentation.

The upcoming concert in Oberkochen is therefore not only a tribute to the music of Ellington, but also an opportunity for the audience to celebrate and appreciate the cultural meaning of his work.