All That Jazz

We often wonder what it's like for artists slugging it out on the tribute circuit, dragging out their best versions of songs by dead guys (or guys we wish were dead like, say, Steve Perry). Luckily for jazz musicians/tribute artists Patti Austin, Byron Stripling and Paul Mercer Ellington, the source material is particularly strong. This Saturday at 7 p.m., all three take the stage at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (2301 Flora St.) to perform the works of Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, respectively. Austin, the unofficial goddaughter of Quincy Jones and Dinah Washington, has recorded since the late '60s, scoring several R & B hits in the early '80s, while Stripling has performed as a soloist with the Boston Pops and many others. And if the name didn't tip you off already, Paul Mercer Ellington is the grandson of Duke and conductor for the modern version of his orchestra. And while it's no small task to live up to these legends, we think singing "What a Wonderful World" in symphony halls has gotta beat singing "With Open Arms" in suburban cougar bars any day. Tickets to "The Legends of Jazz" are $35 to $85. Call 214-692-0203 or visit dallassymphony.com.
Wed., Oct. 10, 7 p.m., 2007