‘Piano at the Parlour' performance features the Norman Simmons Trio

SUSSEX — “Piano in the Parlour” returns to Centenary Stage on Sunday, April 11 at 4 p.m. with pianist Norman Simmons and his trio performing “A Salute to Duke Ellington.” Simmons is a soloist, arranger, composer and educator known for his ability to connect with jazz singers like Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, and Joe Williams. An alumni of the Chicago School of Music, Simmons worked in Chicago’s hottest clubs, including The Behive, where his group would back touring greats like saxophonists Wardell Gray, Lester Young and Charlie Parker. Ernestine Anderson convinced him to move to New York to continue working with her, where Simmons also began playing with tenor saxophonists Johnny Griffin and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis as well as vocalist Betty Carter. Most recently, Simmons has been a member of the Ellington Legacy Band since 2002. The Norman Simmons Trio includes Sheila Early on drums and Tom DiCarlo on bass. Di Carlo, who also teaches at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. was recently selected by Jazz at Lincoln Center to tour the world for the U.S. State Department in 2010 as an ambassador. The series is held in the Grace Memorial Parlours at Centenary College and is made possible in part through donations made by CSC patrons to restore the 100-year old Steinway grand piano. Matching funds for restoration came from the Van Winkle Trust for the maintenance of musical instruments at Centenary College, and local sponsor, Paul Simone and Vienna Piano for donation of the mini-stage for piano presentations. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $18 at the door. Call 908-979-0900 for more information.