Everyone knows Ella Fitzgerald was the “Queen of Jazz,” but few know how she achieved legendary status.
“Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things” is a captivating biography that follows her extraordinary journey over six decades as her sublime voice transforms the tragedies of her own life and the troubles of her times into joy.
The Gold Coast Arts Cinema Series presents the screening of “Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things” on Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Neck Cinemas at the Squire, 115 Middle Neck Road in Great Neck.
Moving beyond the conventional biopic, the film’s director uses images and music to evoke the feel of those times to bring to life the context of Ms. Fitzgerald’s heralded career. Featuring interviews with Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Norma Miller, and Jamie Cullum, who said: “her music is one of the reasons it’s worth being on this planet.”
A special Q&A will follow the screening with artist Vinnie Bagwell, who has been sculpting since 1993. Her first public artwork, “The First Lady of Jazz Ella Fitzgerald,” at Yonkers Metro-North/Amtrak train station, is the first sculpture of a contemporary African-American woman to be commissioned by a municipality in the United States. Additional guest speakers will be announced at a future date.
Tickets for “Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things” are $15 Adults/Seniors and $10 for members when purchased in advance. All tickets at the door are $20. Tickets can be ordered online at www.goldcoastarts.org or by phone at 516-829-2570.
Submitted by the Gold Coast Arts Center
