Shane Chalke’s B.E. Jazz Reunite with SCD

January 10, 2025 | Sarasota

Sarasota Contemporary Dance jumps into the new year with adding two community performances in south and north counties as part of its 19th season SHINE this February. SCD is thrilled to rejoin with the phenomenal jazz group conducted by Shane Chalke to present SCD + Duke Ellington in collaboration with Shane Chalke’s B.E. Jazz. 

Duke Ellington was one of the most impactful musical forces of the twentieth century, influencing classical music, popular music, and, of course, jazz. SCD brings back this collaboration with Shane Chalke’s B.E. Jazz, a 4-pc jazz band playing the legendary notes of Duke Ellington live alongside original choreography by SCD Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, inspired by Ellington’s musical drama and artistic expertise. 

 “As a leader,” comments Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, “I admire Ellington’s ability to make his community of fellow musician’s shine and evolve while impacting the world of music. I am honored to reunite with Shane Chalke’s B.E. Jazz during Black History month to bring tribute to an icon who shaped the world of music and share it with our greater community.” 

Shane Chalke, talented trumpet player and former Board President of Sarasota Contemporary Dance, is based in Banner Elk, NC. Shane will perform alongside his jazz group Shane Chalke’s B.E. Jazz with Keith Carman (piano), Ben McPherron (bass), and Michael Willis (drums), to deliver the incredible sounds of Duke Ellington. Learn more about the four-piece band in their bios below. Shane is thrilled to be collaborating once again with SCD. 

“In one form or another I feel like I’ve been playing Ellington’s music my entire life. Duke’s band just might have been the most influential jazz orchestra of all time.” says Shane Chalke. “Although most of his music originates in the 1930s and 40s, I think it fits perfectly with contemporary dance today!!” 

SCD + Duke Ellington in collaboration with Shane Chalke’s B.E. Jazz is a show for audiences of all ages featuring live music paired with contemporary, jazz, and tap dance performed by eight SCD dancers. This production was brought back by popular demand and made possible by the support received from the Bishop Parker Foundation and North Port Performing Arts Center. This show will tour both the north and south counites.  

The first stop will be at the Manatee Performing Arts Center for a daytime school show for Manatee County students and a ticketed evening show open to the public on Wednesday February 12 at 7:30pm. This performances at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in conjunction with Duke Ellington inspired K-12 dance workshops at schools in Bradenton and Palmetto during the month of December were made possible by Bishop Parker Foundation.  

The second stop will be at the North Port Performing Arts Center on the campus of North Port High School as part of their Season of Stars on Thursday February 13 at 7:00pm.  

Join SCD + Duke Ellington in collaboration with Shane Chalke’s B.E. Jazz at either venues or at both as they bring to life the music of Duke Ellington. 

Performances 

Wednesday February 12, 7:30pm
Location: Manatee Performing Art Center, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton, FL        Box Office: (941) 748-5875
Tickets: up to $40, 

Thursday February 13, 7:00pm
Location: North Port Performing Art Center, 6400 W Price Blvd, North Port, FL              Box Office: (941) 423-8558 ext. 66220
Tickets: $25