NJW and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts announce the return of this popular Sunday afternoon lecture/performance series.

Going into its fourth year, the series presents a monthly program spotlighting a significant artist, composer, or period of jazz history. NJW faculty artists provide stellar musical performances and informative commentary, giving audiences unique insights into the music.

Sunday, February 14 we celebrate Black History Month with a special tribute to Ella Fitgerald, "To Ella With Love." Known as "The First Lady of Song," Ella was a consummate jazz artist who went on to become an icon of American popular culture whose appeal was universal. Her recorded output was prodigous, and her "Songbooks" a virtual encyclopedia of jazz and popular music. Join noted jazz vocalist and educator Sandra Dudley as she discuss Ella's life and career, and performs some of her most popular works with the Lori Mechem Trio. The event is at 3 pm in the auditorium at the Frist Center, 919 Broadway. Admission is free, and those attending will also receive free admission to the Frist galleries and discounted parking.

Next in the series: March 14 focuses on the life and music of John Coltrane, and April 11 spotlights the great Charles Mingus. The series closes in May with an encore presentation for children of "Ellingtown," the puppet show produced jointly by the NJW and the Nashville Public Library. This series is made possible through an Arts Builds Communities grant from the Metro Nashville Arts Commission in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission.