UGA Presents announces extraordinary performances by the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis on Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. in Hodgson Concert Hall. This special program, titled “Duke in Africa,” brings one of the most esteemed ensembles in jazz to the University of Georgia campus.
Led by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, music director and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is widely celebrated as the world’s premier big band. Comprising 15 of America’s finest jazz musicians, the ensemble performs a broad repertoire that spans historic works, contemporary compositions and masterworks from jazz icons. The JLCO routinely tours internationally and collaborates with symphony orchestras and guest artists, enriching audiences with virtuosic playing, dynamic arrangements and deep musical storytelling.
The “Duke in Africa” program reflects on legendary composer Duke Ellington’s groundbreaking journey to Dakar, Senegal, in 1966 — a trip that inspired some of his most enduring compositions. The JLCO honors Ellington’s legacy with performances of masterpieces including “Afro-Bossa,” “Liberian Suite” and the Grammy Award-winning “Togo Brava Suite.” Co-music directed by JLCO saxophonists Chris Lewisand Alexa Tarantino, this evocative program celebrates the vitality of Ellington’s music and its deep connections to African rhythms and cultural influence.
“Duke in Africa” highlights the JLCO’s signature blend of precision, passion and swing. From richly layered big band arrangements to the individual artistry of each musician, the JLCO embodies both tradition and innovation in jazz performance.
Marsalis made his recording debut in 1982 and has since recorded more than 110 jazz and classical albums, four alternative records and released five DVDs. Marsalis is the winner of nine Grammy Awards, and his jazz oratorio “Blood on the Fields” was the first jazz composition to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. He remains the only musician to win a Grammy Award in two categories — jazz and classical — during the same year.
At the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season, nearly 40 years after founding Jazz at Lincoln Center, Marsalis will step down as artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and music director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Audience members can create their own series of three or more performances for 10% off. UGA Presents single tickets start at just $30 with promo code PAC30, and UGA student tickets are $15.
Information about accessibility and venue amenities is available on the PAC website. Parking is free. To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.