Hearing the Music In-Between the Synchronized Beats — Winter Jazzfest 2022 Review (Part 2)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, January 26, 2022

In today's Part 2 post about the Winter Jazzfest 2022 virtual marathon, we explore Jazz and the types Jazz within Jazz.

In Part 1 of exploring and sharing Winter Jazzfest 2022, “Winter Jazzfest 2022 – What’s It All About? Something for Everyone from the Comfort of Your Home”, I pointed out how it's really a festival that is a part of Northeast Jersey and a few ways to get there. 

I also demonstrated that pre-pandemic events such as the Winter Jazzfest 2020 contained over 21 stages over 11 nights, in Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, featuring over 700 artists and more than 170 groups (it’s impossible to see all in one night, so one usually attends multiple nights) and I reviewed the more traditional jazz performances. 

Well, this year’s pandemic-driven Winter Jazzfest 2022 virtual marathon contained 10 nights of programming across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and dozens of venues from around the globe. It contained over 100 groups and 500 musicians across 12 venues. That is, once again, more than anyone can listen to in 4 or 5 nights.

In this Part 2 Winter Jazzfest 2022 Review, I’ll introduce you to the Founder’s vision and my favorite WBGO Jazz Radio Station on-air personalities who are hosting the nightly sessions. Then, we’ll explore some straight-ahead jazz folks and also more of the avant-garde or free jazz jazz performances.  

The Founder, The Vision

The Winter Jazzfest founder is Brice Rosenbloom, and this visit and listening journey started on his Winter Jazzfest About page. I found statements like:

“… exciting and forward-thinking contemporary jazz music being made today… celebrates the music as a living entity, wherein history collides with the future in every note. Creative improvisation in the digital age continues to stimulate thought and emotion of its listeners… embracing innovation… defying instrumental boundaries and the old cliches of ‘What is Jazz?’”

Clearly, the festival is looking for more than straight-ahead and swing-type jazz, and clearly I need to hone some of my out-of-the-box listening skills. 

The other cool part of this virtual multi-day marathon is it was hosted by some of my favorite WBGO on-air personalities. 

Keanna Faircloth is the Host of WBGO Afternoon Jazz.

According to her bio on WBGO.org,

“She is a graduate of Howard University having majored in Music History with a minor in Classical Piano. Keanna has written for NPR Music, and worked for Radio One as an on-air personality, producer and voice-over talent […] she was recognized by Radio Ink Magazine as a 2019 African American leader in radio. […] Her mission to connect the jazz of yesteryear to the sound of today is what drives her, and she plans to continue to perpetuate the idea of ‘Sankofa’ - to ‘go back and get it.’”

My buddy Sheila Anderson, Host of Weekend Jazz After Hours, Salon Sessions and Sunday Night Music Mix, is the “Queen of Hang.” At the age of six, she fell in love with jazz and has been a member of WBGO for 33 years.

Sheila E. Anderson is a graduate of Baruch College, a (2017) Columbia University Community Scholar, and a inaugural Dan Morgenstern Fellow by the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers-Newark (2020). She is also an author of several books, with her latest book being How to Grow as a Musician: What All Musicians Must Know to Succeed. 

And now, it’s time to listen to some great, unique, and thought-provoking live jazz music performances. Just click the pic to listen, as I bring you this more avant-garde view of the festival.

Samara Joy

Being from the Bronx, I am of course proud of my hometown winner. Only recently celebrating her 21st birthday, Samara Joy is a winner of the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. She has one beautiful voice and is being touted as one of America’s most promising young vocalists. At this young age, Samara has already performed in many of the great jazz venues in NYC, including Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, The Blue Note, Mezzrow, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). She has also been working with jazz greats such as Christian McBride, Pasquale Grasso, Kirk Lightsey, Cyrus Chestnut, and NEA Jazz Master Dr. Barry Harris. Many proclaim she has “a voice as smooth as velvet” and that her “star seems to rise with each performance.” True to form, her first album “announces the arrival of a young artist destined for greatness.” You can learn more by listening to her on her Fox5 News TV appearance. 

Angel Bat Dawid with the Cosmic Mythological Ensemble 

“NYC Winter Jazzfest artist-in-residence composer/multi-instrumentalist Angel Bat Dawid presents Afro-Town Topics: A Mythological Afrofuturist Revue. Inspired by Fats Waller, Dawid presents a new original score using the traditional framework of a musical revue (a type of multi-act popular theatrical entertainment that combines music, dance, and sketches) as a compositional blueprint with the intention of creating and exploring the production of new Afro sonic realities and futures.” — www.winterjazzfest.com

Nite BJuti with Candice Hoyes, Val Jeanty & Mimi Jones

Jazz Gender Initiative Supporters using improvised electronica, percussion/vox/bass. The artists are  @valjeanty + @candicehoyes + @mimijonesmusic.

I found this extremely entertaining, but my description would not do justice to the performance so I'm glad I found this writeup of Nite BJuti by this Jazz Times writer:

“As I stood in line at the Moxy Hotel to pick up my Winter Jazzfest Marathon press pass, three female musicians set up in a corner across from the baked-good stands captured my attention. I couldn’t leave that spot for a full hour as the trio, Nite Bjuti, slung low bass cadences through Kansas City and New Orleans, visited Africa via electronic percussion and blasted beats, and traveled spaceward with vocals sampled, woven, spun, and finally ejected free to engage the cosmos. Percussionist LP / beat maker Val Jeanty, vocalist/sampler controller Candice Hoyes, and double bassist Mimi Jones were the biggest revelation of WJF (so far), creating dense sound vistas and pure improvisations. Jones’ heavy, funky bass slaps buffeted Jeanty’s turbulent rhythms and Hoyes’ unique vocals, the trio’s spiritual hookup immediate and profound.”

Zoh Amba — Loove Labs, Brooklyn

“Zoh Amba is a saxophonist and composer from Tennessee. While growing up in the mountains, Amba played in the forest and emerged into the sound world. After moving to San Francisco in 2018, she spent two years at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she played at venues such as the Black Cat and SFJAZZ. Outside of school, she studied under saxophonist Hafez Modirzadeh.” — thelaurelofasheville.com

Amba has recorded and played with great sound painters like William Parker, Vijay Iyer, Matthew Shipp, Eric Harland, Marc Edwards, Cooper-Moore, and Francisco Mela. She just recorded her first record with Mr. William Parker and Francisco Mela, expected to be released in early 2022.

BBC Presents Ishmael Ensemble — Soma Centre

Ishmael Ensemble is a Bristol-based collective led by saxophonist & producer Pete Cunningham, who’s also a DJ and multi-instrumentalist. I found this to be representative of being at the intersection of “defying instrumental boundaries'' and the old cliches of “What is Jazz” as described in the Winterfest description. Lots of traditional instruments and electronic music for sure. They have said that “Ishmael Ensemble stage show is quite a big technical endeavor so it’s not really in our nature to do pop-up or jammed gigs as some bands do.” This performance felt more like rock jazz and next minute I felt like I was in an enchanted forest, but hey, what do I know, I’m just a listener. 

Amir Elsaffar — Hermitage Artist Retreat  

“Composer, trumpeter, santur player, and vocalist Amir ElSaffar has been described as “uniquely poised to reconcile jazz and Arabic music,” (the Wire) and “one of the most promising figures in jazz today” (Chicago Tribune). A recipient of the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award and a 2018 US Artist Fellow, ElSaffar is an expert trumpeter with a classical background, conversant not only in the language of contemporary jazz, but has created techniques to play microtones and ornaments idiomatic to Arabic music that are not typically heard on the trumpet.” — www.amirelsaffar.com

From my world of straight ahead and swing jazz, to the more avant garde performances, there’s nothing like discovering new music through the creativity of live music performance.  So what do you think?

I'm also very happy as this is definitely in line with my mission of KEEPING JAZZ ALIVE. If just one more person discovers one of the above musicians, that's fantastic! 

Let me know your thoughts.

About the Writer

Gregory Burrus books bands and produces, promotes, captures, and records live music events along with various community and private activities. 

My mission is to help my customers, which are community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life. 

Learn more:  
https://24hoursofmusicjamboree.com 
https://gregoryburrusproductions.com 

Keeping Jazz Alive - Winard Harper in Jersey City at Moore's Lounge (Bill & Ruth’s)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, January 23, 2022

World-class jazz history and more is being made behind this very unassuming doorway of this very local, recently remodeled Jersey City bar and restaurant. This restaurant offers very affordable drinks, special meals on occasion, but also some truly world-class jazz. 

Take a listen.

Moore’s Lounge (originally Bill and Ruth’s) has been a fixture in a working-class section of Jersey City for over 51 years. Mrs. Ruth (Moore), one of the original owners, has made the space much more than a bar, but a community space. Generations of residents congregate over drinks to celebrate the creative talents in their community. Moore’s Lounge in Jersey City has become a place where the most diverse individuals come together.

It's been some challenging times, but Mrs. Ruth has been a bedrock in a fast-changing world. A recent interview stated, “In a challenging area where Moore’s is the only one left of 11 taverns that existed around it when they started out, Moore’s has helped keep a few lights on.”

Winard Harper, Founder of the Jazz Program at Moores Lounge

First, let us meet the quiet, unassuming but powerful drummer known to us as Winard Harper. 

It Starts with the Village

Here’s a short intro to his website bio, which reads like a who’s who of jazz:

“Winard Harper was born in Baltimore, a child prodigy. Although his parents were not musicians, they were full of encouragement as they noticed him beating on cans when he was three or four years old.  At five years old, Winard would sometimes sit in and play his drums in older brother Danny’s rock ‘n roll band after the family moved to Washington, D.C. When Winard’s younger brother Philip took to playing the trumpet, the two of them would busk in the streets of George Town, jam with a few bands, and help out with Danny’s various bands. Listening to Clifford Brown and Max Roach playing “Jordu'' had fascinated Winard so greatly it showed him his direction — jazz. Subsequently, his father took him to all the local jazz scenes to listen and meet the best in the world of jazz.”  

Modern Drummer describes Winard as “a straight-ahead jazz drummer, Harper has perfected the blend of American jazz music with the sounds of African rhythms. Constantly in reverence of his predecessors while remaining innovative in his own right, Harper has been among the celebrated drummers in jazz for many years. He is a virtuoso on the drum set and the balafon, the West African equivalent of the marimba, he is a sought-after collaborator at home and abroad, a bandleader of his quartet, his quintet, and his exciting band the Jeli Posse. He is an events organizer – successfully running the weekly Friday Fish Fry Jazz Jam and the Sunday “Meet the Artist” Series at Moore’s Lounge in Jersey City.”

History, World-Class Jazz, and Diversity 

Challenges, challenges!! The caption for the Moore’s video states:

“With the help of Winard Harper, a legendary jazz drummer, Moore’s has become a destination for jazz musicians, and jazz enthusiasts. Today, the bar functions as a jazz temple for aspiring young jazz musicians and even many professionals. After being a fixture in Jersey City for over 50 years, the future of Moore’s is up in the air. “Moore’s Jazz” looks at what is at stake for a community if it loses one of its cultural pillars to gentrification and to a pandemic.”

Jazz Programs 

Well, Moore’s is surviving and history is still being made in 2022 because Winard soldiers on with his truly fabulous jazz program on Sundays and Fridays.

Sunday “MEET THE ARTIST” Series

As Winard’s page states:

“Every Sunday I be bringing together established, world-renowned and extraordinary artists with young, emerging talents, in a “Jazz Clinic” type of setting, performing for a local audience wishful to learn and exchange knowledge about the context in which Jazz music has emerged and is played today. Artists not only perform, but recount highlights of their career and their own story. I then open the Q&A for questions from the audience and to round up the evening, we invite to the stage for a jam session.”

Winard Harper Jam Session at Moore’s Place with special guest David Kikoski. 12.12.2021.

Winard Harper and Friends at Moore’s Place 12.05.2021 Jersey City with TK Blue

Friday Fish Fry Jam

As Windard’s page states:

“Every Friday aspiring future jazz professionals join our jam session and all enjoy the delicious fish fry made after Ms. Ruth’s legendary recipe.”

Below is a typical jam on Jun. 2, 2014 led by Winard Harper. It has 9,177 views:

Recorded by the awesome photographer @L1stener (Patrick Hilaire).

What Makes Moore’s Lounge So Special?

Musicians

If you get involved as a musician with this program, you are guaranteed to learn and have a support system. One of my favorite jazz musicians that I met for the first time here personifies what happens at Moore’s. Check out my IG post from Sept. 6, 2015:

“Sept 2015 – Drummer Winard Harper – Soon as you enter the lounge, you know there’s a serious drummer playing. Winard Harper is a worldwide renowned Jazz Musician, educator and band leader. Winard stated in a brief conversation, he wants to bring Jazz Jams of high quality back to Jersey City in places like Moore’s Lounge. He’s on a mission so it will happen. More about Winard below. If you haven’t heard him, you need to because he was just great!.…….. Within the host of musicians to play I wanted to give a special shout out to upcoming Tenor Saxophonist Nicole Glover who just recently relocated from Oregon. When she plays you feel it. She wowed the crowd no matter what tune was jamming and she was definitely on point. Nicole said she was influenced by the likes of Lester Young, Wayne Shorter and Stan Getz which is some pretty good company to be influenced by.”  Read the full post here.

In a 2016 post, I gave a shout-out to Nicole Glover, who came in from Oregon to move her career forward. She was on sax that night. In Dec. 2021, I was watching the same Nicole Glover performing in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center for the Annual TD Moody Jazz Festival. That’s history, and there’s many more stories like that. You can also see history being made as some of the longstanding Jazz Greats come through to perform at Moore’s Lounge as well.

Attendees

While the parking may be a challenge, once inside you are absolutely guaranteed some phenomenal jazz performances, as Winard keeps it tight. The musicians come to play. Whether jamming or performing, you need to be serious about what you do.

Venue Owners

Mrs. Ruth is in her 80’s and fought to keep things going despite ongoing gentrification, remodeling challenges, a pandemic, and many other situations. Attendees enjoy great drinks at great prices and get to experience the hospitality of the locals and the warmth of the owners — Mrs. Ruth, her family and friends. It's just a great experience in an all-around great environment.

Events Calendar

Exciting new events are coming to Moore’s, so stay tuned:

https://www.winardharperjazz.com/moore-s-lounge

Support The Cause

Now you know the story. As Moore’s GoFundMe page states:

“We’ve been serving Jersey City since 1968 and after being in business for 51 years we are struggling to remain open. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted Moore’s Place and your support is needed.”

Please click the image or link below to learn more about how you can help Keep Jazz Alive.

Please Donate at  https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-moores-lounge-stay-in-business

Support the Music

I urge you to explore and click the links above. Don’t hesitate to call for more info, and go support live music. Make some time in your schedule to visit all the venues this year and say hi to everybody.

Don’t forget to let me know how your visit went. Tag @gregoryburrus or message me directly via text or FB msg, and of course enjoy the live jazz entertainment. 

About the Author

Gregory Burrus books bands, produces, promotes, captures, and records live music events along with various other community and private activities.

I love writing about it all.

My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life. 

Read more at http://gregoryburrusproductions.com 
https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus

TD James Moody Jazz Festival is Explosive and a Jazz Lovers Delight (Nov. 19-21 at NJPAC)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, November 17, 2021

If you are a true Jazz Fan around here then you know that every year for the last 10 years the magic of Jazz happens in an intense way in Newark, NJ, and this year the intense, vibrant magic returns again as the 10th annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival comes to town.

10th Annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival (Nov. 19-21, NJPAC)

Source: www.njpac.org/series/james-moody-jazz-festival

Started in 2012 as The TD James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival, it was a weeklong celebration of jazz and the legacy of Newark's own music master, James Moody. This festival was presented by The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), radio station WBGO Jazz 88.3FM 1 and was sponsored by TD Bank. NJPAC president and CEO John Schreiber said at the time, “TD Bank has become synonymous with the top international jazz festivals, and we are proud to be joining the TD jazz family in our inaugural year.” 

Bringing it full circle 10 years later, John Schreiber walked on stage this week and said: “TD Bank is the Best Sponsor Ever”, and so true because in a time where a Pandemic is running havoc with the arts and entertainment industry, all the right supporting forces have come together this week for the 10th year to make a truly spectacular TD James Moody Jazz Festival happen again. 

Saxophonist James Moody

Source: jamesmoody.com/gallery

James Moody, despite being born partially deaf, was an accomplished musician on the tenor and alto saxophones, as well as the flute. In addition to his instrumental prowess, Moody was an engaging entertainer, captivating audiences with his personal charm and wit. He was born in Georgia, raised in Newark, New Jersey and was beloved by all.

Christian McBride

This year, another brilliant musician Bassist, Christian McBride, took over and announced the festival. Always listed in The New York Times “Weekend Roundup: 5 Things to Do This Weekend”, the festival runs Nov. 5 through 21 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Keeping in line with their mission of keeping great jazz alive and community outreach, the festival hosts, sponsors and presents dozens of free and ticketed events across Newark. Like prior years, this year’s presentation of a stellar musician lineup along with special and signature events was spectacular once again. This year’s lineup included the incomparable Chaka Khan and, if you were there you got to experience one of my favorites, the brilliant trumpeter Chris Botti. 

Following is a walkthrough of a few events that occurred this opening week that I attended, with their details. I hope you enjoy the experience as we did and attend future shows listed at the end. 

Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition 

A very special, signature event is the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition or the Sassy. This is a prestigious talent contest that pays tribute to the titular singer who was born in New Jersey and whose career began when, on a Wednesday night in 1942, she herself won a talent contest at New York’s Apollo Theater. Her win helped launch a career that would transform America's original art form and an icon who elevated the craft of jazz vocal music and garnered the respect and adoration of millions. This contest is open to solo jazz vocalists of all nationalities who are 18 years or older and not currently signed to a major record label. 

It’s an intense competition, as the 2021 finalists were culled from 160 submissions across 25 countries. Once again after a year-long search, the finalists of the Sassy Awards dazzled the audience with their vocal prowess. One of my favorite finalists took 2nd place, April May Webb of the Sounds of A&R. She said, “I truly sang from my soul and it was to date the most powerful performance OF MY LIFE!“ Folks reported there were some masterful performances by all the contestants.

NEA Jazz Master Vocalist Dianne Reeves 

 https://fb.watch/9l5cVfGYKl/

A five-time GRAMMY Award winner, Dianne Reeves is widely recognized as one of the premier vocalists on the worldwide music scene. “Reeves grew up in Denver and was introduced to the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan by her uncle, who was a bassist in the Denver Symphony Orchestra” (hancockinstitute.org/meet/dianne-reeves). Dianne Reeves has released almost two dozen albums and been recognized as an NEA Jazz Master. Needless to say, it was a spectacular, powerful performance with Ben Williams on Bass, Terreon Gully on Drums, the Great Brazilian Guitarist Romero Lubambo and Peter Martin on Keys, all led by the powerhouse vocalist Dianne Reeves. I was there and what a really great show!!!

NJPAC Jazz Advisor Christian McBride’s The Movement Revisited

NJPAC Jazz Advisor, bassist, composer and bandleader Christian McBride has played everything from Monk to Funk. The Movement Revisited is a full-length work for jazz orchestra, vocalists and orators, celebrating the great leaders of The Civil Rights Movement — Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama.

The evening began with a performance by The Last Poets: Abiodun Oyewole, Umar Bin Hassan and Baba Don Babatunde, joined by Newark’s Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka. The Last Poets laid the groundwork for the emergence of hip hop.

Also performing in an absolutely wonderful, strong, uplifting presence, the choir from the original recording, Voice of the Flame (VOTF) hit a homerun for sure.

Cyrus Chestnut at Dorthaan’s Place

Another absolutely always sold out event is the very special Dorthaan’s Place Nico’s legendary jazz brunch curated by NEA Jazz Master and Newark’s First Lady of Jazz Dorthaan Kirk. Ms. Kirk is the widow of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, the blind multi-instrumentalist with a reputation for fierce musicianship and daring improvisation.

This year the show featured the piano stylings of Cyrus Chestnut over brunch at the beautifully appointed Dorthaan’s Place. The Cyrus Chestnut trio included Lincoln Center emerging artist and Detroit native, Bassist Endea Owens and the hard-swinging, composer and powerhouse Drummer Chris Beck. Truly a beautiful performance. We were swinging and tapping the whole program.

James Moody Jazz Scholarship Winners

A special treat this year was that in attendance were the winners of the previous high school contest for the James Moody Jazz Scholarship minus Iyonna Herbert and Paul Reinhold. Pictured L-R Andrew Wagner, Jalin Shiver, Rayner Perez, Linda Moody, Birsa Chatterjee, and Caelan Cardello with local live music Producer/Promoter Gregory Burrus. These winners were front and center with the widow of James Moody and TD Moody JazzFestival First Lady Linda Moody enjoying the brunch and the music.

Artemis — All Female Jazz Supergroup

Jazz Journalists Association: Mid-Size Ensemble of the Year called them: 

"A killer line-up of players, composers, and performers who hail from all over the world...they all converge on this extremely cosmopolitan, sleek, rhythm-forward, modern sound."  - NPR MUSIC

The musicians of Artemis are Renee Rosnes, Piano & Musical Director, Anat Cohen, Clarinet & Soprano Saxophone, Ingrid Jensen, Trumpet, Nicole Glover, Tenor Saxophone, Noriko Ueda, Bass and Allison Miller, Drums. This supergroup first assembled as a band for a 13-city European Jazz Festival tour in summer 2017. Named “Artemis” after the Greek goddess who was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, the twin sister of Apollo, the patron and protector of young girls and the goddess of hunting, wild nature, and chastity, they released their debut album for famed Blue Note Records in September 2020. Their performance was absolutely superb. 

More great performances to come...

That's just to start part 2 coming next....

Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra (Friday, Nov. 19th)

Pianist, composer and six-time Grammy-Award winner Arturo O'Farrill presents Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. 

Presented by NJPAC, the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University-Newark and the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, this concert is part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival. Performance on Nov. 19

George Wein and the Newport All-Stars (Saturday, Nov. 20th)

“Pianist and bandleader George Wein, who founded the Newport Jazz Festival in 1954, is universally regarded as the single greatest producer and impresario jazz has ever known. (Music festivals like SxSW and Coachella owe him a great deal as well. Celebrate George, who recently passed at the age of 95. This all-star concert will feature contemporary swing saxophonist and clarinetist Anat Cohen, along with special guests including Christian McBride, Kenny Barron, Johnathan Blake, Randy Brecker, Lew Tabackin, Peter Washington, Duchess and more. This is sure to be one of the most memorable nights in the history of jazz at NJPAC, and a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of George Wein.” —NJPAC. Celebrating George Wein takes place on Nov. 20.

Maria Schneider Orchestra (Sunday, Nov. 21st)

“Composer, bandleader, and NEA Jazz Master Maria Schneider returns to NJPAC with her genre-defying orchestra. Her music has been hailed by critics as “evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stoppingly gorgeous, imaginative, revelatory, riveting, daring and beyond categorization.” Her 2020 album Data Lords was called “her magnum opus, a riveting, remarkably intense double album, as profound as modern-day instrumental music gets” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Data Lords garnered two GRAMMY® Awards, was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist and won the Grand Prix De l’Académie du Jazz. You’re guaranteed to hear something thought-provoking and new every time Maria Schneider takes the stage.” — NJPAC. Performance Nov. 21.

NJPAC Community Engagement 

Also know that having a great time and meeting up with friends at NJPAC is part of the experience during these COVID Pandemic times. With a motto of engage, connect, and celebrate, NJPAC states “We like to say that we’re more than a venue—we’re a community.” Living the motto in action is Eyesha Marable, Director of NJPAC Community Engagement. She said, “Thursday night of NJPAC's TD Moody Jazz Festival was outstanding. Friday was wonderful too. Tonight, we will enjoy Dianne Reeves. Treat yourself soon family, to some good music. Come home (to NJPAC) when you can.”

Here are some images to entice you to come on out and enjoy the show. Click to see more.

NJPAC states, “We like to say that we’re more than a venue—we’re a community. That’s why we’re one of the few performing arts centers in the country with an entire department dedicated to reaching out, building connections and just plain having fun with our neighbors in their own backyards.” That’s right, finally getting back outside and establishing these new times of togetherness becomes extremely important to help us. “Come home to NJPAC” and enjoy the community of fellow jazz lovers. 

Come join us.

About the Author

Gregory Burrus with Linda Moody at Bethany Baptist Jazz Vespers

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, live music ambassador and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and the New York Area.

The 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree (RECAP) and 2021 Open Call

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, June 18, 2021

I want to thank everyone for their participation and support of the  4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. While I still wished we could have performed, in person outside as usual, the Coronavirus Pandemic changed all that.  As the pandemic went into full effect for us during the last week of March and lockdown started in April 2020, we pivoted and started thinking about what else we could do to keep the music alive. 

We couldn't go outside so we adapted and continued our commitment to the live music community and launched a new virtual approach that addressed our new social distancing world. We asked folks to submit live performances specifically for this event,  a truly sweet past performance, or we scheduled them into a live performance slot on the day of the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree event.  The musicians responded overwhelmingly positively and it was great to see folks volunteer their time/energy along with their dynamic and amazing musical talents in making this first time move to a Virtual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree a big success. The following is a recap of what happened throughout the Jamboree.

Official 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Chairperson Welcomes All

Out of this pivot to online, we discovered the wonderful and very energetic Lynette Sheard. In person she was also dynamic and her turn to the virtual world was no less stellar.  We ended up  selecting Lynette Sheard of  Lynette Sheard Entertainment as our official welcome spokesperson because even through the very negative environment we were in, Lynette was a bright beam of enthusiasm and hope. Thank you, Lynette.

Tributes

We opened the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree at 11:30 AM with a tribute to our recently departed long-term South Orange resident and live music advocate Lee Boz May, may she RIP.  We also said goodbye to another wonderful local performer, Holi Ross who also sang with The Royal Bopsters.

As we usually have our South Orange Gazebo dressed up physically in balloons, this year we adapted and developed a virtual balloon backdrop. We then listened to the song “Candy” converted to "I need my 24 Hours of Music" by vocalist Jacqueline Harmon Johnson, a.k.a. The Balloon Lady.

Official Kick Off by the Institute of Jazz Studies  

We then were officially kicked off by the Rutgers University Clements Place Institute of Jazz Studies Executive Director Wayne Winborne. His now very "prophetic message" was  to enjoy the wide range of music that was being presented and that “while science and medicine will get us out of this pandemic […] it’s art, especially music, that will get us through it.”

Fundraising for the Jazz Exchange Relief Fund  

We then moved to a message from the  Jazz Exchange Relief Fund  Founders  Candice Reyes and Abel Mireles, who are supporting local North Jersey and NYC full-time and part-time jazz artists with The Jazz Exchange Relief Fund! This was especially important because artists were immediately affected by this pandemic, as all of their performances, tours, teaching gigs, lessons and more were cancelled overnight. The Jazz Exchange came on to help us raise funds to provide emergency and preventative resources to those at financial risk

Lineup: 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree    

It was a stellar lineup of some truly wonderful musicians who all volunteered their time and efforts to this 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree.  

2020 event lineup

We kicked off the Virtual 4th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree at noon Saturay, May 30th with the Pop, R&B, Soul sessions headlined by South Orange-based Alicia Taiping and Dan Pieraccini of the popular local band Forget the Whale. We were then treated to some wonderful performances by Dunia Best Live, Howlin Poets, Positive Note, Rhonda Denet, Flip da Skrip, our official spokesperson Lynette Sheard, Acute Inflections, Tasha R. Williams with budding new star Aaliyah Arroyo, Sounds of A and R, and local favorite Ricky Persaud, Jr.

Our Latin sessions contained some sweet music produced by Carlos Frias and Circulo Social Band and a few wonderful  Yardbird Entertainment-produced sessions by the Rudy Vidal Latin Jazz Quartet.

Video Recap: 4th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree  

The evening and overnight Jazz Sessions were kicked off live by the wonderful and engaging Mike Lee Jazz Family, which all members were very talented while socially distancing together. Overnight performers included Kristina Koller, Abel & Candice, Reyes, Arcoiris Sandoval Live, DC Fusion Darry Clark, Peter Lin, Mamiko Watanabe, Richard Reiter, Sue Maskaleris, Winard Harper – Jeli Posse, Kemp and Reyvolation from Buffalo NY, James Austin, Jr. and Friends, Mauricio de Sousa, Joel Cotton with Matt Niedbalski, Jarrett Walser and Campblicated, Marshall McDonald from Fukuoka, Japan, Seyeon Chang from South Korea, Kumiko Tanaka from Tokyo, our normally 3 AM to 6 AM crew, the Alex De Lazzari Duo with Caelan Cardello, then Flip Peters and Friends ending overnight with Candice Reyes. 

Rounding out the early morning hours, we had songs from the American Songbook by vocalist Patricia Walton and Barbara Hassenfeld, then Blues Rocker Debra Devi, Hal Keshner from the beautiful hills and desert of Arizona with some truly gorgeous sun scenes, and finally closing us out by sitting on the dock of the San Francisco Bay was Blues Man Mr. Coo Mo Gee.

Volunteers , Operations and Productions

2020 24 Hours of Music Volunteers with Teresa Ware and Donna Siedman

The major difference this year was we literally broadcast the entire 24 Hour of Music Jamboree event. We broadcasted on 5 virtual venues simultaneously. Listeners had a choice of watching and listening on Facebook pages, or my Gregory Burrus profile, Youtube, Twitch, or Periscope.tv channels. Thanks to our Audience Development Director, Chelsea B., who conducted selected Instagram broadcasts throughout the 24 hours. We also broadcasted to non-social media channels at 24hoursofmusicjamboree.tv.

Our regular volunteers Jon McGriff, Teresa Ware, Donna Siedman, Chelsea Burrus, Greg2B, and Roxanne Burrus, all supported us for 24 hours while we missed out steadfast volunteer Lee Boz May. We also give thanks to our official photographer Albert Clarke. Please visit his Instagram, as he captured some beautiful shots for us virtually, and our other giveaway supporter Designs by Aron.

2020 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Broadcast Studio Operations

Needless to say, we had some interesting challenges broadcasting nonstop for the full 24 Hours of Music Jamboree, especially when Facebook says you can only do 8 hours at a time and it stops, and we have to start again. Other networks did not have this problem but had other internet-related situations that had to be dealt with, and lets’s not forget being up more than 24 hours.

Overall initial numbers are over 604 YouTube views, 100+ Facebook views, unknown Instagram/Twitch views and over 100 Periscope views which, interestingly, are mostly from Australia and Great Britain. Comments from many local and other worldwide attendees were that “the music was a much-needed respite from the challenges plaguing our society today.” 

And another thanks to our g2bpro motion graphics video engineer — we have a new logo: 

Again, I thank all that participated. We will showcase your work.

2017-2020: Recaps of Past Events

The 24 Hours of Music Jamboree is normally an outdoor festival held in the town of South Orange, NJ at multiple venues with live music bands voluntarily performing for 24-hours non stop. Due to the 2020 COVID Pandemic, we went online. You can review past events at the following links:

2020 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree May 30 -31, 2020

2019 3rd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree Sep 7 - 8, 2019

2018 2nd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree May 5 - 6, 2018

2017 1st Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree May 6 -7, 2017

Open Call: Experience This Year’s 24 Hours of Music Jamboree

Now, a year has passed and hopefully COVID KEEPS DECLINING. For 2021, the idea is to get back outside with live bands and live audiences, meanwhile adding an online virtual performance component.

Anyone can participate, so open call is on.

Contact us to join us with your band, solo, duo, trio or whatever configuration you have. Let us know what you do and how you want to do it. We will find a spot for you in and around South Orange, NJ or online.

Volunteer here for the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree at this link https://bit.ly/3vXJJja .

About Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus books bands, produces, promotes, captures and records live music events along with various community and private activities.

My mission is to help my customers, which are community groups, live music bands and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.

Learn more https://24hoursofmusicjamboree.com

RECAP: SUPER JAM 2019 with Gregory Burrus Around Town

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, February 18, 2020

It was an absolutely wonderful night of live music at the Annual Myrna Bain Scholarship Fundraiser, 2019 Super Jam (August 16 2019, NY, NY).

For the last three years, Gregory Burrus Around Town has supplied photography, video services and has recommended creative artists from New Jersey to perform in this event.  This enables our artists to expand their reach and gain new audiences.

Myrna Bain Scholarship

The purpose of this concert was to raise funds for the Myrna Bain Scholarship.  Professor Bain inspired both students and colleagues to aspire to higher levels of academic excellence and scholarship.  Her energy and commitment to scholarship, both national and international, her special skills in mentoring and fostering growth in students, her peers and all others whose lives she touched, provided the basis for the success of countless others.  Prof. Myrna Bain taught at Hunter College (NY) and John Jay (NY) and was highly regarded by her students and colleagues until her passing of breast cancer in 2007.

Created in her spirit, The Myrna Bain Scholarship provides an annual financial award to an exemplary undergraduate student who has a strong commitment to community service and an interest in pursuing a career or further studies in African Diaspora studies, or including Social Justice, English, International Criminal Justice, International Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Gender Politics, History or Anthropology.  The fundraising objective is to reach their endowment goal so that Myrna Bain Scholarship recipients can continue her legacy for many years to come.  The performers last year are listed below:

JANET WINTER

 

Janet Winter in a very beautiful recap of an absolutely wonderful night of live music in NYC at the Annual Myrna Bain Scholarship Fundraiser, 2019 Super Jam.

Thank you Sherry Gibson and all who came out and supported the cause.

D’AMBROSE BOYD, MC

The multi-talented co-founder and host of “SINGERS SPACE presented by D'Ambrose Boyd” hosted the Myrna Bain Scholarship Concert Series for the first time.  His extensive credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Five Guys Named Moe, and A Christmas Carol.  He has also worked backstage at Book of Mormon.  

D’Ambrose also is a photographer at D’Ambrose Boyd Photography and accessory fashion designer at Boyd’s Apparel.

Bernie “Em” Mercer

Bernie sings locally on the NYC live music scene.  Learn more about Bernie right here.

SUE ROCK, VOCALS

 

Sue Rock has been a vocalist all her life, singing since childhood, enjoying the wonders of popular music and Broadway classics.  Sue Rock’s expressive, rich, and authentic singing comes straight from her heart to yours. Freely, she opens up to all influences - from classic jazz to funk-filled R&B. You can always count on Sue Rock for innovative re-working of your favorite songs as well as original tunes. She makes your favorites sound NEW again!

This was her second time performing in the Myrna Bain Scholarship Concert Series. She has also performed at Bar Thalia’s, Singers Space, Gammage Auditorium in Arizona, and in Naples, Italy. Sue has performed with the late great Phyllis Hyman, Jazz Bassist Fred Ho, and Jelly-Bean Benitez. Sue Rock Originals is her passion project. After losing a friend to domestic violence, she created Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc., a not-for-profit organization committed to providing textile skills and support to survivors of domestic violence who leave.

DEBORAH STEVENS, VOCALS

 

Deborah arrived from Memphis with a theatre background, but singing is a buried desire. A retired banker, she spends some of her time studying and singing. She performed in a limited run of Black Diamonds and White Pearls, written and produced by Vinnie Knight featuring the music of the Harlem Renaissance. Her favorite vocalists are Aretha Franklin, with whom she shares the same hometown and birthday, as well as Carmen McRae, Irene Reid, Etta James and Etta Jones. Her credo is “kindness matters.” 

DOUG DONOVAN, VOCALS:

 

Doug Donovan has been singing for 10 years throughout New York and New Jersey, in venues such as Triad Theatre and Trumpets. He’s performed with jazz singer Carrie Jackson and renowned jazz pianist Radam Schwartz. His favorite types of music are from the American Songbook—Jazz and Bossa Nova.

SCOUT FORD, VOCALS

 

Scout Ford is a singer, songwriter and actor based out of NYC. He’s also the Manager and Coordinator at Night Roads Entertainment, Inc. and the owner-and operator of GroundStone Music.

D’AMBROSE BOYD, MC, VOCALS

SHINUH HOLT, VOCALS

 

Shinuh Holt is a sultry vocalist from Brooklyn. She’s currently working on an EP titled Don’t Blame the Bartender. She’s traveled overseas, having residencies in Thailand & Sri Lanka. Shinuh began her musical journey only six years ago at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar on Nick Ashford’s Nuttin’ but The Blues night.

Follow Shinuh at #TheArtOfShinuh @madeinshinuh @theartofshinuh @dontblamethebartender “Live Yo Life!”

KATE BAKER

JO MARCHESE, VOCALS

 

Ms. Marchese, also known as The Queen of the New York open mic scene, has studied under Maestro Barry Harris and has performed at numerous NYC clubs including Singers Space at Bar Thalia, Cleopatra's Needle, Birdland, Parnell's, Jazz At Kitano's and Cobi's Jazz Club. Her unique vocals evoke the great singers of the big band era. Her favorite singer is Frank Sinatra. She says she loves everything he has recorded. She notes the excellence of his phrasing and points out that her phrasing is pretty good, too. She’s also still quite a fan of Tony Bennett and loves his song about San Francisco, as it takes her back to the time she worked there for the U.S. Marines.

BRIAN “ALEJANDRO” SCOTT, VOCALS

 

Brian "Alejandro" Scott, a Brit by way of Panama, had his first taste of singing onstage at Carnegie Hall as a soloist with the All City Chorus. He later went on to become a principal dancer with the Katherine Dunham-based Eugene James Dance Company performing on Broadway row and throughout NYC and internationally. Since putting his children's dance company "The Experimental Dance Group" on hiatus, Alejandro is working in the world of song and currently singing jazz standards, Broadway tunes with a little bit of pop at open mics throughout the NYC area, and had two recently sold out shows at Parnell's Bar & Restaurant. Alejandro has studied under Marilyn Maye, Gregory Hopkins, Jrome Andre, Samora Smith, Bill Zeffiro, David Pearl, Jonh Di Martino and Barbara Maier Gustern.

SUE ROCK AND D’AMBROSE BOYD

 

Sue and Damrose also performed as a duo.

KEITH ANTHONY FLUITT AND D’AMBROSE BOYD VOCALS

 

“Keith Anthony Fluitt, a New York City born and raised singer, has worked with many great artists of our time including Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson. Keith also sings lead vocals. He went to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, graduated from talent unlimited program at Julia Richmond High School (graduating with: Lisa Lisa, Gene Anthony Ray from Fame, Brenda K. Starr, and a host of others). Keith has performed with many great stars including but not limited to: Patti LaBelle, Martha Wash, Will Downing, Ashford & Simpson, Lala Brooks, Quincy Jones, and Michael Jackson.” Read more at keithanthonyfluitt.com.

DARNELL WHITE QUARTET

 

SAADI ZAIN, BASS

Well-versed on both the double (upright) bass and electric bass and in a multitude of musical genres, New York City-based Saadi Zain has learned and refined his craft directly through frequent contact and close relationships with jazz masters, most notably Ron Carter. In April of this year, he performed the inaugural concert of the South Asian Symphony Orchestra in Mumbai, India as principal bassist. He was also part of the world premiere of “Little Girl Blue,” a musical about Nina Simone. For more info on Saadi, where he is playing and who he has played with, please visit his website at www.saadizain.com.

RICHARD FRANK, GUITAR

Richard Frank has been a resource to the New York City music community since 1965.  He’s recorded and/or toured with such artists as Neil Diamond, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Paul Anka, Patti LaBelle, Janis Ian, Peter Allen and Mary Travers (Peter, Paul & Mary). As a Studio Musician, he’s played on numerous records including "Turn the Beat Around" by Vicki Sue Robinson and all the music for "The Archies" cartoon series as well as jingles. 

JARRETT WALSER, DRUMMER

Jarrett Walser is a musician that brings vibrant sensitivity and rich nuances to an expressive style on the drums that is refreshing. His ease and versatility in several genres (jazz, rock, R&B, the blues, and funk) has made him a highly sought-after drummer.  As the indelible mainstay drummer for Amigos, Amigos! (Prog-Rock Band), The Goddess Lakshmi (Indie Rock Band), and Future Rising (Contemporary Jazz Band), he brings a dynamic brilliancy to the stage. He is an artful musician that is only at the genesis of his career. The best is yet to come.

SHERRY GIBSON CHAIRPERSON

 

Sherry Taylor Gibson (M.P.A. ’92) (with the hat in front row) is Administrative Manager and Executive Assistant to the Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology.

Happy After Super Jam performers

This was my 3rd year covering the Myrna Bain scholarship event, and every year it gets better. Anyone interested in performing in this volunteer event should contact me. The event location can change each year. It’s a beautiful experience, so come join us. You can learn more about it here: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofmyrnabainscholarship/

Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians and local art exhibitions. On a regular basis he promotes art, music, business, government and documents local community events all around New Jersey and New York. Greg provides support  through videography, photography, social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photo journalism. Greg is having fun living life while helping others. L earn more at gregoryburrusproductions.com

TAGS: myrna bain scholarship, fundraiser, ladies night, sherry gibson, vocalists, female vocalists, john jay college, gregory burrus, gregory burrus around town, videography, photography, north jersey music

RECAP - Spiotta Park - 3rd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree, Sept 7-8, 2019

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2020

The 24 Hours of Music Jamboree, in its 3rd year, is a nonstop live music event that is much anticipated by the local music community, performers, supporters, volunteers and attendees from the community. 

The community was encouraged to come on out and enjoy this 24 Hour Non Stop Music Jamboree that happened all across South Orange, NJ from 12 Noon on Saturday to 12 Noon Sunday, September 2019.

24 Hour of Music Line-Up

Two months prior to the event, an Open Call was conducted, asking for volunteer musicians who wanted to perform in our jamboree at one of the following locations:

1.       Jazz on Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo,

2.       Sounds in Spiotta Park or

3.       Somewhere Around South Orange.

Musicians and other performers were slotted into the various locations; an overall lineup was developed and released. The Sounds in Spiotta Park schedule for last year’s 2019 performances was a good one. 

The Sounds in Spiotta Park venue has a larger stage presence and so it became a venue for bands small and large. Bands from three-piece bands to 20-piece big bands can be accommodated very easily. The park can also hold over a 100 folks and can accommodate families with children and those who want to spread out. This venue also has built-in natural seating from rock seats, to the steps, to a surrounding wall, and of course lots of grass to sit upon and enjoy the live music performances.

Sounds in Spiotta Park Events

Spiotta Park, South Orange, NJ

New Jersey DJ Services

We started off the event in Spiotta Park with New Jersey DJ Services arriving early at 11 AM. DJ Jimmy Buttros was spinning the vinyl and warming us for the 12 noon opening. New Jersey DJ Services stayed onsite all day, spun tunes between performances, and kept us moving and grooving all day long.

Soul Xpressiion School of Dance

The festivities started at noon as Kenyani Shanai Henderson of Soul Xpressiion School of Dance was live in Spiotta Park. Kenyani led a Free ZUMBA Dance Session which was designed to get folks up, working out and feeling good. It was a great way to kick off the Sounds In Spiotta park 24 Hour Live Music Jamboree.

Grupo Liberdade de Capoeira

It was absolutely wonderful for the 2nd year in a row to have Grupo Liberdade de Capoeira join us in the 3rd Annual 24 Hour of Music Jamboree. If you don’t know, Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It is known for its acrobatic and complex maneuvers, often involving hands on the ground and inverted kicks. Capoeira is known to give your body physical strength, power and flexibility and your mind self-confidence, concentration, courage and creativity. When you watch Professora Amazonas leading the group, it is simply beautiful and everyone, especially the children, grow and become confident while all enjoy themselves.

Dan Ogden Music

The music was a beautiful mixture of rock, funk, jazz and more.  Click to listen to Dan Oden Live.

Party Girl Yoga NY

It’s yoga-time, it’s party time, according to the The Tvrnvp Gawd who, according to her Instagram profile, is known for providing networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and socialites in the entertainment industry. For 24 Hours of Music, Party Girl YOGA NY provided a Yoga to Music session. Her mission, from the dance floor to the yoga mat, is to focus, breathe and feel the heat. The goal is to allow students to experience the same excitement and energy they have when they hit the dance floor. Attendees reported that they enjoyed themselves tremendously.

During this event, SOMA TV was out on site and Dustin Dumas of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope interviewed the owner of Party Girl Yoga. You can watch the interview at here:

Howlin’ Poets

As the afternoon progressed, we enjoyed performances by a popular local favorite band, Howlin’ Poets. They are a funky collective of musicians which started out as a weekly get together for local musicians, playing almost every genre imaginable, and developed into a more coherent band focused on funk and funky takes of classic reggae, rock, R&B, and disco tunes, with the occasional original thrown in to boot. They tag themselves as: TO MAKE ROCK AND MAKE IT FUNKY!! They funked it up and the audience loved it.

Carlos Frias and Circulo Social

To Listen, click Carlos Frias and Circulo Social.

Later, we connected with some Latin Music from Carlos Frias. With roots in the Dominican Republic, Carlos Frias is a singer, songwriter, visual artist, drummer, percussionist, and the front man of the world music band, Carlos Frías & Circulo Social. Based out of Bloomfield, NJ, they play mostly original music that’s blended with rock, jazz and Latin rhythms. In their music you can hear the heart of the Caribbean, the peasant chant, and the voices of those speaking against injustice accompanied by Afro Caribbean rhythms.

With Diego Lopez on Drums, Ben Rubens on bass, Yaram Eilam on guitar and led by Carlos Frias on voice and percussion, these cats made some sweet Latin sounds. The performance was a hit with all as Circulo Social put out the perfect sound waves on a beautiful summer night. 

Black Wax Band

Vid 1 Black Wax 1 - Vid 2 Black Wax 2. Black Wax Band Dancers kicking it during the 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree in South Orange Spiotta Park. Thank You @Victoria A for coming out and thank you Asad Waheed for bringing a great performance. #24hoursofmusicjamboree #southorangenj

The main event of the evening was produced by Black Wax Band. From live music sets led by Bandleader Asad Waheed, to his DJs with Freestyle dancers, rappers and more, they had us toe tapping and dancing while enjoying some awesome R&B music. We danced the night away, and our attendees enjoyed themselves tremendously.

Vin Mott Rhythm and Blues

Bright and early at 10 AM Sunday morning, Vin Mott of Vin Mott Rhythm and Blues Band came on stage and performed some down home New Orleans harmonica, vocals, and drums.

Andy Lackow and Mess Around Band

Closing out the festival at 11 AM was our very own Blues Jam Master Andy Lackow of the Andy Lackow and Mess Around Band. He was joined today by drummer Jim Hart and bass player Coo Moe Jhee. They played some wonderful tunes and closed out the 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree in Spiotta Park with a bang.

Sponsor Persaud Entertainment LLC

We give a big thanks to Persaud Entertainment LLC and CEO Valerie Persaud in helping make this event happen in the park this year. It should be noted that the Ricky Persaud Jr. band always attracts the largest Downtown After Sundown audience when they hit our stage..

Support South Orange Rescue Squad

Last year, the nonstop music jamboree hoped to bring town-wide awareness to the needs of the South Orange Rescue Squad. Most folks do not know that the South Orange Rescue Squad is a completely volunteer organization. These folks are a full-time support organization, providing selfless service, and are always there when we need them. All are invited to contribute to the South Orange Rescue Squad by making a donation at https://www.southorangerescuesquad.org.

And now thank you to all of you who performed in the 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music. Over 120 musicians performed in 31 events across 16 musical genres to a couple hundred visitors that came to town and had some fun with us. It was a blast and we hope we can do it again next year. See you all around South Orange, NJ. Thanks to South Orange Village Center Alliance, South Orange Village, the musicians, supporters and volunteers that helped make it happen.

About Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, live music ambassador and  community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area. Year-round Gregory Burrus also curates and produces: the Jazz973 live music jazz series at Clements Place Jazz for the Rutgers University Institute of Jazz Studies,  the Jazzy Nights Live Music performances at the Speakeasy Style Essex Room of The Fox and Falcon Restaurant in South Orange NJ and produces Live Music entertainment for South Orange’s Inkosi Cafe. During the Summer months Gregory manages and promotes the South Orange Downtown After Sundown summer long live music concerts, the annual South Orange 24 Hours of Music Festival and the June thru October South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam.

Tags: Gregory Burrus Around Town, 24 Hours of Music, Persaud Entertainment LLC, South Orange Village Center Alliance, Live Music Ambassador, South Orange Rescue Squad, CC Minton.Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo,  jazz, blues , 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music

Come Swing in South Orange With Our 2020 Downtown After Sundown Big Bands

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2020

South Orange Downtown After Sundown is planning on coming back for 2020 with a Big Bang from the sounds of more Big Bands in 2020. To see where we are headed in 2020, let’s look back at this past season and the big fun we had during 2019.

In 2019 More Big Bands!!! Oh Yeah!!

Like the Big Bands of the 20’s/40’s? Did you know that Big bands started as an accompaniment for dancing way back in 1910? Well this year instead of one big band for the 2019 Downtown After Sundown Season, we had one big band a month joining us for your dancing and listening pleasure. That’s right the Sounds in Spiotta Park were awesome with three big bands ranging in size from 12 to 19 pieces and playing some of the most swinging tunes ever for your dancing and listening pleasure.

Swing Town Big Band Led by Ben Williams

"It's important for professionals, who might start feeling like playing is just a job, to spend time with those who love to play." Ben Williams

Opening our Big Band Series this season will be one of our longest running  returning veteran big bands, the Swing Town Big Band of Maplewood Community Music. Under the direction of the professional trombonist and music director Ben Williams. They came back with their 19 Piece Big Band.  Their Big Band-style jazz ensemble features Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, Rhythm Section, and Vocalists.

And oh what a swinging night of music it was as they played the classics, standards and more. This year they opened their performance with the South Mountain Squirrel Hunters and then swung into action with some of the best big band music around. Folks were encouraged to bring a lawn chair and they did and had a great time.

Another Big Band — Ed Palermo

"Ed Parlermo ...one of the greatest musicians and arrangers in the world." -- Christian McBride –

Another nice development in booking this years 2019 Downtown After Sundown season is the addition of Another Big Band thanks to a big supporter of live music, drummer Eddie Brown. Another Big Band consist of 12 musicians, including a vocalist, from the Jazz House Community Big Band. They are musicians of all levels and backgrounds, playing classic arrangements from the big band era. Another Big Band is under the direction of Ed Palermo, who is not just a dynamic saxophonist, he is also a prolific arranger, composer, educator and, since 1980, leader of Ed Palermo’s Big Band.

These Big Band played members their hearts out, had a heck of a good time playing with each other and the audience that came out and listened to some great music. The fun part is also for a good cause as these cats contribute what they receive to a nonprofit called the Jazz House Kids. Hailed by JazzTimes as “one of the most successful and respected jazz education programs in the country,” the NEA grant recipient, and award winning JAZZ HOUSE KiDS has inspired more than 45,000 young musicians since its launch and touched a growing, annual audience of 25,000.All so another young person can be introduced to this wonderful world of live music that we all enjoy. 

Big Beat Big Band - Caleb Rumley

BIG BEAT is a 19-piece big band that was formed in 2014 with one purpose - to make music that sounds good and feels good.

This year on our 2019 Final Downtown After Sundown Weekend we were happy to have Big Beat Big Band join us. The group consists of 5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, guitar, piano, bass, drums, vocals and a conductor. This 19 piece R&B Orchestra was formed in 2014 with one purpose - to make music that sounds good and feels good. Founded by alumni of William Paterson University's vaunted jazz program, the band is steeped in the modern jazz tradition but they refuse to limit themselves to any particular genre.

They are an innovative band with a fresh big band sound so folks definitely came out and dined, danced and listened to the Big Bands in South Orange Spiotta Park.

This year come enjoy all of our swinging Big Bands during our 2020 Downtown After Sundown Season. South Orange Village Center invites you to dine, dance, listen and swing with us under the stars during the 2020 Downtown After Sundown Live Music Series.

Don't forget, along with the big bands above, we will also have more musician participation events like jazz jams and audience dance participation events too. All concerts kick off Memorial weekend 5/22/2020 through Labor Day, every Friday and Saturday evening and one Sunday a month from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the heart of Downtown South Orange. Check out www.sovillgecenter.org and facebook Downtown After Sundown for the new 2020  list of live music events.

About Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, live music ambassador and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange,Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area.

Jazzy Nights Live Music Joins the Vibrant Music Scene of South Orange, New Jersey

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Thursday, January 23, 2020

South Orange, NJ, which is located just outside New York City and is just 3 miles wide, has a vibrant live music scene that benefits from the numerous professional musicians that live and play within the area. The South Orange live music scene offers numerous opportunities throughout the summer for the community to come together and enjoy live music outdoors. One such program is the South Orange Village Center Alliance’s Downtown After Sundown’s outdoor music series that runs from May through September in two venues all Around South Orange, NJ. It provides a free, wonderful environment outdoors under the stars that the community comes together to enjoy live music events. 

About Jazzy Nights Live

Jazzy Nights South Orange, NJ is not just about jazz but all genres of jazzy live music.  Jazzy Nights Live’s mission is focused on keeping the community of South Orange Summertime live music lovers enjoying live music throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring.  Since their love for live music never stops, our listeners didn't go away and kept asking for more, Jazzy Nights wants to be here for our listeners. Thanks to Fox and Falcon, we get a chance to explore this opportunity.

The objective of Jazzy Nights is to deliver to our patrons sophisticated live music in The Fox and Falcon’s beautifully appointed speakeasy styled Essex Room. We tap into our pool of South Orange’s Downtown After Sundown performers along with top notch professional musicians from Northern New Jersey and New York City to deliver engaging and extremely entertaining live music performances. So far, we have had the following events:

11/14/2020 Jazzy Nights in the Essex Room withDC Fusion Band w Vocalist Shidiyah and Joy at The Fox and Falcon

12/12/2020 Jazzy Nights in the Essex Room with Lynette Sheard Live at The Fox and Falcon

1/9/2020 Jazzy Nights Celebrates Darryl Clark's Birthday Bash in The Fox and Falcon

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazzy-nights-presents-darryl-clarks-birthday-bash-in-the-fox-and-falcon-tickets-87137660087

Jazzy Nights has so far enjoyed a number of wonderful performances from our local area musicians. Because of these very successful nights Jazzy Nights will continue celebrating with some of the following themes:

●      2/13 Jazzy Nights in the Essex Room Celebrating Black History Month

●      3/12 Jazzy Nights in the Essex Room Celebrating Women's History Month

●      4/9 Jazzy Nights in the Essex Room Celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month

●      5/14 Jazzy Nights in the Essex Room Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month

●      6/11 Jazzy Nights in the Essex Room Celebrating Gregory Burrus Birthday

 You should know that Jazzy Nights is free and open to the Public.

About Fox and Falcon

Located in the heart of downtown South Orange, you’ll find The Fox & Falcon, a culinary destination for the emerging food and entertainment scene of Essex County, in which renowned restaurateur David Massoni has found a home.

About the Owner David Massoni

With more than twenty years of restaurant experience, Owner David Massoni started in the industry at the age of fifteen, working in his parents’ Zagat rated and Wine Spectator award-winning hotel and restaurant, the Imperial Hotel, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Since then, David has played a significant role in the opening, building and managing of numerous successful New York City restaurants.

Embodying the diversity and uniqueness of SOMA (South Orange/Maplewood), David took note of the need for a central location where people could come together and enjoy each other’s company, a high-quality meal and artisanal cocktails that also embodied the uniqueness and diversity of SOMA living.

Executive Chef Ruby Felix-Curtis

They have also bought onboard Executive Chef Ruby Felix-Curtis who brings a wealth of culture and knowledge to The Fox & Falcon from her upbringing in the Philippines and her wealth of professional experiences at several prior notable kitchens.

The Fox & Falcon delivers to all guests a warm and inviting environment in which to gather in a multi-level space that offers several rooms, each reflecting its own mood, personality and purpose. From the traditional Irish pub setting of the Snug to the well-appointed dining room located on the main level, as well the speakeasy style Essex Room where we host the 2nd Thursday Jazzy Nights Live performances are held.

About Gregory Burrus Around Town

Gregory Burrus with legendary Trombonist Slide Hampton

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, live music ambassador and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area.

Gregory Burrus sits on a number of local boards and committees and is currently serving as a Board Member of Maplewood Community Music and is Vice President of Communications for Shakur’s Stevenson and Moses Boxing for Life Nonprofit.

Year-round, Gregory Burrus also curates and produces: the Jazz973 live music jazz series at Clements Place Jazz for the Rutgers University Institute of Jazz Studies, the Jazzy Nights Live Music performances at the Speakeasy Style Essex Room of The Fox and Falcon Restaurant in South Orange, NJ and produces Live Music entertainment for South Orange’s Inkosi Cafe.  

During the Summer months, Gregory manages and promotes the South Orange Downtown After Sundown summer long live music concerts, the annual South Orange 24 Hours of Music Festival and the June thru October South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam.

In addition to producing events, Gregory Burrus Productions also showcases, photographs, videotapes events annually such as the annual NYC John Jay College Friends of Myrna Bain Scholarship Fundraiser, the Orange, NJ Farmers Market, SOPAC Playing Around South Orange, along with booking bands at various other local venues.  Gregory Burrus has a passion for making live music happen anywhere and everywhere he can whether locally around town or around the world while living life everyday to the fullest. Learn more at: Gregory Burrus - Gregory Burrus Live Music Ambassador.   

So no matter where you are, we hope you come on out and join us, meet old and new friends and have some fun with us in the speakeasy style Essex Room of the Fox and Falcon restaurant. It's warm and cozy, so join us.

Interview with Jake Benjamin

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Last night, Saddle River singer-songwriter Jake Benjamin celebrated the release of his newest single, “4 Hours”, with a show at Rockwood Music Hall in New York. Earlier this year, he also released another new song, "Bound to You.” The two are part of a what will become a “loop pedal trilogy.” You can catch Jake peforming live at Mercury Lounge on January 20 (click here for tickets). In the meantime, check out our interview, below, to learn about the inspiration behind his music.

What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?

My name is Jake Benjamin, and I am an independent singer-songwriter from Saddle River, NJ. I am currently stationed in Manhattan.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as a blend of indie-pop with jazz tendencies.

Who are your musical influences?

My writing has been influenced by artists across many different genres like Damien Rice, Becca Stevens, Björk, Imogen Heap, Mat Kearney, and Bon Iver. I love listening to so many different songwriters who have extremely different approaches to writing and producing their own music.

Congratulations on the success of your single, “Bound to You.” What was the inspiration behind this song?

Thank you so much! "Bound to You" started off as a composition assignment I had toward the end of grad school. Since I had been performing with a vocal loop pedal, my instructor had asked me to compose a loop pedal tune for a class demonstration. After the class demonstration had gone by, I had this wordless composition. Towards the end of my Master's degree, I had a date with this girl one night and after I had gotten home, I started to think about what it would be like to find someone I really found a connection with. I decided to write a stream of consciousness and by 3AM, I had turned the words in my mind into the lyrics of “Bound to You.”

Photography by JMBOESPHOTO.

Tell us a bit about your creative process. Which comes first for you, the melody or the lyrics?

It's kind of a toss up regarding which comes first. It just depends on when I have a concept presented because sometimes it'll be a motif or a type of groove and other times it'll be a lyrical hook.

Is there anyone who you actively collaborate with, or would like to collaborate with in the future?

Well, for “Bound to You” and the next two singles, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my college friends Gabe Berenbaum and Russell Pollack on producing these loop pedal compositions. This is one of the reasons why I love being in NYC, there are so many talented artists that are so open to collaboration. I don't have a single musician I work with all the time, but I do have a few colleagues I love to jam and bounce ideas off of to try and make some new songs happen.

Listen on Spotify.

You just had a new single drop on December 6th, "4 Hours." What can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?

“4 Hours” is the second song of this loop pedal trilogy. It's a song with melancholic and dark themes that came from a very vulnerable time in my life. It really serves as the emotional foil to “Bound to You” where the expectation in an incredible moment with someone turns into obsession. It's a rather difficult moment for me to relive when I play this live because this song is tethered to a connection that happened a year ago in a snowstorm.

What has you personal journey been like so far? How’d you get to this point?

It's been a whirlwind to be honest, which is a mix of the good and the rough times. I'm proud of myself for having the guts to keep moving forward even when the gigs haven't been successful. I'm also extremely grateful to have met some of the most amazing people and musicians in New York City and have a network of the most supportive family and friends. I think the challenge for me is making sure that I am not a critic of myself. I tend to get in my head a lot when writing and performing and it does nothing but hinder the artistic process.

Photography by JMBOESPHOTO.

Do you have any words of advice for people who share a similar passion or have maybe faced similar obstacles/challenges?

The only thing I can say is something that my professor told me when I first started gigging: if you feel like your voice should be heard, then nothing should stop you from pursuing a life of an artist.

Finally, what are some ways that fans can connect with you online?

Yes! You can reach me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jakebenjmusic) and Instagram (@jakebenjmusic). I also have a website which is www.jakebenjaminmusic.com. My released music, "Bound to You" and my EP Finally Back Home are available for your ears on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and most major streaming and digital music platform.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you so much for the opportunity for this interview. I'm so glad to represent my New Jersey roots as an artist and I hope to make you all proud!

Rachel Ana Dobken - When It Happens To You (Interview)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted August 13, 2019

Rachel Ana Dobken is a singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist based out of Asbury Park. Her latest release, When It Happens To You, is raw, inviting and familiar. Her songs touch on the human condition and how we are all much more similar than we sometime realize. Rachel was kind enough to let me ask her some questions about the album, her songwriting process and her eclectic mix of influences.

How did you come up with the title, When It Happens To You?

So, the title of the record actually came to me in the form of a poem. Essentially, it’s about the concept that we don’t know what an experience is like until we go through it  ourselves. Someone can tell you, “Oh I can give you all of this advice, but you won’t know what it means, what it truly feels like, what to DO and what is right for YOU until it happens to you.” It came to me just like most of my writing does— subconsciously and at a time when I wasn’t thinking about it at all. I originally thought, I will make this into a song and use it as lyrics! Which I may still do… if you’d like to read it (this is a condensed version there's about 3 more stanzas!):

When it Happens to You

Then you know what to do

Know exactly what I am going through

Hope it happens to everyone

You and you and you…

So that you know what to do

When it happens to you

Our pride and preferential being

Existing within this sphere we call earth

Acting as if we have each other

When all we do is try to live first

Selfish, but it comes from a place of fear

Of wanting of wishing of hoping oh so much

That you'll find love, connection, acceptance, and trust

Pick me look at me love me respect me!

Because all we all ever want is acceptance

From you from me.

From every living thing.

It seems so hard to find

If you think of it this way...

Or maybe not?

When it happens to you

You will know what I mean

Hope you figure out what to do

When it happens to you

….

When did you start writing for this release?

Well, the oldest song on the record I wrote in 2013 when I was still living in Upstate NY post-Bard College. That song is “Got Away.” The second oldest song is “Belief Beneath” which came to me in 2015 and was completed shortly after my debut EP Detach was completed. The majority of the songs came to me within the past year, and I’d say about 40% of the songs were completely flushed out. It really all came together once we started tracking and mixing.

 What is your writing process like?

My writing process is very fluid and organic. Ironically, it’s the opposite of how I’d describe myself— it’s relaxed, free, organic, flowing….

I don’t choose when or where songs come to me, or even what they sound like. They just do. It’s almost like its own spiritual entity (not to get all “hippy-dippy” on you here). I find when I allow the art to speak for itself and come out when it needs to, it always does and does so in a compelling way. I worry that I will run out of material but honestly, every time I think this, something better musically and philosophically comes to me. Something is always rattling around in my brain and is always dying to come out. Usually I’ll hear parts of a song when I am most able to let go and clear my brain (showering, when I’m falling asleep, while going for a run), when I am not thinking about anything at all.

A lot of times it can be after my brain is going for days and I’m coming down from, or feeling residual emotions from whatever situations are going on in my life. The next thing I know I’m in the shower and an entire melody comes to me, a lot of times in conjunction with a lyric. I have a basic idea of “this little line is definitely a chorus or a verse.” Almost immediately after I know, “oh ok this is what the groove is, this is what the drums will be doing.” And then I’ll have an idea, even if the parts have not come to me yet, where the song is to go.

Typically, (especially if I’m feeling wildly inspired or going through something) I will continue to hear parts throughout my days and weeks and won’t be able to escape it. The song just happens. Usually, after a structure is set the lyrics will come. It always varies in different ways and each song has its own set of similar yet different creations. After that, I’ll sit down a couple of times and work through until lyrics and structure are all flushed out! Then comes the workshopping with the band! 

Influences for this album?

Well, I listen to everything but I don’t try to sound like anyone. I just know what I love and for me it comes back to, the groove and genuineness— intention behind the music. Don’t worry about the bullshit, don’t worry about people and your “image”, just hone your craft and be true to YOU. I guess I will answer this in regards to production, and where I saw the record fitting sonically in 2018. It was (sort of but not really) all over the place. Sometimes when referencing where the drums should sit, we’d pull up Allen Stone. Other times for vocals, it would be Lake Street Dive (I get the vocal comparison to Rachael Price a lot wooo go Rachel’s)! Guitar-wise, My Morning Jacket and White Denim… I could go on and on.

Photo by Danny Clinch

What was it like producing your own record?

It was fantastic and insanely overwhelming. I’m a perfectionist and I thrive off of being in control, so I definitely drove myself crazy at times (surprise, surprise)! I am so proud of the way the record came out, so proud of the work we created. Everyone told me during the process (while I was pulling my hair out) that I would be so incredibly proud of what I was achieving. But in the moment it was insanity at times. Listening to mixes over and over again and losing context, having to make every little decision from what take should we use to what guitar tone works best? I didn’t know how much panning mattered before this record… Should the drums be “wetter” and the guitar more “dry”? All of these decisions fell on my shoulders and I had to eventually be like, “whatever fuck it, I can’t care anymore, let’s just say it’s great. I have to be done…” But, as an artist with a vision, as someone who hears exactly what they want down to the last riff (I’m soooo happy with that ending to “Understand”) it’s extremely rewarding to know that you’ve created something with 100% authenticity true to the art itself. I know that isn’t always the case, but I will for damn sure strive hard to make sure it is in my music career.

Who did you work with?

Great question to follow-up with because as much as I loved to produce this, there is no way I could have without the help of the folks who gave me constant feedback and who played with me… let’s start with my engineers Tim Pannella and Joey Henderson— simply the best.

Then the players—Dan Haase (bass), Ryan MacLean (lead guitar), Andy Jackle (drums—”Intro,” “Got Away,” “Taking My Time”), Chris Dubrow (bass—”Us,” “Taking My Time”), Joey Henderson (guitar—”Always,” “Intro”; vox—”Belief”), Mark Masefield (b3), Ian Gray, Denis Daley, Bruce Krywinski (trombone, sax, trumpet), Danny Clinch (harmonica!) and I played drums, guitar, piano and sang. It was mixed by Kyle Joseph and mastered by Justin Colletti…

I’d be nothing especially without Chris Dubrow (who truly helped me get this off the ground organizing my thoughts and sounds through the pre-production phase), Dan (such an incredible player and amazingly helpful opinions, Dan and I have a great flow and a lot of respect for each other as musicians—I’m extremely grateful to him and our musical chemistry), Joey (oh man, thank you Joey, my right hand man in so many ways, Joey and I think, hear and feel things in a very similar fashion and we happen to have very similar musical influences)... and of course everyone else. Even the musical friends and my boyfriend who gave me feedback and lent me an ear to know I had to get the fuck out of my head—Renee Maskin, Tara Dente, Joe Michelini…

Favorite song you have written? Why?

Whew, this is a tough one… I think for this record it’s either “Understand,” “Everybody Wants” or “Learning How to Let Go.” In regards to “Understand” and “Learning,” its for similar reasons. I love the sentiments of what they captured, and more so I think because it’s something I live and struggle with frequently.  This gnawing feeling that we have as a society, as people, as artists to compare and be down on ourselves for being different or wondering why we aren’t succeeding at a pace we expect, in any situation.

It’s a coming to terms with reality in the moment, but also allowing yourself to feel the feelings rather than fight with them. Not understanding all the time why you’re having them but just accepting that…

“Everybody Wants” is an epic love song and is in other ways one of the best track on the album (lyrically well-written, easily accessible, showcases my vocals the best)…

Who are some other artists you feel define your sound?

I love so much music, I’m such a music nerd I could cry about my love for the medium—I know this is why I keep going… some of my biggest influences, and you can make the call whether or not you hear it!: My Morning Jacket, The Band, Jeff Buckley, Incubus, John Mayer, Paul Simon, Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse, White Denim, Thelonious Monk, Julie London, Patsy Cline, Ray Charles… the list goes on and on…

Future plans?

I’m planning out 2019 and trying to figure out our gigs. I am in the works of figuring out some music videos, and I do have an unreleased single that will come out probably in the spring—keep the eyes and ears peeled! 

~

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PSjhSQ

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/when-it-happens-to-you/1438758369

Bandcamp: https://rachelanadobkenmusic.bandcamp.com/ 

What’s Happening in the 3rd Annual "24 Hours Of Music Jamboree" This Weekend July 20 and 21 (South Orange, NJ)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, July 16, 2019

The 24 Hours of Music Jamboree in its 3rd year is a volunteer nonstop music event, much-loved by the local music community, those who come from afar to perform and our many visitors.   Normally held in May, this year it will be conducted on July 20 and the 21st. From the first event at noon July 20th to the last event starting at noon July 21st, the live music runs for 24 consecutive hours nonstop, covers multiple musical genres and highlights a good cause. In addition to regular scheduled events, there is live music all over South Orange, NJ.

Sounds in Spiotta Park

In South Orange, Spiotta Park, New Jersey DJ Services will be warming us up at 11:15 am and then all day between the performances so you can expect New Jersey DJ Services  to be rocking the park all day long. Very happy that Soul Xpressiion School of Dance will be joining us for the first time and they will be live in Spiotta Park leading a Zumba session designed to make you work out and feel good.

As the afternoon progresses come enjoy Dan Ogden music, the very popular Howling Poets, connect with some Latin Music from Carlos Frias and another new group called Psychedelic Fusion from the band YIRD. In the early afternoon Black Wax will have you toe tapping, head bopping to some great R&B music and in the evening you can dance the night away to popular cover songs by the exciting NXStage band. To close the night in the park, you can rock it out hard with the fabulous tribute band Deadful Greats. So come enjoy everything in Spiotta Park from POP, World music, Rock, Latin, R&B and more.

We give a big thanks to Persaud Entertainment LLC and CEO Valerie Persaud in helping make the events happen in the park this year. Their band always attracts the largest Downtown After Sundown audience when Ricky Persaud Jr hits our stage which btw will be August 17th, 2019.

South Orange Gazebo

Meanwhile at the Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo venue which has produced some wonderful live music performances from some truly great and well known musicians the mission continues with almost 24 Hours of Jazz and R&B from local musicians around the area. This year thanks to Wayne Winborne who is Executive Director of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies(IJS) the IJS is  extending their community engagement mission of building and sharing jazz with us right here in South Orange NJ.

They are supporting all the Jazz events throughout the 24 Hours Of Music jamboree. DC Jazz Fusion bandleader and bassist Darryl Clark will bring on stage some really cool friends. Joining Darryl Clark will be the former songwriter for Luther Vandross’s, world renowned pianist Nat Adderley Jr along with another heavy hitter jazz professional from the Count Basie band, saxophonist Marshall MacDonald.

The South Orange Gazebo will continue swinging hard all day into the evening with Richard Reiter’s Drum Circle and Jazz Band and a make you always want to dance MPAC R&B Music band. You also get to spend some time with our gifted versatile vocalist, actor, producer and director Lynette Sheard.

There’s also some really new very cool up and coming jazz musicians, like Seniar Raines, Mike Petillo, the Ben Frank Trio, Tim Rodner and yes drummer Bruce Tyler.  

Retrospective Downtown After Sundown - 24 Hours of Music -Etc 2018 from Gregory Burrus on Vimeo.

The evening highlight of the jazz day will be a Jazz Jam to end all Jams when we hit it off with Percussionist Norman Mann’s Birthday Celebration Jazz Jam. The musicians will be swinging, the vocalist will be singing and the gazebo will be jumping. All musicians and vocalist are welcome to come join in and jam with us at this truly unique one of a kind Norman Mann birthday celebration. It’s going to be hot!!!!! Overnight, keeping the music live all night will be newcomer Ilan Esienzweig, pianist Brianne Ford Live with local vocalist Kari Capone joining us in the 5 AM hour. Then our newcomer from Flip Da Skrip Tasha R Williams goes solo at 6 AM followed by 24 Hour of Music veterans Patricia Walton from MPAC and then it’s the Steve Jones Music hour. This will be followed by Jazz at from the Hassenfeld group.

Back in the Park

And also over in Spiotta Park there will be a real world 4 hour Blues Extravaganza in Spiotta Park kicked off by singer Liza Katzoff, followed by soulful Tara Layne and then Blues Jam Master Andy Lackow closes us out.

Around South Orange

In addition to the music at Spiotta Park and the South Orange Gazebo music will be all around South Orange, NJ on July 20th and 21st.  A number of local stores and restaurants are supporting the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. Out on the avenue music lovers can enjoy the music on the way into and out of town when they encounter “The Little Shop of Hip Hop, BGR Burger, Café Word Bookstore, Elitist Coffee Shop, Jackie and Sons and more.

Events on the avenue are being supported by Lifestyle Advocate CC Minton.

Other around town regular live music locations are The Fox and Falcon hosting its popular Karaoke Night. Papillion 25 entertaining its customers with returning favorite MPACK music band while the South Orange Performing Arts Center has the wildly popular Ragtime, The Musical on its main stage. On Sunday morning attendees can attend an early morning Café Word Inspirational music session.

Support South Orange Rescue Squad

This year the nonstop music jamboree is hoping to bring town wide awareness to the current needs of the South Orange Rescue Squad. As most folks do not know that the South Orange Rescue Squad is a completely volunteer organization. These folks are a full time support organization,  providing selfless service and are always there when we need them, so let’s be there for them when they need us. The public is invited to contribute to the South Orange Rescue Squad by making a donation at https://www.southorangerescuesquad.org or in person during the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree.

2018 Thank You All and here’s to 2019 and having another blast of a good time.

Thanks to South Orange Village Center Alliance, South Orange Village, the musicians, supporters and volunteers that help make it happen.

Gregory Burrus Around Town
24 Hours of Music
South Orange Village Center Alliance
Live Music Ambassador

Keywords: Gregory Burrus Around Town, 24 Hours of Music , South Orange Village Center , Alliance, Live Music Ambassador, South Orange Rescue Squad., CC Minton., Lynette Sheard., Darryl Clark, Nat Adderley Jr , Marshall MacDonald.,  Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo , Wayne Winborne Executive Director, Lifestyle empowerment, jazz, blues

Celebrate Women's History Month when Jazz973 Presents Nadine LaFond at Clements Place Jazz

Wednesday, March 6, 2019, 7-10PM
15 Washington St, Newark, NJ

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, March 5, 2019

It's Women's History Month and what better way for your local live music ambassador to celebrate than to celebrate strong leading "Women In Jazz". This month a series of Women Bandleaders take over my Jazz973@Clements Place Jazz Live Music Series held this month at the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies. Rutgers IJS Clements Place is managed by the Executive Director of the Jazz Institute Wayne Winborne who has turned this live music venue dedicated to noted Newark historian Clement Price into one very in-demand, special jazz listening venue right in the heart of Newark, NJ.

While there are many events run out of this venue, the Jazz973live music series is run by your local producer, promoter Gregory Burrus, yup that's me. This month I'm honoring a number of what I call large and in charge women making a difference on the Performing Arts scene all over Essex County and beyond.

This first week of March we are showcasing the intriguing Bandleader, Vocalist Songwriter Nadine LaFond.

Nadine Lafond lighting up the crowd at Newark Express in Newark Hahne Build 2017

About Nadine LaFond

"Vocalist and songwriter, Nadïne LaFond illustrates with performances that feel more like stirring storytelling sessions mixing diverse styles, cultures, and languages to set the tone. Moving from original tunes to soulful Jazz Standards to arrangements of her favorite “crusty” Blues to Haitian roots to pure Experimentation and Poetry, she and her band take audiences on a haunting and poignant journey.

Nadïne’s solo recording debut, Wisdom Child​, features eleven original tracks mixing styles like blues, jazz, rock, Caribbean roots and experimental that create a unified sound across a chronicle of songs about transforming adversity into light as inspiration to keep moving beyond struggle.

Whether on festival stages or in intimate listening rooms, Nadïne connects deeply with audiences through her engaging presence, fearless voice and distinct sound, which she honed over the years as a jazz vocalist at open jams in New York then as backing vocalist for several rock/funk and jam bands, as vocalist/percussionist member of Pan African ensemble, Wogbledoe, and as lead vocalist / co-songwriter with Swampadelica. Currently writing and bringing to life "all those crazy ideas" she'd been working to articulate for years, Nadïne is developing several projects that best express the many classic roots to abstract sounds now coming through.

By the way Nadine is also a painter, mixed media & found objects artist, her art is inspired by her music and visa versa."  https://www.nadinelafond.com/

Needless to say, I am very excited to say that Nadine always puts on a performance that always moves you to feel the moment and the excitement of the message during what are always heartfelt performances. Or as Nadine has stated: "Excited doesn't cover it ! So honored to play this stage. Come through for this one, people. 'Bout to saaaannnggg."

Joining Nadïne for this special concert at Clement’s Place are:

·       Anthony Ware – tenor sax

·       Mike Tichy – guitar

·       Mike Noordzy - bass

·       T.W. Sample – keys

·       Wahkiba Julion – drums

You can read more about the entire band and event right here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/j...

This event promises as usual to be another Nadine LaFond landmark performance and I urge you to come on out and enjoy a beautiful evening of live music. No cover Tickets available here at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/j...

Gregory Burrus​

Your live music ambassador

Come on out and join us.....the fun is just beginning ... live no caver performances just 20 minutes away.  https://www.eventbrite.com/o/gregory-burrus-17227441816

@gregoryburrusproducions #nadinelafond #gregoryburrusaroundtown #rutgersijs #clementsplace

Outdoor Live Music Events in Essex County, NJ

Hello October! Lots of Free Outdoor Live Music Events
All Around Our Essex County Towns  

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, October 5, 2018

OK folks, it's beautiful October, a little chilly at times, then a little warm which is great, and some outdoor activities tend to come to a close but not just yet as Outdoor Live Music Continues. BTW all events listed below that I'm involved with are free unless noted otherwise below.

So, “Hello October!”  

Every Wed. 5-8 PM, South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam - Peter Lin

4 more jazz jams coming at you led by the awesome Peter Lin and his band. Every Wed 5-8 PM at 17 Sloan Street in South Orange NJ. Shop at the Farmers Market, secure some food and we invite you to come on over to sing, play, or listen and help us close out the last month of our 2nd Annual South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam. GPS 17 Sloan Street. Learn more: FB https://www.facebook.com/sofmj...

A side note - Yeah it's getting colder and have not found an indoor arena in South Orange yet to bring bands to but I'm open to suggestions and I'm still searching for indoor places to book some live music bands.... Hint hint restaurants and music venues. And on the inside venue we have a very special event:

Wed. Oct 17, 7 PM Clements Place Newark NJ Kelly Green Trio

Jazz973@Clements Presents the marvelous, awesome Kelly Green Trio at Clements Place. It's very special place in memory of Newark Historian Clement Price (RIP) and run by Institute of Jazz Studies Executive Director Wayne Winborne. It's all about jazz, it free access, snacks and libations are donated and the music is just swinging. Kelly is coming to rock your world and folks are excited like you wouldn't believe for Kelly Green as 65 of the 80 seats are gone already so if you plan on coming get your access RSVP now at Jazz973@Clements Place Oct 17 7-9 PM. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/j...

OK. Back to this week...

Fri. Oct 5 Friday @7:30 pm – Mimi Jones Quartet at Clements Place Jazz Events

IJS Concert Series presents Mimi Jones- 15 Washington Street in Newark and this event be truly a great one as Mimi was fabulous last time. Bassist/vocalist/producer/label owner and now filmmaker Mimi Jones has reigned supreme for the more than two decades she’s been on the scene as a side woman to an impressive coterie of musicians and as a leader with three CDs on her own Hot Tone Music label. She has been voted #2 rising star by the DownBeat poll for 3 years straight. Free but you must RSVP Go and click to RSVP register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i... 

Sat. Oct 6, 6-7PM Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers Saxophonist George Coleman 

George Coleman has worked with some of the most prominent figures in jazz, including Lionel Hampton, Lee Morgan, Elvin Jones, Charles Mingus, Betty Carter, Chet Baker, Charles McPherson, Cedar Walton, Ahmad Jamal, and Hilton Ruiz - 275 W Market St. Newark NJ

Sat. Oct 6, 3:30-4:30PM Lil Bastad at Bloomfield Harvest Fest

Lil Bastad will be playing at Bloomfield, NJ's Octoberfest on Sat. Oct. 6 @ 3:30-4:30 - Makin' it funky...  The dynamic character of the band is a result of its members' personalities. On lead guitar& vocals, Mark Bowers (JT Taylor of Kool & The Gang, The Manhattans, Mary J. Blige, Otis Rush, Lowell Fulson, Wilson Pickett); on drums, Dave Moore (Dave Fields, Nikki Armstrong, Kings in Disguise); on bass, Ronald "Boz" Bostick (Blue Magic, Funkadelic, Della Reese & Super Blue). From Long Island, NY on keyboards is John Palmer (Doyle Bramhall, Terence Trent-D'Arby); and on guitar & vocals, Luke Michura (Tanglefoot, Bourbon Street). You've got to hear them to believe it!  Located across from the Public Library -- the rain date, if needed, is Oct. 7 at the same time. https://www.facebook.com/pg/lilbastad

Sat Oct 6 10 AM - Sun Oct 7 3PM Valley Arts Gallery Pop Up Vinyl Shop with Brainiac Records 

Valley Arts Community Gallery brings you the Pop Up Vinyl Shop with Brainiac Records - Brainiac Records and other vinyl vendors will be in the Community Gallery all weekend with tons of vinyl! All genres - you will definitely find something new for your collection. The biggest vinyl pop-up shop around!  ValleyArts 400 S Jefferson St, Orange, New Jersey 07050

https://www.facebook.com/events/239013333473530

Sat Oct 6 - 8PM South Orange Pierro Gallery Presents Below the Water Line

South Orange Pierro Gallery invites you to join us for a free, one-night, open-air show on the South Orange Duck Pond. The debut of a water-born and waterborne series of visual and spoken poetry, the performance will take those gathered around the shore on an illuminated journey Below the Waterline.

The October 6th show will be presented outdoors and free to the public. Guests are invited to bring their own blankets and chairs for sitting on the grass. In case of rain, the show will take place October 13th, 6:00-8:00 pm. See the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/339637276803202/

OPEN Call:

Speaking of Valley Arts - you may know that I'm doing some music programming for Valley Arts Community Gallery right up the rode in Orange N.J. A number of folks have hit me up with ideas and that they want to play so here's a few parameters.

1. I'm looking for some Solo and Duo acoustic artists to come on on out and play some music for an hour or two on certain days of the week in the Artful Bean Coffe Shop. Expenses Only Gig. If interested please email me your interests or FB Msg me (gregoryburrus) your interest and your email.

2. I'm also going to start a Live Music Series in the beautiful Valley Arts Gallery space next door. It's an intimate gorgeous space and we want the music to flow. Here I am looking for some smooth folk singers, country, jazz, neo soul, vocalist, classical music and more. It's an intimate space holds lots of seats but not looking to Rock the Block or the neighborhood. It will be a paid gig so If you have an idea hit me up here on FB Msg  (gregoryburrus) or email me at gregoryburrus@gregoryburrusproductions.com, I can give you more details and maybe we can work something out.

About the Author

 Gregory Burrus with Chelsea Burrus at Clements Place

Gregory Burrus, Your Live Music Ambassador, invites you to stay tuned as there is much more to come.  

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians and local art exhibitions. Gregory Burrus curates events at Jazz973 at Clements Place, Valley Arts Gallery along with being promoter and manager of Downtown After Sundown Live Music Concerts, Playing Pianos Around South Orange, NJ and is the founder, curator of South Orange 24 Hours of Music and the South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam along with many other live music  ventures.

Gregory promotes events through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism.  Having fun, living life, while helping others.

Keywords: clementsplacejazz playingaroundsouthorange  downtownaftersundown jazzonsloan southorangegazebo southorangevillagecenter southorangenj gregoryburrusaroundtown sopianos sofarmersmarket sopac   livemusicambassador

Announcing Jazz973@Clements Place, Taking It To The Community

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Jazz973 is proud to announce its new Monthly Live Music Concert Series at the premier Jazz listening environment in Newark’s Clements Place​ Jazz​.​ As you know Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and developed from roots in blues and ragtime. ... Since the 1920s Jazz Age, jazz has become recognized as a major form of musical expression. Wikipedia/Jazz. Jazz is important because most popular music today can be traced back to Jazz origins. Jazz is an offshoot of the blues and came of age in the early twentieth century.

Fast forward to today, Newark Jazz is thriving and Jazz973@Clements aims to provide a voice to local jazz musicians that are entering and growing within the jazz scene as they demonstrate that they are here to make a difference. Or as Wayne Winborne, Executive Director of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University which by the way is the largest and most comprehensive library and archives of jazz and jazz-related materials in the world has stated “Let’s change the conversation about where Jazz is headed” because it is alive, kicking and strong all around our towns.

Unfortunately for the striving, less established artists, the professional jazz musicians get most of the notoriety and acceptance to perform at the better, more well-known venues and clubs in any given area. This is also the case here at the Clements Place Venue as the best professional musicians in the world have been coming through and performing on a regular basis. This means the venue, the buildings, the jazz rooms; the sound systems all benefit the seasoned artists but do not always allow time for these emerging musicians to showcase their best performances. Now after establishing this world class Clements Place Venue, the Institute of Jazz Studies aims to change that situation. “We’re going to leverage what we have here to become a pipeline to the wider community.” said Wayne Winborne who also has already started the mission by partnering with NJPAC to cohost community jazz jams.

At a recent Jazz Jam that was absolutely swinging, Eyesha Marable of NJPAC’s Community Engagement Dept. was heard to say "Extending our programs by involving the community has always been at the forefront of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Mission. Partnering with Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies to host the Community Jazz Jam ensures we both meet our goals." In line with that, the ongoing NJPAC- Rutgers Community Jazz Jams are a loud musical call to the jazz community to come on in and jam with the best of the best in one stellar environment.

Extending the mission of taking it to the community, Jazz973@Clements is taking another big step in that direction by inviting in local artists to perform Live Music Concerts at this very professional musical environment called Clements Place.  

About the Location - 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ

How Rutgers turned an abandoned skyscraper into a luxury dorm

What better place to utilize on the local Newark Jazz scene than Clements Place in the recently reopened 15 Washington Street Residence Building.  Clements Place is a venue for jazz and other music events located in a Rutgers Graduate Residence Building in Newark, New Jersey. On the first floor behind the quiet unassuming windows, the jazz is smoking hot on any given night. And just like jazz, the building harkens back to the 1930’s according to Rutgers.edu, it is “one of Newark’s most distinctive buildings, 15 Washington Street has a long and storied history. 

The neo-classical building was designed by the same architect who designed the Newark City Hall, opening in 1930 as the headquarters of the American Insurance Company.  A few decades later it was acquired by the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, which donated the building to RU–N in 1979. The building thrived under RU-N’s ownership as the S.I. Newhouse Center for Law and Justice from 1979 to 2000, but was mothballed when the Rutgers Center for Law and Justice was built as the new location for all of 15 Washington's offices.  In late 2015 it re-opened, with great fanfare, as a residential space for both undergraduate and graduate students, and the residence of Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor.  

The building’s first-floor Great Hall also is used as a space for public gatherings and events, as well as special programs”. You can read more about this great conversion here on NJ.com.  The lobby depicted is one gorgeous renovation and is where one waits for the doors to open for nightly events. Clements Place was built in honor of “Clement Alexander Price, a Cheerleader for Newark, who was an American historian. As the Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of History at Rutgers University-Newark, Price brought his study of the past to bear on contemporary social issues in his adopted hometown of Newark, New Jersey.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clement_Alexander_Price.  Clement Place Venue is located directly off this entrance and it’s an intimate jazz venue reflective of the vision of Clements’s Price friend Wayne Winborne.  

About The Venue - Clements Place Jazz Events

Jazz973@Clements is by no means just another club date as this venue aims to uplift the spirit and zeal of all who enter including these emerging artists with an environment that all jazz enthusiast want to participate in, while creating a path to the future along the way. Jazz973@Clements offers its artist a professional backline anchored by a Steinway Baby Grand, complete drum kits, extensive microphones, sound monitors and a beautiful acoustically tuned sound environment. The seating area, the bar, the lighting all reflect the need to listen to great music. The environment seating arrangement and sound system are adapted as needed.

About The Program - Jazz973@Clements

Jazz973@Clements in Action at Clements Place

Thanks to the vision of the IJS Executive Director Wayne Winborne, Clements Place has established itself for its absolutely fabulous listening environment and for having some of the best jazz patrons in the tri state area. ​ It is a very classy cabaret-style venue with a cozy atmosphere.  It has very good, natural acoustics, a warm, intimate setting and a helpful, very friendly staff.   

The Jazz973@Clements program will curate a select group of local, emerging artist to perform on a regular basis in this professional, venue. These artist will create history and demonstrate their growing repertoire of musical accomplishments to a wider, knowledgeable, sophisticated jazz audience. This beautifully appointed environment is perfectly suited to the professional, the emerging musician and all true jazz lovers.

About Executive Director - Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies Wayne Winborne

Clements Place Jazz Executive Director, Wayne Winborne, Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies

Clements Place Jazz is run by the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies Executive Director, Wayne Winborne who manages the world’s largest and most comprehensive jazz archive in addition to being a jazz aficionado, true jazz lover, and is one incredible encyclopedia of jazz knowledge.

Along with this impressive melding of business and academic experience, Winborne also has extensive knowledge of jazz and extensive relationships with artists and producers throughout the genre. He has served as advisor and consultant to artists and musicians and worked with filmmakers, playwrights, and theater producers.  Winborne has produced recordings for the MaxJazz, HighNote, and Savant labels, including “Daybreak” by Bruce Barth and the just-released “Feeling Good” by Mary Stallings.  He also has taught jazz history and appreciation at Stanford University.

Winborne also brings to the IJS an extensive record of success in fundraising in the jazz and nonprofit communities, as well as a network of collaborations with an array of cultural institutions. He has served on the boards of local and national nonprofit organizations ranging from the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, to the Asian American Justice Center, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, and the Social and Public Art Resource Center. He earned degrees from Stanford and New York University.

Winborne has stated:. “There is so much to build upon: the IJS’ phenomenal holdings, experienced and committed staff, rich history, and its presence in Newark, the intellectual resources of the university, and the great good will among so many possible collaborators across Newark, the New York metro area, and the jazz world. IJS is poised to realize fully the bold vision Chancellor Cantor has developed. I’m honored to have been chosen to be a part of this exciting next chapter.” https://www.newark.rutgers.edu/news/new-leadership-chosen-worlds-largest-jazz-archive

About the Curator of Jazz973 - Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus out enjoying Jazz with Dothan Kirk, Newark’s First Lady of Jazz

This new monthly Wednesday evening series called "Jazz973”, focuses on local and emerging musicians will be curated by Gregory Burrus​ local promoter and producer.​ Gregory has been promoting local events throughout Essex County over the last few years and is known for helping musicians get exposure through extensive promotional ventures.

Working over multiple venues and genres, his love for Jazz has him dedicating venues to help local jazz musicians gain increased recognition for what they love to do. These venues are known for attracting serious jazz lover audiences resulting in artists garnering greater recognition of their jazz proficiency with their dedicated jazz patrons.

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events and in addition to curating Newark's new Clements Place Jazz973​, Gregory Burrus is promoter and manager of South Orange, NJ Downtown After Sundown​ Live Music Concerts which includes the well-known Jazz on Sloan South Orange Gazebo venue. Gregory is creator, curator of the Annual South Orange 24 Hours of Live Music​ event​ and is Music Programmer of Orange NJ’s  Valley Arts Community Gallery​. Gregory is also Vice President of North Jersey Blues Alliance for the West Orange, NJ South Mountain International Blues Festival​. Along with supporting numerous other live music programs in Essex County and New York City, Gregory Burrus promotes, documents events through social media marketing, photojournalism and writing articles for Jersey Indie. Gregory Burrus motto is  “Having fun, living life, while helping others”.. 

As you can see, Jazz973@Clements place has the connection of prominent individuals, connected history, beautiful architecture, a perfect jazz listening environment, committed business and community sponsors along with being under the direction of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies.  All involved, are firmly committed to the growth of the Jazz artist in the Jazz environment. This place has a unique listening environment, complimentary refreshments are available and if you love jazz than it's highly recommended that you come on through and enjoy some oif the best local, emerging musicians around town.. 

You can learn more about Jazz973, the jazz artists being selected at Clements Place Jazz Events and these fabulous jazz programs here at Clements Place Jazz Events - An Awesome Truly Cool Newark Venue to Enjoy Some Serious Jazz.

2018 Mid-Season Downtown After Sundown Live Jazz Music Recap & Preview

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, August 10, 2018

In the first half of our 2018 Downtown After Sundown Summer Season that started May 25, 2018, we have had some absolutely wonderful, truly professional and swinging live jazz concerts. From a very pleasing opening weekend performances by vocalist Candice Reyes with saxophonist Abel Mireles of the CRQ Quintet that was followed by the TNT Quartet with Peter Lin and then Charlie Apicella, Gene Ghee and Radam Schwartz. We had a number of 100 plus audience members enjoy memorable performance led by the award winning 16-year-old pianist Leonieke Scheuble with Nick Scheuble, and the dynamic bassist Thadeus Expose. A very entertaining jazz fusion performance by Darryl Clark's DC Fusion band with drummer Abdullah Rahman, pianist Howard Hall and vibraphonist Kevin Sloane had folks hanging off the sidewalk, blocking gazebo traffic and continually asking for more.

Leonieke Scheuble Trio in Downtown After Sundown 2018

We've also had some truly great and well know jazz professionals and their bands come through our Jazz on Sloan Gazebo such as guitarist Charlie Apicella, saxophonist Gene Ghee, guitarist Bob DeVos, every body's favorite pianist Dave Braham, trombonist Ben Williams, veteran saxophonist Mike Kaplan, sax man Mike Lee, bassist Ed Howard, to a former semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Drum Competition, drummer Sylvia Cuenca to everybody in between that played with all these folks, we can truly say "thank you" because the music has been jumpin.

We've had some absolutely wonderful local, talented vocalist come thru and knock us out, such as very talented vocalist Ife Basim, Hollis Donaldson, vocalist Omisanya Karade's Love and Light event and the 2014 International Women in Jazz “Youth in Action” award winner Natazsha Scheuble. Add in a few special performances like Eddie Brown's TASE Band, the special performance by the semi-finalist competitor of the prestigious Montreux Switzerland Jazz Festival, pianist Mamiko Wantanbe, and of course the extremely crowd pleasing evening by Flamenco guitarist Jonathan Fritz. Add in the live music of the Free Speech Quintet, the smooth night of music provided by the Richard Reiter Jazz band and the beautiful jazz music doesn't stop.

Allison V Brown production -Schwartz- Sanity in Downtown After Sundown

We just closed this half of the season with one phenomenal astounding night of live music when the prolific organist Radam Schwartz, who has played with the greats Arthur Prysock, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Al Hibler, David Fathead Newman and one of my favorite organists Charles Earland. To our delight Radam brought out his 1970's real world Hammond B3 Organ, combined with Desmond Schwartz on Drums and Peter Lin on Trombone, they absolutely blew away another 100 plus standing room only gazebo crowd because once folks heard the music, they stopped and never left. Clearly we can say part 1 of the Downtown After Sundown Season has gotten off to a great start.

Maplewood Community Swing Town Big Band in Spiotta Park South Orange NJ

So, yes, from a 19-piece Maplewood Community Music Big Band in Spiotta Park to the always professional sounding Carol Deminski's Little Jazz Birds, we covered the gamut of jazz music that just makes people happy. 

We've has some wonderful visitors in our audience, such as noted jazz historian Barbara Kukla who recently completed The Encyclopedia of Newark Jazz, the venerable 85-year trombonist Slide Hampton, and more.  Yes, the audiences now pop in to spend the evening from Central Jersey, North Jersey and from New York City for our Jazz performances, which is very cool and we are just at the half way point.

2018 Downtown After Sundown 2nd Half of the Season - Jazz Preview

Well the 2nd half of the summer is here and as you can see we have a plethora of great Jazz performances coming your direction starting this weekend with our very own Grammy Award winning composer and violinist Zach Brock, whom Stanley Clark confirmed French Violinist Jean Luc Ponty's impression that Zach Brock is the guy "whose got the Stuff."

2018 Downtown After Sundown Jazz in the South Orange Village

Also this weekend from our South Orange family of jazz professionals will be the Johnson Brothers, Mark and Billy Johnson.  Drummer Mark Johnson, who is an established name in the international jazz scene since 1978 and a recipient of the National Endowment of the Arts grant, has played and toured with such artists as Abbey Lincoln, Walter Davis Jr., Cassandra Wilson, Jackie McLean, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Steve Colman and David Murray to name just a few.  William Owens Johnson - Billy studied with such jazz greats as Ron Carter, Richard Davis, Buster Williams, Cecil McBee, and Rufus Reid, played with the touring big bands of vibraphone giant, Lionel Hampton and the great tenor saxophonist Illinois Jaquet, with whom he played at the 1992 presidential inaugural ball. Billy then went on to work with his greatest mentor, the most recorded hard bop drummer in history, Arthur Taylor. As a member of the final incarnation of Taylor’s Wailers, Billy toured the world extensively and developed fully from a big band sideman into a modern jazz musician.

In future articles we will mention other upcoming events but for now we will mention that Maplewoodstock standout performer Whitney Jackson will be gracing the South Orange Gazebo and showcasing her Jazz Vocalist skills. And a very special Jazz event is coming when DarrylClarkFusion is at Spiotta Park showcasing the likes of pianist Nat Adderley Jr., who spent much of his music career arranging and writing as music director for Luther Vandross tours, saxophonist Marshall McDonald, best known for his 20+ years on the Lead Alto chair with The Count Basie Orchestra, and performances with Lionel Hampton and Paquito D’Rivera amongst many other luminaries.  This special August 24th event will be in Spiotta Park.

Add in the fact we added in special once-a-month Sunday Jazz Jams which next up is the Peter Lin Jazz Jam and than add in a season ending major jazz jam with the Carrie Jackson All Stars. All vocalists and instrumentalists are invited in to participate.

South Orange Farmers Market and Playing Pianos Around South Orange

We still have more jazz performers and events we did not mention that happen at the Gazebo, like the Wednesday South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam and the Thursday SOPAC Playing Piano's Around South Orange, but its clear the Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo is going to be swinging hard right up 'til the end of the Jazz season.

Yes, the Jazz scene is alive and kicking all Around South Orange, New Jersey with some of the best professionals, worldwide gracing the stage of the South Orange Gazebo and Spiotta Park, and we have a lot more to come.  Come on out and join your neighbors and friends and experience some of the best jazz there is worldwide right here in South Orange, New Jersey. It's all free, brought to you by the South Orange Village Center Alliance and the Town of South Orange, so stop on in and say hi.

Slide Locksley Hampton Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus, Your Live Music Ambassador, invites you to stay tuned as there is much more to come. 

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians and local art exhibitions. On a regular basis, Gregory Burrus is promoter and manager of Downtown After Sundown Live Music Concerts for South Orange, NJ.

Gregory promotes events through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism.  Having fun living life while helping others.

Check us out #downtownaftersundown #jazzonsloan #southorangegazebo #southorangevillagecenter #southorangenj #gregoryburrusaroundtown #sopianos #sofarmersmarket