Jazz & Spirituals In Ridgefield

RIDGEFIELD – The internationally acclaimed Mitchell-Ruff Duo will present a concert of jazz and spirituals at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 17, at 4 pm. The church is at 351 Main Street (Route 35).

The Mitchell-Ruff Duo, the oldest continuous jazz ensemble without personnel changes, was officially formed in 1955 when the pianist Dwike Mitchell and the bassist and French horn player Willie Ruff left Lionel Hampton’s band to strike out on their own. Their collaboration has taken them to the top of their profession and to many corners of the world. It was the Mitchell-Ruff Duo that introduced jazz to the former Soviet Union in 1959 and to China in 1981.

The one-hour concert is free, with donations invited. For additional information call 438-3789.