Conversation so far:
Where did Duke Ellington get his first start?
At first, Duke Ellington played in other ensembles, and in late 1917 formed his first group, The Duke's Serenaders (Colored Syncopators, his telephone directory advertising proclaimed)
Are there any other interesting aspects about the Duke Ellington article?
Duke Ellington was also The Duke's Serenaders's booking agent. His first play date was at the True Reformer's Hall, where he took home 75 cents.
Did Duke Ellington have any other play dates?
Duke Ellington played throughout the D.C. area and into Virginia for private society balls and embassy parties.

Question: Did he do any live performances?
Self-contained rewrite: Did Duke Ellington do any live performances?