Festival Celebrates Monk’s N.C. Roots

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DURHAM, N.C.—Duke University, in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, will present an 18-event festival, taking place over six weeks and celebrating the 90th birthday of composer/pianist Thelonious Monk.

“Following Monk,” running from Sept. 15-Oct. 28, offers three world premieres, numerous special concert events, commentary and master classes exploring the genius of the jazz legend. The series also includes the “Following Monk Institute,” a four-day continuing education course offering guided tours of important sites from Monk’s childhood and family heritage in eastern North Carolina, with participation by Monk’s son, T.S. Monk, and other family members.

Performance highlights for the festival include three world premiere arrangements of “Round Midnight” by the Kronos Quartet and two distinct takes on Monk’s legendary 1959 Town Hall concert: one from the Charles Tolliver Orchestra and another from Jason Moran.

Tickets went on sale Wednesday. For tickets, call (919) 684-4444 or visit tickets.duke.edu. More information is also available at followingmonk.org.



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