Support those who support us... 

Bank of the James
HomeEventsOutreachSupportVolunteerBoard/StaffHistoryFAQsNewsTicketsLinksImagesContact
Coming Soon!
Sat. Jul. 26th '08 8:30pm
Ellington Fridays on Saturday: The House Band!
Sat. Aug. 9th '08 8:30pm
Webb Wilder
Fri. Sep. 12th '08 5:00pm
the blue newts
Sat. Sep. 13th '08 8:30pm
Blues Caravan 2008-Guitar'd and Feather'd
Wed. Sep. 17th '08 5:00pm
Bella/Vines Event
Fri. Sep. 26th '08 5:00pm
the groove monkeys
Fri. Oct. 10th '08 5:00pm
the deacon blues band
Fri. Oct. 24th '08 5:00pm
the taters
Fri. Nov. 7th '08 5:00pm
he mark miller band
Sat. Nov. 15th '08 8:30pm
Skip Castro Band
Join our Mailing List
Join the The Ellington mailing list
Email:
How to find us
The Ellington
421 Rivermont Ave.
Lynchburg, VA  24504

(434) 845-2162
info@theellington.org

  • Driving Directions
  • Map

    •  History


    While the Ellington Fellowship Playhouse has only been around since 1984, the building has a colorful past. It's been a part of the cultural and historical tapestry of Central Virginia since it was built in 1929, although, one publication has it built in 1903. (If you enjoy researching records, we'd love to hear the truth!)

    We do know it was the second original southern little theaters and the first in Virginia. The building served as the community arts center until the Fine Arts Center was built in 1955. Then the Masons took over, and it was known as the Hill City Lodge.

    In 1984 four investors saw its potential, formed a partnership, bought it and started the Ellington Fellowship Playhouse. Two of them are still active in our organization today, Howard Langhorne, and James Arnold. You'll see them at pretty much every show the Ellington puts on. Howard takes your tickets, and he's the one on the other end of the line when you call, and James, known as Smack, is the sharp dressed man you'll see at the door.

    Music wasn't the first thing we did....The Ellington Fellowship Playhouse started as just that-a playhouse. Dinner theater, to be exact. However, the costs were overrunning the benefits. Then, Dave Abrams came on the scene and said, "Guys, this place needs MUSIC!" And the Ellington you know today was born. Yes, Dave's still around as well... he's the president of the board, and if you talk to him, you'll quickly learn he's not from these parts. However, he's done a lot to make these parts a lot more fun!

    The Ellington is dedicated to jazz great Duke Ellington. Duke's music encompassed jazz, blues, classical and spiritual genres and brought people of all backgrounds together. It was that incredible accomplishment that inspired the Ellington's founders. Today you'll find a mix of musical styles on the Ellington stage, and legendary performers including Doc Watson, Chuck Mangione, Taj Mahal, Junior Walker, Delbert McClinton, The Persuasions, Roy Buchanan, Ellis Marsalis, Charlie Byrd, the Dirty Dozen, Leon Redbone, Commander Cody, Jimmy Thackery, Duke Robillard and many many more.


    HomeEventsOutreachSupportVolunteerBoard/StaffHistoryFAQsNewsTicketsLinksImagesContact
    Engineered by:
    		 Copyright © 2003-2008. The Ellington Fellowship Playhouse. All Rights Reserved.
    Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.