Whenever I hear an Ella recording it grabs me at my core. I’m entranced by her. [She] is sublime…I’m so excited to celebrate an artist who has meant so much to all the notes in my musical life.
FEB 23, 2019
Virtuoso violinist, Regina Carter, reveals the many faces of Ella Fitzgerald, which have influenced Carter’s own remarkable path. Simply Ella marks the 100th birthday of a musical legend—the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald.
This Detroit native is the foremost jazz violinist of her generation. For Regina Carter, the violin is not simply an improvisational vehicle; it is a passport to unexpected realms. A Grammy nominated artist, her quest for beauty and her passion for excellence did not escape the attention of the MacArthur Foundation, who awarded Regina their prestigious fellowship “genius” grant. Recently Carter was selected as the 2017 Showcase Artist for the Monterey Jazz Festival and in 2018 was appointed Director of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center All-Female Jazz Residency.
Regina’s recent release, Ella: Accentuate the Positive, and touring program, Simply Ella celebrate the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald – the source of Regina’s musical inspiration. Joining Carter are Marvin Sewell on guitar; Brandon McCune on piano; Chris Lightcap on bass; and Alvester Garnett on drums. An influence she has cherished throughout her life; Regina describes her visceral connection to Ella’s music:
“Growing up in Detroit, there was always music playing in our home…To this very day, whenever I hear an Ella recording it grabs me at my core. I’m entranced by her voice, her melodic improvisations and the passion and artfulness with which Ella sings a song. She helps me understand a song...In a word, Ella is sublime, and she is at the top of my go-to list when learning a jazz tune…I’m so excited to celebrate Ella Fitzgerald, an artist who has meant so much to all the notes in my musical life.”
Admission
Tickets: $47.50, $37.50
Student Tickets: $15
Groups of 10 or more save 10%. Order by phone at 231.941.8082
Performances
Saturday, February 23, 2019 - 8:00pmAuto-Owners Insurance Performing Arts At City Opera House is made possible in part by our generous sponsors and support from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.