Ellington Carthan and Ekep Nkwelle

This is a recording of their live performance from our stage on Feb. 13, 2021

Ellington Carthan, piano
Ekep Nkwelle, voice

Just like his namesake, jazz pulses through Ellington Carthan’s veins. This up-and-coming jazz pianist, whose diverse career includes performing, teaching, producing, and composing, holds dual degrees in jazz studies and music technology. Born in California and raised in North Carolina, it’s perhaps Carthan’s bicoastal upbringing that makes him such a versatile musician. Like his teacher, celebrated pianist Cyrus Chestnut, Carthan enjoys mixing genres and resists being typecast. Carthan has been honored to perform at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, Smithsonian museums, and more. Ellington is also a class of 2021 Artist in Residence at the Strathmore where he is mentored by Warren Wolf. 

Ekep Nkwelle is a 21-year-old performing, recording, and songwriting vocalist. She began her musical journey while studying Classical Voice under Dr. Monique Holmes and Jazz Performance under Davey Yarborough and Mark G. Meadows at Duke Ellington School of the Arts High School. She is currently a graduating senior at Howard University studying Music Business with a Jazz Voice concentration under professors Connaitre Miller, Jessica Boykin-Settles, and Christie Dashiell. At Howard, she is also a member of the premier vocal jazz ensemble, Afro Blue. Nkwelle has performed at many venues and events including The Kennedy Center (Main Stage, Jazz Club, Millennium Stage, and The Reach), The Hamilton, The Howard Theater, and International Jazz Day to name a few. She has also shared the stage with many artists including Jason Moran, DeeDee Bridgewater, Ledisi, Terrell Stafford, Regina Carter, and Terence Blanchard.

Streaming cost is $10
Donations are welcomed.