Ashley Kahn & Crystal Stark present Billie & Ella: The Two Peaks of Jazz Expression and Protest

($25-$35 tickets | 7pm Presentation | 8:30pm Performance) Grammy-Award Winning Jazz Historian & Educator **Ashley Kahn** returns to the Century Room for a very special presentation on the lives and legacies of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. This show will also feature a musical performance with incredible vocalist **Crystal Stark** along with an star-studded band!

***Billie & Ella: The Two Peaks of Jazz Expression and Protest***

**There is a spectrum in jazz performance, an X axis that has at one extreme musical technique, and at the other end, individual style. Most historians and critics consider these opposites, and that most musicians can be placed somewhere along this spectrum. Take for example, the two mountains of the jazz vocal tradition—Ella Fitzgerald, whose technique and time was impeccable, and Billie Holiday, whose voice was unique and created its own style. This discussion will look at these two singers in their own right—how they used their talents to establish their individual voice and rise above racist restrictions, and address the African American situation through lyrics and song.**

**With**

**Crystal Stark – Vocal**

**Brice Winston – Saxophone**

**Jonathan Eldridge II – Piano**

**Scott Black – Bass**

**Arthur Vint – Drums**