In Duke Day for Annie, Ann Cummings Searcy gets ready for famous guest Duke Ellington's, visit. Annie whisks past many temptations as she plays through her day's preparations with flair and fun. Based on true events, Duke Day for Annie is about a little girl's friendship with Jazz icon, Duke Ellington, while growing up in the Northeast during Jim Crow times. Set in the summertime circa 1937 Old Orchard Beach, Maine, the story is told with syncopated rhyme, an ear to old phrases, and rich language. Based on true events as told to the author. Large Print.