Embracing Ella

Ella - 1947

Maria Mazziotti Gillan will be one of the poets celebrating the birthday of Ella Fitzgerald this month.

Musicians, poets, chefs and fans will gather April 27 in Ridgewood to celebrate the “First Lady of Song,” on the 96th anniversary of her birth.

Singer Victoria Warne will lead a jazz combo and perform much-loved Ella hits, and poets Stanley Barkan, Tara Betts, Maria Mazziotti Gillan, and Joe Weil will share poetry.

There will also be an open mic session for poets to offer readings on Ella’s themes from the “great American songbook,” jazz, love, and joy, and drop-in musicians are invited to perform.

Previous poetry and music tributes to Woody Guthrie, Fats Domino, and Elvis Presley have been held previously at the same venue.

As with previous events, a sampling of Ella’s favorite food from local restaurants will be available during the intermission.

The event is Saturday, April 27, at 1 p.m. at Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church (271 Lincoln Avenue corner of West End Avenue)

more event info 

EllaFitzgerald.com