T.K. Blue. aka, Talib Kibwe, plays alto and soprano saxophones, flute, kalimba, and the African hand piano. His album, Planet Bluu (Jaja Records: October 2024), according to AllAboutJazz’s Dan McClenaghan, is full of “inspiring sounds that seem to owe a debt to Hugh Masakela and certainly to Blue’s mentor, Randy Weston.”
At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 — International Jazz Day — Metuchen Jazz will present a free concert featuring Blue’s trio at the Metuchen Public Library. The concert will also recognize the 99th birthday of Weston, and Blue will pay tribute to his friend, the late trombonist Benny Powell, who played with the Count Basie Orchestra and also performed many years ago at the Cornerstone in Metuchen. The other members of Blue’s trio are organist Matt Smythe and drummer George Coleman, Jr.
Although the concert is free, there is limited seating, so advance registration is essential. To register, log onto Eventbrite. The Metuchen Public Library is located at 480 Middlesex Ave. in Metuchen. The concert is a production of the Friends of Metuchen Arts, the Metuchen Library, and the Metuchen Arts Council.