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On a recent Wednesday evening, the exterior of the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center buzzed with excitement as guests clad in elegant attire awaited the commencement of the program. They indulged in popcorn from gold-trimmed bags and enjoyed cocktails in front of a wall adorned with large black-and-white portraits of the legendary jazz pianist and composer, Duke Ellington.
The Annual Celebration in Honor of a Jazz Legend
“I thoroughly enjoy attending events here,” Alec Baldwin remarked, standing alongside his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, who was dressed in a plunging lavender gown complemented by a cross pendant, on the red carpet at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s annual charity gala celebrating Ellington’s 125th anniversary.
A Look at the Host Couple
The couple, who tied the knot in 2012, are featured on the TLC reality television series, “Life as a Baldwin.” Filmed while Mr. Baldwin was involved in an involuntary manslaughter trial, the show offers a glimpse into their bustling family life shared with seven young children and eight pets. The trial was dropped in July.
Jazz enthusiasts included “The Sopranos” star, Michael Imperioli, who recently portrayed Dom Di Grasso, a suave Hollywood producer, in the second season of “The White Lotus.”
A walk through the jazz-savvy crowd
He has yet to watch the latest season, he said, but looks forward to doing so soon. “I aim to settle down and watch the entire series in a couple of days,” he said. “I’ve been binging British detective shows.”
“Our children aren’t particularly drawn to the music I appreciate,” observed Mr. Baldwin, 67, dressed in a navy suit and burgundy button-down shirt. “I have a fondness for much classical music. I also admire Japanese jazz.” (Ms. Baldwin, 41, a fitness expert and host of a podcast, stated that she frequently listens to Billie Eilish.)
The Star-Studded Assembly
The Baldwins and Mr. Imperioli were among a selection of celebrities from the realms of film, music, and media, featuring the journalist Joy Reid and Ellington’s granddaughter, Mercedes Ellington. The evening, hosted by actor and comedian Dave Chappelle, honored philanthropist H.E. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo and the jazz pianist and composer Toshiko Akiyoshi.
The Program Commences
A leisurely evening with music, scents, and conversation
Shortly after 6:45 p.m., attendees began entering the theater. In front of the stage, two rows of tables were adorned with baskets of popcorn and bottles of wine.
The Baldwins shared a table with Chloe Breyer, executive director of the Interfaith Center of New York, and Greg Scholl, executive director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. As they awaited the concert featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis, Ms. Baldwin savored a glass of red wine, while Mr. Baldwin snacked on popcorn and browsed his phone.
Approximately 15 minutes before 08:00 pm., the concert began with Mr. Chappelle taking the stage.
A Moment of Connection with Dave Chappelle
“You’d never have anticipated seeing me at an event such as this, correct?” quipped the renowned comedian.
“No need to concern yourself, there won’t be any profanity,” he jestingly assured. “I’m simply here to provide some assistance.”
He then revealed a lesser-known aspect of his past: Prior to his career in stand-up comedy, he attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., a public high school focused on arts education.
“That institution profoundly altered my life,” shared Mr. Chappelle, a self-taught jazz pianist. “Duke Ellington was an individual who traveled the globe solely based on his talent. And, as youngsters, we were aware that it was attainable, merely because his spirit permeated the environment.”
Primarily adhering to the teleprompter, Mr. Chappelle did include a few impromptu remarks. “You can’t expect one of the world’s greatest comedians to merely read off a teleprompter. ” he commented.
He took light aim at President Trump, stating, “It is up to us. We must sustain this tradition. This represents one of the finest aspects of America,” he said. “Did you witness what Trump did at the Kennedy Center? You’re next. He’ll come here, ‘I need to make jazz great again.’ Oh, no! Oh, no!”
The Entertainment Returns
Shortly after 9:15 p.m., the orchestra members led a second-line parade that wound through the atrium. Following the procession, who played “When the Saints Go Marching In,” a few hundred dinner guests settled at tables offering views of Columbus Circle.
A feast for the senses
At approximately 10:00 pm, they began making their way down a hallway draped with a metallic gold curtain into Dizzy’s Club. The room, characterized by bamboo walls and windows overlooking Central Park, is designed to foster a sense of closeness and intimacy. They danced into the early hours of the morning, as the Norman Edwards Jr. Excitement Band performed swing classics like and the lights of Manhattan gleamed in the distance
Numerous generations were represented, and the presence of a younger crowd offered hope,” observed Ms. Ellington. “Music stands as the only entity capable of preserving our cohesion. Its significance has never been more vital than at this juncture.”
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