A weekend of jazz from Duke Arts Presents kicks off with none other than Vice Provost for the Arts John V. Brown as he convenes an all-star group of local jazz talent with national credentials. The John Brown Big Band will join forces with Grammy-nominated vocalist and Durham native Nnenna Freelon for this special one-night-only event.

Freelon is a renowned performer and educator who has worked with jazz greats like Ray Charles, headlined global events, starred in Hollywood films, produced and composed for theater, and received significant awards including the inaugural “Legend Award” from the YWCA of North Carolina. Likewise, band leader, composer and Duke University educator John Brown has been a longtime performer in local symphony orchestras and jazz groups, and has performed internationally with the Marsalis Brothers, Elvin Jones, Rosemary Clooney, and more.

Coming together in celebration of the North Carolina jazz community and to push the tradition forward, these local artists of national prominence perform fresh arrangements of jazz standards.