VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 09/26/12 --

Editors note: There are two photos associated with this press release.

Making Music. Making a Difference. This is the goal of all those involved in the first time ever presentation of Duke Ellington's Sacred Music in Victoria, B.C. This fund-raising performance emceed by Gregor Craigie for Our Place will feature vocalist - and mastermind behind bringing the concert to Victoria - Dee Daniels; award winning conductor/arranger Fred Stride, and the Fred Stride Jazz Orchestra; gospel and blues vocalist, Marcus Mosely; the sensational Sacred Music Gospel Choir; and New York tap dancer, Alex Dugdale. Top flight talent that promises an unforgettable evening.

Last year's concert in Vancouver was described as "grace-filled" and "spectacular". Rick Cluff, emcee for the evening, was at a loss for words. A sold out audience of over 1100 people was mesmerized by the depth of talent of the performers as they were treated to a magnificent, soulful performance of the Sacred Music of Duke Ellington.

Duke Ellington is best remembered as perhaps the finest and most influential composer in the history of American jazz. He was also a man of deep spiritual convictions. Late in his career, he wrote three programs of inspirational music between 1965 and 1973 that blended his peerless tonal artistry with the celebratory energy of classic gospel music. Ellington's last sacred concert was performed only seven months before his death, and although very ill, he gave an inspiring performance of his sacred music classics.

Dee Daniels, internationally renowned jazz singer says, "It has been my dream to bring this great music to Victoria for a very long time. With the help of a group of extremely talented musicians and performers, along with co-presenters Victoria Jazz Society and Our Place Society, this dream will finally come true. It's wonderful to be able to present Ellington's inspiring music again this year. In March of 1973, I had the incredible opportunity to meet The Duke just months before the premiere of the Third Sacred Music Concert. Having had that experience adds to the special significance of sharing his music."

About Our Place Society

Our Place Society is a community centre serving the poor, homeless, and disadvantaged in Greater Victoria. At its location on Pandora Avenue it serves approximately 1,500 meals per day. Our Place has forty five transitional housing units for the hardest to house in our region. It offers a place for people to shower, get clean clothing, participate in community programming, as well as gather and share in a place of belonging.

Event: Duke Ellington's Sacred Music

Date: Saturday, November 10th, 2012 at 8 p.m.

Location: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora Ave. (at Quadra Street)

Tickets & Info: Ditch Records, 784 Fort Street - Lyles Place - 770 Yates Street

Online at www.eventbrite.com or by calling 250-388-7112 Ext 259

To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120926-DeeDaniels_800.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120926-DUKE_ELLINGTON_ORIG.jpg