[Dixielandjazz] Fw: Last Minute Jazz

[Jerry Gordon]

If any of you are within shooting distance of NJ, and are not already on
the New Jersey Jazz Society's email distribution list, I suggest you sign
up now. They have some really worthwhile events, usually in central or
northern NJ.

Jerry Gordon, Troy, NY - Web master for
http://www.timesunion.com/communities/jazz



----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jazzevents at aol.com
To: Jazzevents at aol.com
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2004 16:20:40 EDT
Subject: Last Minute Jazz


We've been impressed with the volume of commentaries coming in.  People
who know Banu Gibson are excited about her -- and her stellar band --
appearing in Bridgewater, especially at the low prices there.  They
report that other sites around the country are charging twice as much in
many cases, sometimes even more.  We thought it would be appropriate to
remind you of this rare opportunity in time to get in under the wire for
ultra-discounted advance purchases.   Plus a couple of other items coming
up soon.

"Banu Gibson is arguably the finest singer active today" according to
Scott Yanow of LA Jazz Scene.  After this weekend, many of you will
agree.

Saturday, August 14 (Bridgewater) --  "Banu Gibson and her New Orleans
Hot Jazz are a class act from beginning to end: great charts, great
musicians and a great show," says Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops,
after a joint concert.  " Gibson gave the crowd a sampling of the kind of
work that consistently brings her audiences to their feet at her shows. 
And this one was no exception," says a writer for the St. Louis Post
Dispatch, continuing: "In all the times I have seen Gibson, she has never
failed to light up a room as soon as she stepped onstage."

These nationwide festival headliners will have their first appearance
here on August 14.  This is a premium show that should not be missed,
even if you are not a dedicated jazz fan, since her vocals are universal.

But even if you don't particularly enjoy vocalists, you should not miss
this show, if just for the stunning band behind her -- that plays some
instrumentals, too.  Her New Orleans Hot Jazz backs her with intricate
arrangements, many the work of famed New Orleans pianist David
Boeddinghaus, who (fortunately!) will be part of her band on this date. 
His keyboard work is worthy of an evening by itself.  The rest of the
band is made up of some familiar names she calls upon when touring, even
in California: Dan Levinson (reeds), Randy Reinhart (cornet), Herb
Gardner (trombone), Kevin Dorn (drums) and Mike Weatherly on string bass.
 This has the makings of a real Dream Band!

Banu Gibson has the fluid moves of a dancer while on stage.  Her range of
material is such that her show "is the most fun you can have in a room
full of people."  Her glowing media quotes would extend this message to
unreasonable lengths.  Her singing and playing will appeal to borderline
jazz fans, so bring that spouse, neighbor or friend who claims not to
like jazz.  Banu will convert them all.

Stylish brochures for the Ninth Season of Jazz in Bridgewater have been
out for a while.  They are particularly proud of having Banu Gibson come
up from New Orleans, making this their most ambitious presentation ever. 
Impressive pricing too, at just $15 advance/$20 at the door, even for
such famous names.  Normally she commands a much heftier ticket price! 
Bridgewater is counting on filling enough seats to "make it up on the
volume" as the old joke goes.

This is the first NJ visit in a decade by Banu Gibson -- except by way of
PBS specials and such.  But as a vocalist (and rhythm player) she is a
superstar at traditional jazz festivals -- where they build the program
around her sets -- when not performing in her native New Orleans.  Give
John Graf a call (908/781-0470) to reserve your seats, but he cannot sell
advance seats after the Thursday preceding each event.  Sorry.  But feel
free to share this exciting news with other jazz fans on your e-mail
list, early enough for the advance sale discount.

If coming from outside the area, contact the nearby Summerfield Suites
(908/725-0800) or the Somerset Hills Hotel (908/647-6700), a little
farther away.  Ask for their special packages for Jazz in Bridgewater. 
The Watchung Arts Center also has a special plan arranged with the
Courtyard by Marriott in Basking Ridge (908/542-0300).  Mention Watchung.
 They'll have no idea you're going to Bridgewater!  The reverse holds
true if you stay at one of the other hotels for a Watchung or Bickford
event.  These are classy business hotels that want more rooms filled on
the weekends.

Friday, August 20 (Watchung) -- Tex Wyndham has not visited recently, but
that oversight will be remedied.  Many know Tex as an outspoken writer,
columnist, critic and leader of two traditional bands, the Rent Party
Revellers (an all-star reunion band) and the Red Lions (based in
Wilmington).  But when he puts down his cornet and goes out as a solo
act, he's a spirited pianist with a specialty in ragtime and the popular
music of the jazz era.

Festivals in the West and Midwest feature him both as a player and
lecturer, because his encyclopedic knowledge allows him to give a bit of
history with each tune, placing it in historical context or simply
relating it to other music within the jazz idiom.  The audience comes
away with more than just a concert.  This one will be well subscribed at
just $13.  Intermission snacks included.  And everybody will be within
five rows of the piano.

Monday, August 23 (Bickford) -- Historians view the start of the Swing
Era as Benny Goodman's performance at the Palomar Ballroom in Los
Angeles.  His band had slogged across the country, playing one-nighters
to apathetic audiences.  Benny would have given up, had not the Palomar
crowd been enormous and wildly enthusiastic.  The Swing Era and a whole
new class of music started that night.

Clarinetist Dan Levinson will mark the anniversary with PALOMAR, a
Goodman tribute featuring players who won standing ovations at January's
BENNY: Mark Shane on piano, Kevin Dorn on drums and youthful Matt
Hoffmann playing vibes.  People have been constantly asking for Matt ever
since; well, here he is!  You'll want to discover this "new face" now
before he becomes famous and we can no longer afford him!

A word about Dan Levinson.  Dan recently recreated Benny's entire
Carnegie Hall concert for a full house at Jazz in Bridgewater, which has
twice the seating capacity of the Bickford.  He also led a Goodman
tribute in Manhattan that sold out so fast that seven encore performances
had to be scheduled to satisfy demand.  And he's taken the show to
Europe... even Iceland... playing to packed houses with royalty in the
audiences.

Even without this superior band, the Goodman material is extremely
popular, even  with the general public.  Tell your friends: This one
should be bought early since, at just $13, it truly has sellout
potential!  Possibly an annual event?

WE'VE JUST LEARNED that Paige Van Vorst of the highly respected
Mississippi Rag had some really nice things to say about Independence
Hall: "A true all-star unit in the best traditions of jazz, the IHJB has
laid down definitive versions of some great, seldom-recorded numbers." 
And they're coming to Bridgewater soon.  Order those tickets with your
Banu Gibson seats and spread the service charge until it practically
disappears.

Saturday, September 11 (Bridgewater) --  Popular with festivalgoers on
both coasts, the Independence Hall Jazz Band, with great guests, returns.
 They've managed to fit us into a season that involves appearances at
both the Great Connecticut and Orange County Classic festivals, top
exposure for a talented band.

Leader Doug Finke was featured at the NJJS Edison Jazz Party, the one
with the $400 tickets.  As were many of his sidemen, so filled with
talent is his band.   For this performance he's lured trumpeter Charlie
Caranicas from Vince Giordano's Nighthawks to work next to him on the
front line.  Charlie has delighted local audiences with his participation
in a Jelly Roll Morton tribute, and one featuring the works of Duke
Ellington.  You'll recognize him when you see him!  But you might not
know pianist Ross Petot, who generally doesn't venture down here from his
Boston base.  But he's extremely popular in New England, playing with
several major bands there, as well as doing solo work.  Stride and
ragtime are his specialties, but his breaks and solos with the band are
worth listening for and savoring.  

Fans will certainly recognize reedman Dan Block, who did a BENNY for us
one year and has appeared in the area with Marty Grosz, Bob Barnard, the
New Deal Orchestra and others.  A unique sound on his Albert clarinet,
plus a collection of saxes.  The rhythm section is made up of
Independence Hall regulars, which is a positive recommendation: Pete
Reichlin (tuba), Ken Salvo (banjo) and Rob Garcia (drums).

Single tickets still $15 in advance, but $20 at the door.  With this
talent they ought to cost more!  Call John Graf (new number) for all your
Bridgewater ticket needs: (908) 781-0470.  If you have not received your
attractive season brochure in the mail, call him and ask to be added to
the mailing list.


WHERE TO FIND JAZZ
  
The Bickford Theatre/Morris Museum: On Columbia Turnpike/Road (County
Road 510) at the corner of Normandy Heights Road, east of downtown
Morristown.    Near Interstate 287 and the Route 24 expressway.  This is
a 300-seat hall with generous parking on site.  Wheelchair access. 
Monday evening concerts are one long set (8 to 9:30 PM), while weekend
events are two full sets with an intermission, also starting at 8 PM. 
Tickets are generally $13 on Mondays, $15 on weekends.  Special events
may be higher, as noted.  Tickets may be purchased via credit card over
the phone by calling the box office at their new phone number: (973)
971-3706.  The box office can also provide information, directions or a
simple "jazz map."  This series is now sponsored by Wyeth
Pharmaceuticals.

Jazz in Bridgewater: These concerts are held in the 600 seat auditorium
of the Somerset County Vocational-Technical Schools, on Vogt Drive near
North Bridge Street in Bridgewater, just two blocks from the huge
Bridgewater Commons mall.  It is easily reached from Interstate 287,
Route 22, Routes 202/206 and, a bit farther off, Interstate 78.  Concerts
are generally on Saturday evenings, with tickets priced at $15 when
purchased in advance, but $20 at the door.  No advance sales are possible
the day of or the day before each event, so order early.  Greater savings
accrue to season ticket holders, who not only save money but get priority
seating.  Parking is available at the schools' large lots.  Wheelchair
access.  Concerts are sponsored by their foundation, and tickets are sold
by John Graf (Visa/MasterCard only) at (908) 781-0470.  He can provide
information, directions or a detailed "jazz map."  Tickets may also be
purchased by mail.  Checks to Vo-Tech Schools Foundation should be sent
to Box 6818, Bridgewater, NJ  08807.  

The New Jersey Jazz Society co-sponsors this series, but tickets must be
purchased directly from Jazz in Bridgewater as described above.

Community Theatre:  The Community Theatre is that large hall at 100 South
Street, in the center of Morristown.  It's a restored vaudeville house,
well worth a visit just to see how well the restoration is going.  Their
jazz program involves the top names in the field, often commanding top
performance fees too.  But with over 1000 seats, they can keep the ticket
prices within reason.

Tickets are available through the Community Theatre Ticket Hotline at
(973) 539-8008 or at their box office located at 100 South Street.  The
Box Office hours are Monday - Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM.  They accept cash,
checks and all major credit cards.  Tickets also available through
www.ticketmaster.com
  
New Jersey Jazz Society:  Multi-band concerts and festivals are held at
various locations several times each year.  Information is available by
calling (800) 303-NJJS.  Tickets may be purchased at the gate (higher
prices generally) or by mail through Andrea Tyson, 110 Haywood Avenue,
Piscataway, NJ, 08854.  Checks payable to NJJS.  Membership is
inexpensive, and gets you the acclaimed Jersey Jazz monthly magazine. 
Membership information: www.njjs.org.

This group co-sponsors Jazz in Bridgewater, but those tickets are not
available through NJJS.  

Watchung Arts Center:  Located on the Watchung Circle, their historic
building is just a mile from either Interstate 78 (exit 40 -- not exit
41) or Route 22 (Plainfield overpass).   Concerts are held in an intimate
Gallery with fresh artwork each month.  At piano concerts, no seat is
more than five rows from the piano and acoustics are crisp.  There are
several presenters of jazz instrumental and vocal concerts, such that
there are usually two or more to consider each month.  Information may be
requested by calling (908) 753-0190.  Office hours are from 1 to 4 PM
weekdays, or you can leave a message on the voice mail.  Reservations for
seats are best made by phone in advance, since seating is limited. 
Tickets are held at the door.  Seats are generally $13, and either cash
or check is acceptable at the gate.
  
TELL YOUR JAZZ-LOVING FRIENDS ABOUT THIS E-MAIL REMINDER SERVICE.  Send
us an e-mail if you wish to unsubscribe.  Make it clear you are not
signing up again!  Please also let us know of changes of e-mail address. 
There is no forwarding service, so we lose you when you move.

Listings are available on the Internet, too.  Consult the NJJS web site
at www.njjs.org 24 hours a day