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The exhibit, a program of the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, will celebrate the centennial of Billy Strayhorn, the man who created many of the world’s most recognizable jazz standards.
The exhibit is based on a new book with that title by A. Alyce Claerbaut and David Schlesinger. It was curated by Strayhorn’s niece, Leslie Demus, with Theresa Kump Leghorn and designed by Jesse Sanchez. In addition to material taken from the book, the exhibit features some never-before-seen artifacts from Strayhorn's home, including artwork and personal items.
Programming for the exhibit includes a screening of the award-winning documentary “Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life,” which kicks off ArtsFest Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Linda Kelly Theater at New Rochelle High School. Director Robert Levi will be on hand to introduce the film and answer questions.
An African-American composer, arranger and pianist from the 1940s to the 1960s, Strayhorn was responsible for some of the most well known tunes and arrangements in jazz. Working with Duke Ellington, Strayhorn wrote classics such as “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “Lush Life,” yet his decision to live openly as a gay black man, and his association with the more extroverted Duke Ellington, kept him nearly anonymous as a composer. The exhibit examines his life and his achievements as well as his support for civil rights.
“Strayhorn: An Illustrated Life” exhibit was made possible by the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, the Billy Strayhorn Foundation, Arts Westchester and the New Rochelle Council on the Arts.
The exhibit is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by special appointment.
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