VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 12, 2009) - Making Music. Making a Difference. Working to help end homelessness in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

That's the objective of all those involved in the premiere presentation of "Duke Ellington's Sacred Music" in Western Canada. The single, fund-raising performance November 20 will feature vocalist Dee Daniels, conductor/arranger Fred Stride and his Jazz Orchestra, vocalist James Caddell, members of the Phoenix Chamber Choir, and tap dancer Troy McLaughlin

"It has been my dream to bring this great music to Vancouver for a very long time," says internationally renowned jazz singer Dee Daniels. "Thanks to the talents of Fred Stride, my musical partner in this venture, the help of a group of extremely talented musicians and performers, along with co-presenters Coastal Jazz and First United Church, this dream will finally come true."

Duke Ellington's Sacred Music is a reverent and hip body of jazz composition, written late in his career, that combines elements of jazz, classical music, choral music, spirituals, gospel, blues and dance. Ellington himself considered this work to be among the most important musical pieces he'd ever written.

This musical event will support and help continue the work of First United Church Mission, which has been serving the people of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside for nearly 125 years.