WELCOME
About Us
Since 1958, the Duke Ellington Society of Southern California (DESSC) has promoted and presented the music of Edward Kennedy “Duke“ Ellington for his fans and scholars of his music in the greater Los Angeles area. DESSC gatherings feature presentations of scholarships, showings of rare films and performances of Duke Ellington’s music by contemporary jazz artists. Presenters have included some of the best-known scholars of Ellington’s life and music. Musicians have included former members of The Duke Ellington Orchestra, as well as leading jazz musicians from the greater Los Angeles area.
We invite you to become a member of the Duke Ellington Society of Southern California (DESSC). We are a non-profit music educational organization registered with the state of California. Our purpose is to promote and expand awareness and appreciation of the music legacy of the great Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, recognized around the world as one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century.
At DESSC meetings, members enjoy live music performances and the opportunity to mix socially with other jazz enthusiasts whom they might otherwise never meet. Members receive our newsletter “In A Mellotone” with information about events and society activities, as well as articles and reviews of new books and recordings of Ellington and his musicians.
We Welcome New Members!
The Duke Ellington Society of Southern California invites your participation in keeping the Ellington legacy alive, and ensuring that our organization remains viable, current and relevant. We're building membership! We want to hear from you! We're interested in your program suggestions and ideas. These are the areas we would welcome your participation in: Program Presentations, Musical Guests, Membership Building, Submitting Articles, Publicity, and Fundraising.