New Jersey Jazz Society Events

Events

The New Jersey Jazz Society has many jazz events during the year. Click on any line in the list below to be taken to more info about the event:

Film Series (ongoing)
Jazz Socials (ongoing)
2009/2010 College Jazz Performance Schedule
Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp (Mar 7, 2010)
Other Concert Series Co-Sponsored by NJJS
Jazz at the Bickford Theatre/Morris Museum
Jazz for Shore — Midweek Jazz in Ocean County.

Hold that date! June 4 & 5 for 2010 Jazzfest

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Jazz Film Series

The films are presented at the Library of the Chathams, 214 Main Street in Chatham Boro, starting at 7 P.M. There is no admission charge, and the programs are open to the general public. Time permitting, we will have a discussion following the showing of each film. Our initial film series that took place last year was a popular addition to our lineup of events, and we look forward to having even more of you take advantage of this exciting and interesting series.

Wednesday February 24 — A Great Day In Harlem: The acclaimed documentary about the legendary 1958 photo of 57 great jazz stars gathered at a brownstone in Harlem. It includes interviews with many of the participants who were subjects of the photo.
Wednesday March 24 — The Sound of Jazz: The legendary 1957 television broadcast starring Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Lester Young, Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan and a host of other jazz All-Stars. Also included is material from 1959 television appearances by the Ahmad Jamal Trio and the Ben Webster Sextet from 1959.
Wednesday April 28 — Improvisation and Jammin' the Blues: A film that includes footage from a session with Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins, and performance footage by several jazz giants, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Joe Pass, and Ella Fitzgerald. Also the classic 1944 short film featuring Lester Young.
Wednesday May 26 — Lady Day: The Many Faces of Billie Holiday: Winner of the 1994 Cable ACE Award for Best Documentary Cultural or Performing Arts Special, this is a penetrating telling of the life of Billie Holiday. It includes rare footage of performances and interviews with friends and peers of Lady Day.
Wednesday September 22 — TBA
Wednesday October 27 — TBA
Wednesday November 17 — TBA

Stay tuned to this events page and for NJJS email notifications for details on each of the films offered.

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NJJS Jazz Socials

(Open to All)
JAZZ SOCIALS NOW AT SHANGHAI JAZZ
3:00pm to 5:30pm

NJJS in collaboration with Shanghai Jazz resumes its popular series of Sunday afternoon socials. You don't have to be a member to attend — but admission is free if you are. Come for the music programs, social hour, and fine food and drink.

Directions to Shanghai Jazz as provided by the Shanghai Jazz website.

NJJS members admitted free; $10 guest admission, which can be applied to a new membership. Drinks and food will be available throughout the afternoon; Shanghai Jazz imposes a $5 minimum for all except where noted.

The program takes place between 3:00 P.M. and 5:30 P.M. These socials are proving to be both entertaining and educational. Please take advantage of this terrific benefit of NJJS membership.

Dates for 2010 jazz socials are as follows:

Jan 24 Our diverse programming resumes in 2010 with our Duets Series featuring Bruno & Bucky. Bassist Jerry Bruno and guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli never grow tired of working together, and have collaborated on a variety of gigs and recordings. Jerry and Bucky will talk about their experiences and delight us with their masterful music. This Social requires $10 food beverage minimum at Shanghai Jazz.
Feb 21 Meet the Author when Sandy Josephson, the author of Jazz Notes: Interviews Across the Generations, joins us. Sandy will talk about the articles written in the 70s and 80s which inspired his book, and the musicians who continue to inspire, a few of whom may stop in!
Mar 21 Our Intimate Portrait Series resumes with outstanding jazz pianist and ASCAP Award-winning songwriter Ronny Whyte. For two years Ronny appeared in the hit musical Our Sinatra, as well as its two national big band tours to more than 90 cities. Featured twice at New York's JVC Jazz Festival, and inducted into the Cabaret Jazz Hall of Fame, Ronny will share highlights of his career and regale us with his music.
Apr 18 Dr. David Dempsey, Coordinator of the" world class" Jazz Studies Program at William Paterson University will present two exceptionally talented groups of jazz students, who will play for us. David, who is a master saxophonist himself (with the NY Philharmonic and Met Opera), will discuss his jazz program and do some playing with the students. An outstanding public speaker with a great sense of humor, he has authored two books on songwriter Alec Wilder and was recently named executor of the Wilder estate.
May 16 Intimate Portrait Series with pianist-educator-radio host Lenore Raphael. Lenore will tell us about her love affair with jazz and the people and music that has influenced her career. Joining her are bassist Hilliard Greene.

Mark Your Calendars for Jazz Socials on these dates - details to be announced: Sep 19 — Oct 17 — Nov 21.

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2009/2010 College Jazz Performance Schedule

William Paterson University

February 21 - Inventions Trio - Bill Mays(piano), Marvin Stamm (trumpet) and Alisa Horn (cello)

February 28 - George Cables (piano) Quartet with saxophonist Gary Bartz

March 7 - Pete Escovedo and the WPU Latin Jazz Ensemble

April 23 - Grammy winner/composer/arranger Maria Schneider conducts the WPU Jazz Orchestra.

Amazingly talented student groups perform before each professional guest.

All performances are on Sunday's at 4:00 PM in the beautiful Shea Theatre on the Wayne Campus. Admissions are $15, $12(seniors) and $8(students). Free artist interviews at 3:00.Ample free parking.

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

February 23 - RU Jazz Ensemble -"A Tribute to Cannonball Adderly", featuring alto saxophonist, Mike Smith, alumnus of the Adderly, Maynard Ferguson and, Buddy Rich bands and Sinatra concert orchestra

April 13 - RU Jazz Ensemble - "Dukes Praises", a celebration of the music of Duke Ellington, featuring Walter White, lead trumpet for the Lincoln Center Jazz orchestra and alumnus of the Maynard Ferguson and Charles Mingus bands.

All performances are Tuesday's at 8:00 in the magnificent Nicholas Music Center on the Douglas campus. Admissions are free and there is ample free parking

New Jersey City University

April 5, Monday - Spring Jazz Ensembles Concert with guest vocalists Kevin Mahogony and Rosanna Vitro, 7:30, Margaret Williams Theatre. Admissions are $15 and $10 (seniors and students)

Montclair State University

March 27, Saturday - An Afternoon of Brazilian Jazz with pianist/composer, Dr. Jeffrey Kunkel and faculty guest artists: Bill Mooring (bass), Sergio Gomes(drums) and other guests,3:00

April 25, Sunday -Trombonist/composer, Alan Ferber and the MSU Jazz Band, 3:00

April 28, Wednesday - MSU Jazz Band II and Vocal Jazz Ensemble, 7:30

All performances are in the Leshowitz Recital Hall. Admissions are all $15

Princeton University

Februrary 24, Wednesday - NJ High School Combo Festival and PU Small ensemble - Taplin Auditorium, 5:00

Februrary 27, Saturday - Concert Jazz Ensemble-- "Stolen Moments: The Music of Oliver Nelson", Richardson Auditorium, 8:00

March 7, Sunday - "The Music of Anthony Branker and Ascent with Estonian vocalist, Kadri Voorand, Paul Robeson Center, 3:00

April 8 & 10, Thurs. & Sat. - Concert Jazz Ensemble and Program in Theatre & Dance - Jazz Ballets: "Krazy Kat" and "The Toy Box", Berlind/Mc Carter Theatre, 8:00

April 25, Sunday - University Jazz Composers Collective - Exceptionally talented students perform their compositions in small ensembles, Taplin Auditorium, 3:00

May 8, Saturday - Concert Jazz Ensemble and special guest, pianist, Geri Allen and her trio - "The Music of Mary Lou Williams", Richardson Auditorium, 8:00

Admission for Richardson Auditorium and Mc Carter Theatre events is $15. Other events are free. Make a day of it: stroll the magnificent campus, visit the outstanding PU Art Museum (FREE), have dinner downtown and walk to the concert.

Rowan University

April 12, Monday - Lab Band and Jazz Band - Big Band Favorites - Pfleeger Concert Hall, 8:00, Free admission