Ken Burns: Jazz: The True Welcome (1929-1934)

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:45:45 -0500

In 1929 as the Great Depression begins, New York is now America's jazz capital. On Broadway, Louis Armstrong revolutionizes the art of American popular song. In Harlem, Chick Webb pioneers his own big-band sound and in the city's clubs, pianists Fats Waller and Art Tatum dazzle audiences. But it is Duke Ellington who takes jazz "beyond category," composing hit tunes that has critics comparing him to Stravinsky.

Ain't Misbehavin' Opening Night!

Sun, 03 May 2009 16:58:57 -0500

Hear what audiences are saying about AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' playing now at the Ahmanson Theatre! Here through May 31st - don't miss your chance to see the classic musical live on stage! At the height of the historic Harlem Renaissance, venues like The Cotton Club were jumpin to a new beat called swing. Aint Misbehavin is a rollicking, finger-snapping, toe-tapping, Tony Award -winning musical revue a tribute to the black entertainers of the early 1900s that centers on the music of one of the most prolific musicians of the time, Thomas Fats Waller. Recreated by original director, Richard Maltby, Jr. (Tony Award , Best Direction) for an exclusive Center Theatre Group engagement, Aint Misbehavin is vibrantly told with infectious energy and the cheeky humor for which Waller was known. Featuring 30 famous, high-energy tunes including Aint Misbehavin, Honeysuckle Rose, Black and Blue and The Joint is Jumpin.

TV Guide: Online Video Guide Fats Waller

Ken Burns: Jazz: The True Welcome (1929-1934)

Ain't Misbehavin' Opening Night!