A musical masterpiece returns to the Raven: Harlem Nutcracker Suite

“It swings so hard. It’s so well written. The orchestration is so beautiful and it’s sublime. It’s such a wonderful suite of music,” Marcus Shelby told Christian Kallen at The Healdsburg Tribune last year as he was getting ready to perform the “Harlem Nutcracker Suite” with his orchestra for the first time at the Raven. Shelby returns for the 2025 holidays as Healdsburg Jazz presents Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s musical masterpiece on December 20th. The music is wonderful and exciting for audiences of all ages; many will recognize the enduring themes from the original “Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky, using the blues and swing as the vehicle for the music. Although specifically written for the holiday season, the music has the energy, power, and joyfulness that could allow the suite to be played anytime of the year.

The second half of this special holiday concert features celebrated Bay Area vocalist Tiffany Austin with the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, performing a program of Christmas songs, spirituals, and various traditional songs re-arranged from around the world. This portion of the concert includes poetry, a slide show, and other holiday surprises.   

This concert includes a toy drive; those who are able can bring a small gift, or book, or toy that Healdsburg Jazz will deliver to local partners.