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This is a work in progress there is much more to come...
CLICK HERE to secure your ticket(s) for April 2017 Talkin’ Jazz.
Summertime and the livin is jazzy!
Summer is a great time for jazz in Red Bank. Jazz Arts Project is pleased to present several events, activities as well as our summer music camp programs for area youth.
Attend our concerts, sign up for our classes & workshops, and help support our mission!
Friday & Saturday Evenings - 8:00pm - Two River Theater, Red Bank
Since the summer of 2006, Jazz Arts Project has been presenting straight ahead swinging classic jazz throughout the Greater South/Central NJ region. Audiences, artists, and critics alike rave about this Summer Jazz Series citing an excellent atmosphere, great acoustics, and a consistently high level of artistry as reasons to return. You will be seated at cozy candle-lit cocktail tables with Coffee, Tea and Delectable treats available from our jazz café. Elegant theatrical lighting and an intimate room add to everyone’s enjoyment. Last year the entire series was named a Tri-City News Pick of the Year.
In past years we have presented such luminaries in the jazz world as Bucky Pizzarelli, Claudio Roditi, Joe Locke, Warren Vaché, Dave Valentin, Norman Simmons, Howard Johnson, Paul Meyers, Tony DeSare, Champian Fulton, Jay Leonhart, Aaron Weinstein, Cecil Brooks, Valery Ponomarev, Wayne Escoffery The Les Paul Trio, Wallace Roney, the Mingus Dynasty, Jon Faddis and many others. You can be assured that each years series will present truly inspired and exciting world-class artists.
Ticket prices are kept to an absolute minimum in order to encourage wide participation and to build an audience for jazz in the local area. These events are subsidized to an extent by local grants, private funding and individual contributions from our members and patrons.
“...the Jazz Café is a simple and sophisticated setting wherein a very diverse audience can enjoy coffee and desert while digging some of the region's most sought after musicians.”
- Tom Chesek (The Hub)
“There isn’t a live music calendar in jazz that can compare with this patient stroll through the decorated halls of America’s music with the world’s foremost practitioners as our guides – it’s that good.”
– Craig A. Dowd, Tri City News
Jazz in the Park - Thursday Evenings - 7:00pm - Riverside Gardens Park, Red Bank
Each Thursday Evening at 7pm, a free jazz concert in the picturesque Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank, New Jersey.
-- Archives --
Join us, December , 2018 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ for the 11th annual Sinatra Birthday Bash—this year also honoring the Dean Martin centennial.
Tickets prices: $25, 39.50, 49.50, 79.50––and $100 for VIP seating and pre-show reception.
FOR TICKETS CALL (732) 842-9000 OR, ONLINE AT: COUNTBASIETHEATRE.ORG.
Each summer the Jazz Arts Project presents a series of jazz concerts in an intimate cafe setting. 2010's program was a smash hit, as we presented world-class artists Wayne Escoffery and Cecil Brooks III, Aaron Weinstein and Valerie Ponomarev.
Aaron Weinstein in the middle of his duo performance with the great pianist Ted Firth. Aaron brought the house down with his stunning renditions of old standards and original material.
The Great Valery Ponomarev plays a solo. Valery is an alumnus of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. His playing evokes memories of Clifford Brown and Freddie Hubbard, and his show was outrageously entertaining.
Marlene VerPlanck is an extremely talented vocalist whose singing wowed the crowd.
The great tenorist Wayne Escoffery played two sets of originals with an allstar cast of musicians. We cant wait to hear the record!
Les Paul's Trio
For Summer JazzFestʼs opening weekend, longtime bandmates of the great innovator Les Paul take the stage to pay tribute to one of musicʼs true visionaries. Nikki Parrot, John Colianni, and Lou Pallo joined Les Paul at the Iridium Jazz Club every Monday evening for many many years before his passing in 2009. They all come to Red Bank to kick off the festivities with one of the most entertaining shows in jazz.
Ralph Bowen Quartet
The second weekend welcomes Ralph Bowen, one of the premier tenor saxophonists of his generation. After getting his start with the Blue Note Labelʼs “Out of the Blue” band, Ralph has gone on to play with such luminaries in the jazz world as Horace Silver, Charles Fambrough, Michel Camillo, and a whole host of others. Bowen has been described by Carlo Wolf of Jazz Times Magazine as an “...assured saxophonist and versatile composer who clearly enjoys spontaneous conversation with his [band]mates.” This is certain to be a fantastic show with one of the true legends of the instrument.
Charenee Wade
Brooklyn native Charenee Wade has emerged as a notable singer, composer, arranger and educator. Charenee has performed at many prestigious venues including the Jazz Gallery and Jazz at Lincoln Centerʼs Dizzyʼs Club Coca-Cola. She appears regularly at The Zinc Bar, The River Room, and at various other venues in the tri-state area. Inspired by Sarah Vaughn and after many years of intense studies in jazz and classical music, Charenee was accepted into Betty Carterʼs Jazz Ahead Program and performed her original music at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. In 2006, she was 1st Runner-Up in the Jazzmobile Vocal Competition. Her debut CD, "Love Walked In" was released in July 2010.
Wallace Roney
Wallace Roney earned the admiration and respect of his colleagues and his elders since the age of 16. He has been an integral part of the band with Tony Williams, Ornette Coleman, Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Walter Davis Jr., Herbie Hancock, Jay McShann, David Murray, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Curtis Fuller, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Dizzy Gillespie to name a few. He was one of the few musicians in his generation who learned and perfected his craft directly from alliances with Jazz Masters. But his most important and meaningful relationship was with Miles Davis. This year Wallace comes to the Two River Theater to add some more fire to our already potent lineup.
Mingus Dynasty Quartet
One of the most important figures in twentieth century American music, Charles Mingus was a virtuoso bass player, accomplished pianist, bandleader and composer. In Summer JazzFestʼs penultimate weekend, we will be celebrating his work with a combo contingent of members from the great “Mingus Big Band,” including renowned bassist Boris Kozlov and others. The Music of Charles Mingus continues to be played, enjoyed and studied, and some of the greatest musicians on the New York scene come to the Two River Theater this summer to put their spin on his work and celebrate one of the true legends of jazz.
Bruce Williams Quintet
One of the New York Areaʼs most electrifying improvisers, Bruce Williams closes out the festivities at the Two River Theater. Bruce has toured and played with some of the premier musicians working today, including Roy Hargroveʼs “RH Factor” and Big Band, the Count Basie Big Band, the World Saxophone Quartet, and Frank Foster. Bruceʼs soloing style is electrifying and exciting, and he puts the cherry on the top of this yearʼs program with a hard hitting group that is guaranteed to satisfy.
Plus a Special Student Showcase: Friday night will feature the students of the Jazz Arts Academy Summer Camp, showing off some of what theyʼve learned. This group will be opening up for our main event, and begins at 7:30pm
A WEEKEND IN BRAZIL!
We first Took a trip to sunny Rio de Janeiro and experienced the exciting breezy lyrical Samba/Jazz/Bossa-nova hybrid made famous by the likes of the great composers and bandleaders such as Antonio Carlos Jobim and Sergio Mendez.
Friday July 6th, 2012 at 8:00PM
Special Guest CLAUDIO RODITI – with THE MAURICIO ZOTTARELLI TRIO
Brazilian composer/arranger and trumpet artist, Claudio Roditi has fourteen critically acclaimed albums, two Grammy nominations, and a busy international touring schedule that includes the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world. His career spans decades of performances and recordings with numerous jazz legends such as McCoy Tyner, Horace Silver Herbie Mann, Paquito de Rivera and Dizzy Gillespie.
Saturday July 7th, 2012 at 8:00PM
MAURICIO ZOTTARELLI TRIO with Special Guest Vocalist FABIANA MASILI
Brazilian born, percussionist and composer Mauricio Zottarelli has been on the forefront of the Jazz, Latin, and Brazilian music scene for many years. He has performed as a sideman with a veritable “who’s who” of modern jazz artists including Esperanza Spalding, Elaine Elias, Joe Locke and Hiromi. As a bandleader he works regularly with is own project, Dig Trio, with whom he released his first soloalbum “7 Lives.” This evening Mauricio welcomes acclaimed Brazilian songstress Fabiana Masili.
SONG STYLIST CYNTHIA HOLIDAY
Friday July 13th, 2012 at 8:00PM
AND Saturday July 14th, 2012 at 8:00PM
Not Billie, Not Sarah, Not Dakota, Not Dee Dee, Not Ella … It’s Cynthia Holiday. Cynthia always gets asked two questions about her name: Is Holiday a stage name? “My maiden name is Cynthia Joyce Holiday,” and, Are you related to Billie Holiday? “I find it flattering and always say, We are sisters in the name of song."
Newark Native Cynthia Holiday grew up surrounded by music, as her stepfather, trumpeter Calvin Hughes, played with legends like Frank Foster and Clark Terry. Ms. Holiday has continued that legacy, recording the critically acclaimed "All the Way" with pianist Cedar Walton's trio, garnering her praise from Kevin Mahogany, WBGO's Sheila Anderson, and many other notable figures in jazz. Holiday has performed and shared billing with John Hicks, Louis Nash, Cassandra Wilson, and Alex Bugnon.
Ms. Holiday enjoys singing humorous songs or injecting humor into a song when least expected. This engagement will reprise a Birdland recording session awaiting release that included her opening theme song, "I Love Being Here With You’ / “Getting to Know You" Medley. Kevin Mahogany, wrote: "Cynthia has fantastic stage presence and it's time for her music to be heard."
“THE TWO AND ONLY”
Back by popular demand! Jazz Guitar Legend Bucky Pizzaerelli this time brings with him Violin wünderkind Aaron Weinstein along with Bucky’s long time collaborator guiarist/singer Ed Laub.
Friday July 27th, 2012 at 8:00PM AND Saturday July 28th, 2012 at 8:00PM
BUCKY PIZZARELLI & AARON WEINSTEIN with Ed Laub
Bucky Pizzarelli is truly a living jazz legend, having played and recored with everyone from Les Paul to Stephane Grappelli to Benny Goodman. He has been featured on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, on the PBS Special "Jersey Jazz Guitars," and many times at the White House in Washington D.C.
Aaron Weinstein, named a "rising star violinist" by Downbeat Magazine, has built a respectable career in his short time in the spotlight. He has been a featured soloist at venues including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Birdland performing with artists like Les Paul, Ken Peplowski, John Pizzarelli, and Annie Ross.
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JAZZ LEGENDS AND LIONS
Noted Jazz Saxophonist Bruce Williams brings a group of current day jazz legends and leads an opening set showcase of our own talented Jazz Academy students from the Jazz Arts project summer jazz camp culminating this week at the Count Basie Theater.
Friday August 3, 2012 at 8:00PM
AND Saturday August 4, 2012 at 8:00PM
One of the New York Area’s most electrifying improvisers, Bruce Williams closes out the festivities at the Two River Theater. Bruce has toured and played with some of the premier musicians working today, including Roy Hargrove’s “RH Factor” and Big Band, the Count Basie Big Band, the World Saxophone Quartet, and Frank Foster. Bruce’s soloing style is electrifying and exciting, and his concert will feature a special guest appearance.
A Special Student Showcase will feature students of the Jazz Arts Academy Summer Camp, showing off some of what they’ve learned to open up for our main event. This group of talented middle school and high school musicians has been working hard during an intense comprehensive program all week in preparation for this performance.
Once again we bring you this ever popular series the Summer Jazz Caf�.
World Class Jazz in an intimate caf� setting
This year we've rounded up an outstanding roster of performing artists for your listening pleasure. You'll be seated at cozy candle-lit cocktail tables with Coffee, Tea and Delectable Treats available from our jazz caf�.
Tickets are on sale now at the Two River Theater Box Office. Discounts are available for the 4 show package and greatly reduced for students with ID.
Buster Williams and Bruce Williams
Jazz Arts Academy Student Showcase!
Talented students from our summer jazz camp.
as well as other special and surprise guests.
Audiences, artists, and critics alike rave about these programs citing an excellent atmosphere, great acoustics, and consistently high level of artistry as reasons to return. This series has been named a Tri- City News "Pick of the Year."
Come on out and support live music. Listen to these current day jazz greats honor America's music. Enjoy a roster of talent unrivaled anywhere, it will surely be the most romantic and exciting evenings you will spend all summer.
July 11 & 12. Houston Person Quartet - Soulful tenor sax man and master of popular songs played in a relaxed highly accessible style.
July 18 & 19. Stephanie Wrembel Quartet. - French-born guitarist/composer/stylist in the mode of the iconic French Sinti guitarist Django Reinhardt.
July 25 & 26. Sweet Whiskey Band (Songs under the Influence) - Vocalist Maggie Worsdale & pianist John Colianni team up for a fun romp through the American songbook and beyond.
August 1 & 2. Bruce Williams and Radam Schwartz Organ Band.
- Also appearing; opening act showcase of students from our own Jazz Arts Academy Summer Camp.
Red Bank, NJ Summer 2014 -- Jazz Arts Project, Inc. will present the 9th Annual Summer Jazz Café Series at the Two River Theater, Red Bank, Friday & Saturday evenings beginning July 11 through August 2, 2014. This series is curated by the Jazz Arts Project, a non-profit organization that presents world-class music events and unique educational programs for area youth. All proceeds help support head-start style music instruction and enrichment for at-risk and underserved youth.
Audiences, artists, and critics alike rave about Jazz Arts Project’s Summer Jazz Café, citing an excellent atmosphere, great acoustics, and consistently high level of artistry as reasons to return.
Jazz Arts artisitc director Joe Muccioli said, “This is a Great Date Night Idea for summer. Snuggle up with your significant other or a new friend and enjoy an evening of elegant world-class jazz. Enjoy coffee, tea and delectable treats available from our café or bring your favorite bottle of wine and share a New York style nightclub atmosphere at a fraction of the price.”
About Jazz Arts Project, Inc.
Jazz Arts Project, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that produces 25 to 30 events each year, from intimate jazz cafe nights to large scale events at festivals and concert halls, such as the Count Basie Theatre. Additionally, educational workshops and special programs are provided for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Learn more at www.JazzArtsProject.org.
Ticket prices are kept to an absolute minimum in order to encourage wide participation and to build an audience for jazz in the local area. These events are subsidized to an extent by local grants and private funding and individual contributions from our members and patrons.
Summer Jazz Cafe at Two River Theater
2015
July 10th & July 11th, 2015 | Tony DeSare Quartet
Named a Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare has lived up to this distinction by winning critical and popular acclaim for his concert performances throughout North America and abroad. From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas headlining with Don Rickles and major symphony orchestras, DeSare has brought his fresh take on old school class around the globe. DeSare has three top ten Billboard jazz albums under his belt and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, NPR, A Prairie Home Companion, the Today Show and his music has been posted by social media celebrity juggernaut, George Takei.
Notwithstanding his critically acclaimed turns as a singer/pianist, DeSare is also an accomplished award-winning composer. He not only won first place in the USA Songwriting Contest, but has written the theme song for the motion picture, My Date With Drew, along with several broadcast commercials.
DeSare’s forthcoming appearances include the Pittsburgh Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Arizona Music Festival, The Smith Center in Las Vegas and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. DeSare releases new recordings, videos of standards and new originals every few weeks on his YouTube channel, iTunes and Spotify.
July 17th & July 18th, 2015 | Charenee Wade & Group "Tribute to Billie Holiday” |
Charenee Wade has the resume of a top-flight classic jazz singer. She came in 2nd place in the 2010 Thelonious Monk Competition. She’s a regular presence at Jazz at Lincoln Center, navigating the classic songbook with ease. She’s recorded with hard-swinging jazz stalwarts like bassist Rufus Reid and pianist Eric Reed. And, she teaches at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, passing on the tradition to a new generation of musicians.
But even with this traditional grounding, Wade is by no means a straight-laced jazz traditionalist. Instead, she uses her jazz background to explore a whole range of modern music.
July 24th & July 25th, 2015 | Jazz Legend Bucky Pizzarelli with Ed Laub & Special Guest Dag Markhus |
Bucky Pizzarelli has enjoyed a career in jazz and popular music that spans over a half a century and includes associations with several music legends including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Benny Goodman, and Doc Severinson. Pizzarelli is a master of the seven string guitar. He is part of an exclusive club that plays that particular guitar. Other members include George Van Eps and Pizzarelli’s son John.
When it comes to swinging jazz, one would be hard pressed to find a better musician with more history than Bucky Pizzarelli. Quite simply he has done it all. He has backed most of the great singers of his time including Sinatra, Bennett, Perry Como, Rosemary Clooney, and in recent years his son John, who is becoming a major star in his own right. Besides high profile TV appearances as a member of the Tonight Show Orchestra, Bucky Pizzarelli has played on several film soundtracks including the recent Woody Allen films “Sweet and Lowdown” and “Mighty Aphrodite”.
He has collaborated with several immortal jazz instrumentalists like Benny Goodman, Les Paul, Ray Brown, and Doc Severinson, and is he has exerted an important influence on many of the top jazz guitarists of the present including Gene Bertoncini, Howard Alden, Frank Vignola, and of course his son John. Bucky Pizzarelli has played every kind of venue imaginable including all the major jazz festivals worldwide and at the White House in Washington DC.
July 31st, 2015 | Trumpet Phenom Jon Faddis & Quartet | ONE NIGHT ONLY |
Known for having an extraordinary and virtually unparalleled range, Faddis has complete mastery over the trumpet. He evokes the voices of Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Roy Eldridge, and, of course, Gillespie, all while remaining true to his own. Jon Faddis possesses a virtually unparalleled range and full command of his instrument, making the practically impossible seem effortless. Time Out New York praises Faddis as “the world's greatest trumpeter ... brash soloistic logic and breathtaking technical acuity."
Jon Faddis was born in Oakland, California on July 24, 1953, and began playing the trumpet at the age of eight, inspired by an appearance of Louis Armstrong on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Jon Faddis has become known throughout the world as one of the most innovative and inspiring jazz trumpeters of our time. He has an unfailing commitment to the education of young musicians and frequently conducts clinics and master classes to help the next generation of jazz musicians.
Saturday August 1, 2015 | Jazz Arts Academy Summer Showcase! |
This very special event will showcase our own “jazz lions” in what promises to be an impressive and inspiring opening set. These talented middle school and high school musicians, hailing from all over the region, have just completed a one-week intensive summer course focusing on Jazz improvisation, ensemble playing and jazz history.
Information on previous summers:
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
Summer Jazz Café at the Two River Theater
2016
Jazz Festival Trumpet Legend
Warren Vaché
Friday, July 8 & Saturday, July 9
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World-Class Brazilian Trumpet Artist
Claudio Roditi
Friday, July 15 & Saturday, July 16
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Internationally Acclaimed Jazz Pianist & Vocalist
Champian Fulton
Friday, July 22 & Saturday, July 23
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Grammy Nominated Trombonist
Conrad Herwig
Friday, July 29th & Saturday, July 30th
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