The Grand Strand Jazz Orchestra, a blend of local talent and Coastal Carolina University faculty, will present an evening of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn on Sunday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium on the CCU campus. The public is invited; tickets are required.

This program is devoted to the music of these two jazz legends, considered to be two of the most important American composers in any style of music. The performances will highlight a set of big band jazz performances.

The Grand Strand Jazz Orchestra is a professional big band, dedicated to preserving the art of Big Band Jazz and comprised of professional musicians, mostly from the Myrtle Beach area.

The concert will be directed by Chris Connolly, a CCU teaching associate of low brass. He has performed with such acts as the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Bill Mobley's Big Band.

The band includes CCU faculty members Matt White, Dan O'Reilly, Marc Chesanow and CCU alumnus Simon Harding, a jazz musician based in Charleston.

Ticket prices are: $15 for general admission; $5 for CCU/HGTC students; $10 CCU/HGTC faculty and staff; $10 for alumni, OLLI, senior citizens and teens; $5 for children.

The auditorium is located at 108 Spadoni Park Circle on the Conway campus. For more information, or to purchase a ticket, contact Wheelwright Box Office at 843-349-ARTS (2787).