By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, April 22, 2022

Tapping into the region’s top live music talent, Jazzy Nights hosts live music performances from big-name local artists drawn from all over Northern New Jersey and nearby New York City, Produced by Live Music Ambassador Gregory Burrus of Gregory Burrus Productions.

Jazzy Nights is not just about jazz but all genres of jazzy live music. It's jazz, it's R&B, and it's jazzy. The Jazzy Nights Live mission is focused on keeping the community of summertime live music lovers enjoying live music throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring, whenever possible.

Following is a post about how Jazzy Nights made it to this season. Back in the day, just a few years ago, the South Orange live music season would run June ‘til September and stop. However, so many local folks and attendees from around the various towns wanted more and more. So, we extended the end of the 2019 season by going indoors and kicked off Jazzy Nights Live at The Fox & Falcon restaurant to keep the wonderful vibe going that was established all summer long. Following is a year-by-year recap of previous years up until this year.

2019 November Jazzy Nights at The Fox & Falcon

*2019/11/14 Inaugural Season Kickoff in the Essex Room with DC Fusion Band.*

The 2019 Jazzy Nights Live Music season was led by our buddy and bassman Darryl Clark. We ran monthly live music sessions from November to April with the wonderful DC Fusion instrumental band led by Darryl Clark on Bass, Howard Hall on piano, and Bill Bang (Mauricio de Souza this night) on drums. We augmented each event with special guest singers (Shadiyah and Joy Topping-Mann this night), folks came out strong, and we packed the Essex Room of The Fox & Falcon. We were moving along nicely each month right up ‘til April 2021 and then the COVID Pandemic shut the world down, including our Jazzy Nights.

In tribute to our buddies.

Sadly, this season was also marked by the passing of many musicians including two of our friends from our Live music community. Community champion and jazz lover Lee Boswell May aka Boz passed before the South Orange Summer Season started. After the 2020 Summer season in November, our beloved Jazzy Nights Bandleader and Bassman Darryl Clark passed on. May they both RIP in musical heaven.

Jazzy Nights (Afternoons) 2021 South Orange NJ

*2021 March Season Opener — Outdoor COVID Sessions.*

Enter 2021, and because we were all still under a Pandemic watch from 2020 we started the Summer Season early on a beautiful sunny day in 2021 on March 21st. With a live music community starving for entertainment, we came back out in March of 2021, and due to COVID Pandemic Social Distancing guidelines, the world had moved outside and so did Jazzy Nights as “Jazzy Afternoons.”

Jazzy Nights Presents MPack Band at The Fox & Falcon

Thanks to The Fox & Falcon restaurant owner, Jazzy Nights Live became Jazzy Afternoons Live in the Sloan Street Parking Lot on March 21. We moved from Thursday nights to Sunday Afternoons.

As you can see, lots and lots of people came out with family and friends to enjoy the live music of the MPack Band and the community.

We continued our performances throughout April, which is Jazz Appreciation Month. We planned for live music every weekend. Weather canceled one weekend, but we did produce some very well-attended and swinging live music weekend performances.

You can read all about it: Jazzy Afternoons South Orange Presents "Jazz Across The Generations" to Honor Jazz Appreciation Month 2021

Mike Lee Trio with Billy Drummond and Mike Kane in Jazz Appreciation Month 2021.

Radam Schwartz Trio with Gene Ghee Sax in Jazz Appreciation Month 2021.

The season continued throughout the Summer, we extended it and worked to extend the live music through October.

October Live Music Fest 2021

Also in 2021, after the Summer Live Music Season we produced the October Live Music Fest.

Take a listen to this event. Performances were 2 times a day every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month.

You can read all about it here: South Orange, NJ October Live Music Fest Takes Over the Sounds In Spiotta Park and Jazz On Sloan Street.

We created live music sessions all year from March thru October, so 2021 was a good year.

Jazzy Nights 2022 at South Valley BBQ & Lounge

Enter 2022, and this year we are back and in a new location and already have produced two extremely successful Jazzy Nights events.

*2022 Feb. 18 Jazz Season Opener in the Blue Room.*

South Valley BBQ and Lounge Presents John Lee and Friends

We are starting off the 2022 Jazzy Nights Live Music Scene in a really nice new location, and we started earlier this year with our first event on Feb. 18th in the new South Valley Lounge. In their newly remodeled Blue Room, we kicked off the season with world-renowned bassist John Lee and his awesome friends.

Read all about it: John Lee and Friends Keeping Jazz Alive Since Dizzy Gillespie and More at South Valley BBQ and Lounge

*2022 Apr 9th R&B Season Opener in the Blue Room.*

Jazzy Nights Presents MPack Music Live at South Valley BBQ and Lounge

We started off the Jazzy Nights R&B Live Music Scene in the new South Valley Lounge on April 9th in the newly remodeled Blue Room. We kicked off the season with the extremely popular R&B Band MPack.

Our first Jazzy Nights R&B performance was literally off the chain!!! Folks came to dine and dance and had fun all night long.

Jazzy Nights — Next Steps

For 2021, all of these veteran professionals came to perform and they delivered big time. So, a great start over 3 years through a pandemic, and we are continuing on throughout 2022.

At Gregory Burrus Productions, we always have something going on to get you, your family and your friends involved, so take a look at our events calendar and come join in the live music party.

Check Out Our Upcoming Events Calendar! We'll See You Soon.

https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/events/

About the Writer 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 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 a Board Member of Harlem World Magazine Advisory Board.

Year-round Gregory Burrus also curates, books 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, and Cranford NJ Summer Sounds.

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, numerous local bands at various 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 every day to the fullest. Learn more at: Gregory Burrus - Gregory Burrus Live Music Ambassador

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