"Born to Swing" features story of pianist Lillette Jenkins Wisner

The musical "Born to Swing" tells the story of the 85-year career of jazz concert pianist Lillette Jenkins Wisner. The Columbia, Md., resident traveled the world, sharing the stage with music legends Nat "King" Cole, who wrote the song "Lillette" in her honor, Cab Calloway, Billy Joel, Ray Charles and Duke Ellington, who dubbed her "Queen of the Keys."

The play is penned by her daughter, Adrienne Harris, as a love letter to her mother who died from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 94 in 2020. "In spite of her diagnosis, my mother could play the piano up to three days before she died," says Harris. Wisner's daughter, Michele Harris, is casts as her in the play.

The musical debuts February 26, at 6 p.m., at the Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043, where it will be taped for later broadcast. To view the taped performance, a donation is requested. Visit: facebook.com/QUEENOFTHEKEYSAWARD. A
percentage of the proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association's The Longest Day and Lillette's Foundation for the Arts.

To learn how to host an event or activity for The Longest Day, visit. alz.org/longestday.