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ABOUT ELLA & ELLINGTON

  • Ella & Ellington revolves around two of the most famous jazz musicians of all time:  Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. 

  • ​Performed by 18 piece big band Strictly Smokin' Big Band and Alice Grace.

  • There is a narrative throughout the show which tells the story of Ella, Ellington and many of their collaborators along with their relationships both personal and musical.

  • Our show’s projected backdrops are carefully curated and have proven extremely popular with audiences; increasing engagement and elevating the performance beyond a ‘gig’.​

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  • Spring 2023 tour of Harlem '58 sold to over 95% across venues in the North, most of which were in new areas for the show and band.

  • Preview of Ella & Ellington at Sunderland's Fire Station on July 2023 sold to 90% - review here.

  • Recent sold-out venues include Sage Gateshead, Durham Gala Theatre, Alnwick Playhouse, Queen's Hall Hexham, Gosforth Civic Theatre and numerous others.

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  • Album re-release in Spring 2024 to coincide with tour.

  • Usually touring single night engagements. Longer runs available.

  • Sutiable for all ages.

  • Guarantee/ split.  Deals negotiable.

  • Ella & Ellington is touring Spring 2024.

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STRICTLY SMOKIN' BIG BAND

“What many would claim to be the UKs number one big band”, Strictly Smokin’ is a full 18-piece big band including vocalist, Alice Grace.

 

Celebrating their 20th year performing in 2022 and hailed as “one of the UK's most effortlessly fluent big bands”, the group draws its members from the most talented jazz musicians in the North of England, and travel the country performing in theatres, jazz clubs and festivals.

REVIEWS/ TESTIMONIALS

“…one of the UK’s most effortlessly fluent big bands” – Jazz Alert

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"...innovative musicians at the forefront of the jazz scene." - Sage Gateshead

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"Ella & Ellington, Strictly Smokin', full house: it's a common occurrence" - Be Bop Spoken Here

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BILLING

Strictly Smokin' Big Band: Ella & Ellington feat. Alice Grace

COPY

“…one of the UK’s most effortlessly fluent big bands” – Jazz Alert

​

"...innovative musicians at the forefront of the jazz scene." - Sage Gateshead

​

Get ready to swing the night away with the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band as they bring to life the timeless music of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.  The show's projected backdrop explores the intricacies of these greats, their music and various collaborators. Plus, with vocalist Alice Grace leading the charge, you’ll be transported back to a golden age of jazz.

 

As the band takes the stage, you’ll be immersed in the classic sounds of the big band era. From the classic melodies of Duke Ellington to the powerhouse vocals of Ella Fitzgerald, the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band brings the music to life with all the energy and excitement that made that era famous. An exciting journey through the music and lives of these two legends featuring “Let’s Do It”, “Time After Time”, “A Tisket, A Tasket”, “Perdido” and many more both original and brand new arrangements.

 

Together, Michael Lamb’s Strictly Smokin’ Big Band and Alice Grace deliver a performance that’s sure to get your feet tapping and your heart singing. So don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington – tickets on sale now!

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Please note that on occasion substitute musicians and vocalists are used without notice.

Sample projection screens:

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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Running Times:

  • Two acts

  • 55 minutes each

  • 30 minute interval

  • Total running time inc. interval: 2h 20m

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Technical:

  • 2 hour minimum get in

  • 1 hour sound check

  • 1 hour get out 

  • 15 chairs without arms

  • WiFi at the venue is reuired for the performance

  • Use of house piano is prefered

  • Projection essential

  • In-house sound preferable, can supply if required.

  • Lighting

    • Simple

    • Mid-wash across whole performance space, with blackout.​

Prefered timings for 7.30pm* curtain up:

  • 1500: MD arrives to set chairs and stands. Please have decking set.

  • 1700: Rhtyhm section and vocals arrive and set on stage

  • 1715: Rest of band arrive and set on stage

  • 1730: All stage, sound and projection is set

  • 1740: sound check, including monitors

  • 1800: Rehearsal with sound, LX, projection and stage crew

  • 1850: Finish and clear

  • 1900: Doors

  • 1930: Curtain up: Set/Act 1

  • 2025: Interval

  • 2055: Set/ Act 2

  • 2150: Curtain down

  • Get out takes no more than 1 hour.

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* plus or minus accordingly for different start times

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ENGAGEMENT & WORKSHOPS

  • Strictly Smokin’s musical director and/ or vocalist can deliver pre or post show workshops exploring the music of the show for school /college or community groups.

  • These can be tailored to ability and experience, and can also utilise our musicians.

  • We can offer listening lists with suggestions of suitable albums for pupils/students that explore the music of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington

  • The Team can offer pre/post-show Q&As to explore aspects of the show.

SHOW OUTLINE for SOUND & LX

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IMAGES & ARTWORK

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SOLUS COPY

Below can be copied and pasted into your marketing service, or the individual elements can be downloaded pre-formatted for you to arrange yourself.

Subject:

Strictly Smokin' Big Band: Harlem '58 | Live 18-piece big band

Ella Ellington General Banner.jpg

Tickets available now at

www.strictly-smokin.co.uk/tickets

 

Get ready to swing the night away with the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band as they bring to life the timeless music of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.  The show's projected backdrop explores the intricacies of these greats, their music and various collaborators. Plus, with vocalist Alice Grace leading the charge, you’ll be transported back to a golden age of jazz.

Ella_Ellington_Video_Image.png

As the band takes the stage, you’ll be immersed in the classic sounds of the big band era. From the classic melodies of Duke Ellington to the powerhouse vocals of Ella Fitzgerald, the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band brings the music to life with all the energy and excitement that made that era famous. An exciting journey through the music and lives of these two legends featuring “Let’s Do It”, “Time After Time”, “A Tisket, A Tasket”, “Perdido” and many more both original and brand new arrangements.

Together, Michael Lamb’s Strictly Smokin’ Big Band and Alice Grace deliver a performance that’s sure to get your feet tapping and your heart singing. So don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington – tickets on sale now!

 

Tickets available now at www.strictly-smokin.co.uk/tickets

 

“…one of the UK’s most effortlessly fluent big bands” – Jazz Alert

​

Please note that on occasion substitute musicians and vocalists are used without notice.

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SOCIAL MEDIA COPY

X (Twitter):

@strictlysmokin Big Band with @alicegracejazz are at VENUE NAME on DATE with their new performance Ella & Ellington showcasing the music of these iconic jazz greats.  “Let’s Do It”, “Time After Time”, “Perdido” and many more tunes - an absoulte must see!

Facebook/ Instagram (long):

“…one of the UK’s most effortlessly fluent big bands” – Jazz Alert Get ready to swing the night away with the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band as they bring to life the timeless music of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington at VENUE NAME on DATE. Tickets: TICKET LINK "...innovative musicians at the forefront of the jazz scene." - Sage Gateshead Get ready to swing the night away with the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band as they bring to life the timeless music of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.  The show's projected backdrop explores the intricacies of these greats, their music and various collaborators. Plus, with vocalist Alice Grace leading the charge, you’ll be transported back to a golden age of jazz. As the band takes the stage, you’ll be immersed in the classic sounds of the big band era. From the classic melodies of Duke Ellington to the powerhouse vocals of Ella Fitzgerald, the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band brings the music to life with all the energy and excitement that made that era famous. An exciting journey through the music and lives of these two legends featuring “Let’s Do It”, “Time After Time”, “A Tisket, A Tasket”, “Perdido” and many more both original and brand new arrangements. Together, Michael Lamb’s Strictly Smokin’ Big Band and Alice Grace deliver a performance that’s sure to get your feet tapping and your heart singing. So don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington – tickets on sale now! 🎙🎹 ELLA & ELLINGTON 📍 VENUE 🎟 TICKET LINK 🗓 DATE

Facebook/ Instagram (short):

“…one of the UK’s most effortlessly fluent big bands” – Jazz Alert Get ready to swing the night away with the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band as they bring to life the timeless music of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington at VENUE NAME on DATE. Tickets: TICKET LINK As the band takes the stage, you’ll be immersed in the classic sounds of the big band era. From the classic melodies of Duke Ellington to the powerhouse vocals of Ella Fitzgerald, the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band brings the music to life with all the energy and excitement that made that era famous. An exciting journey through the music and lives of these two legends featuring “Let’s Do It”, “Time After Time”, “A Tisket, A Tasket”, “Perdido” and many more both original and brand new arrangements. 🎙🎹 ELLA & ELLINGTON 📍 VENUE 🎟 TICKET LINK 🗓 DATE

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GENERAL SOCIAL MEDIA ASSETS

We're regularly updating this folder with new material - images, videos, reels etc.  Please keep checking for new assets.

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If you require something in particular, please just contact us and we'll happily put it together.

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TAGS & KEYWORDS

Big Band; Jazz; Swing; Strictly Smokin’ Big Band; singer; trumpet; saxophone; trombone; piano; guitar; Alice Grace; Michael Lamb; Ella Fitzgerald; Duke Ellington; Mood Indigo; Perdido, Tisket Tasket, Time After Time, Let's Do It

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