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Westside Jazz Concerts
Sundays at Johnny Jazz Park
Sunday - August 4 at 3:00 PM
Eddie Allen
Birthday Tribute to Louis Armstrong
Contrary to popular myth, Loius Armstrong was not born on the 4th or July. He was actually born on August 4th, 1901. So for this day, this year we asked one of our favorite trumpeters to pay homage to this legendary musician, arguably the most influential figure in jazz music.
Trumpeter, composer, arranger, author … Eddie Allen is one of the more versatile musicians on the New York scene. He’s called upon to play everything from jazz (big band as well as small ensembles) to R&B/Pop to latin to symphonic to Broadway, and everything in between.
Sunday - August 11 at 3:00 PM
Wayne Escoffery
"A powerful, passionate player"
”Ben Ratliff - The New York Times
Downbeat Critics Poll Winner and Grammy Award-winning tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery is one of the Jazz world’s most talented rising stars and in-demand sidemen. Wayne has secured some of the most coveted gigs in jazz including with The Tom Harrel Quintet, the Mingus Dynasty, as well as dozens others who are among the whos who of jazz. Escoffery is also a founding member of a collaborative group called Black Art Jazz Collective dedicated to celebrating the origins of Jazz and African American Icons through originally composed music.
Sunday - Aug 18 at 3:00 PM
Winard Harper
and Jeli Posse
Jazz Drummer, Band Leader, Composer, Educator, Winard Harper is dedicated to “bringing Jazz to where it is needed”. Constantly in reverence of his predecessors while remaining innovative in his own right, Harper has been among the most celebrated drummers in jazz for many years. He is a virtuoso on the drum set and the balafon, the West African equivalent of the marimba, he is a sought after collaborator at home and abroad, a band leader of his quartet, his quintet and his exciting band
the Jeli Posse, a regular with the legendary New York clubs, an educator of future jazz professionals, an educator through his kids programs, an events organizer - successfully running the weekly Fish Fry Jazz Jam and the Sunday "Meet the Artist" Series at Moore's Lounge in Jersey City. Bringing Jazz to the community from which it originated, relating the story of The Great American Art Form, the only music that is 100% "made in America", spreading the joy that Jazz brings is the quest to which Winard Harper is dedicating himself.
Sunday, August 25 is our Summer of Jazz grand finale
One O'Clock Jump
Come out and help us celebrate one of Red Bank's favorite sons, William "Count" Basie on the day before his actual birthday! This is a festive event all afternoon with multiple bands, food trucks, and more surprises. Fun for the whole family!
Sunday - Aug 25
Beginning at 1:00PM
Special Festival Event Celebrating
Count Basie
(at the "One O'Clock Jump" time)
1:00
Kenny Blake Quintet
2:15
The Chuck Lambert Band
3:30
Mike Kaplan's "Count" 9
Ken Blake Quintet
Born and raised in Red Bank, NJ, Ken Blake has played piano for as long as he can remember. He began a more focused and dedicated study of music when he entered High School. What followed was a whirlwind, busy career that continues to this day, having played with various artists, including Shirazette Tinnin and Anthony Tidd, and appearing numerous times at the World Café Live, Chris’s Jazz Cafe, and Time Jazz Bar in Philadelphia, as well as the Apollo Theatre in New York City. He now plays in and around Philadelphia while working on a Computer Science Degree at Drexel University. Ken is an alumnus of our own Jazz Arts Academy program.
"A remarkable young man, a piano talent not to be underestimated, and now off to bigger and better things." - Joe Muccioli, Jazz Arts Project
The Chuck Lambert Band
Although the Chuck Lambert Band represents a commitment to expanding the range and scope of the Blues, it is his versatility and his knowledge of classic jazz that he represents here in our series. In addition to his touring and appearances around the the country, Chuck is most widely known up and down the Jersey Shore playing to capacity crowds in virtually every venue, festival and music series for many years. Each member of his band is an exceptional talent, but their unity puts them on a whole different level. Chuck completes the musical fellowship with his distinguished vocals and superb guitar playing. The result of their synergy is a unique and original narration of the power of Jazz and Blues, proving an enduring legacy.
"Some of the most joyful music you'll ever hear." - Mike Barris, Asbury Park Press
Mike Kaplan's "Count" 9
Saxophonist/Composer/Arranger Mike Kaplan brings a unique musical outlook to whatever project he presents. For this performance, in a fitting tribute to the great Count Basie, Mike Kaplan’s ‘Count” 9 sets the pace for a swinging event. The Nonet consists of a 6-man strong horn section (featuring 2 trumpets, a trombone, and 3 sax/reed players) and a rhythm section consisting of piano, bass, and drums.
"The Mike Kaplan Nonet offers engaging material presented in a precise yet free-flowing fashion delivered with vigor and feeling." --Zan Stewart/Newark Star Ledger