The New Jersey Jazz Society celebrates its 45th anniversary, and with it the rich jazz history of New Jersey, from big bands to bebop and beyond. Also honored at the event will be the Garden State’s own legendary jazz guitarist, Bucky Pizzarelli, in recognition of his 75 years in jazz.
The NJJS 45th Anniversary Celebration: Big Band to BeBop and Beyond takes place on Sunday, October 22, from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey. Rhonda Hamilton of Newark jazz station WBGO 88.3 will preside as Mistress of Ceremonies, with special guest Dorthaan Kirk, “Newark’s First Lady of Jazz.”
Featured performers (besides honoree Bucky Pizzarelli) are Don Braden. music director and tenor sax / flute; Nathan Eklund, trumpet; Jason Jackson, trombone; Ed Laub, guitar; Dave Stryker, guitar; Tomoko Ohno, piano; Martin Pizzarelli, bass; Bernard Purdie, drums; Danny Bacher, vocals; Antoinette Montague, vocals; Alexis Morrast, vocals; Marlene VerPlanck, vocals; Leonieke Scheuble, piano; Tim Givens, bass; Nick Scheuble, drums; and the William Patterson University Students Little Big Band.
Advance tickets are $30 for members, $35 for non-members; at the door: $35 for members, $40 for non-members. A special $15 student rate ticket is available for balcony seating, with student ID required.
Tickets may also be ordered by phone or by mail/check. Call 1-800-838-3006, select option 1; or send your check, payable to NJJS (including a $3 handling fee), together with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: NJJS, c/o Kate Casano, 158 Cotton Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127. Please visit the New Jersey Jazz Society online at njjs.org.
