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Following their successful 30-city North American tour, Alter Bridge are currently now venturing on their summer 2023 leg of the “Pawns & Kings” tour: with support acts of long-time friends SEVENDUST and recent tour-mates MAMMOTH WVH. The Stone Pony Summer Stage was the second date of the month-long tour, and it was such a pleasure to capture some of the magic and write-up a report on my experience and takeaways.
Read moreOur next Jazzy Nights Event will be at the historic South Orange Blanchard Mansion where we’ll enjoy another swinging night of jazzy live music, fun and fellowship with friends and neighbors. This event is being held to celebrate our buddy CC Minton as the recently appointed president of Harlem World Magazine…
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Well, Summer is quickly coming to a close but fortunately September 2022 has lots of Summer within the month along with a lot of live music events for sure. So here we go with Gregory Burrus Productions events all around our towns of Newark, Cranford, City of Orange, Maplewood, Linden, West Orange, Bloomfield and of course South Orange…
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Hey everybody, we have a great music scene running around the towns and we're proud of it. Our Jazzy live music events are the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon or evening. Our goal is to support local artists and help them get their music out there. Our events feature some of the best up-and-coming talent in the area, are family-friendly, and a great way to bring the community together…
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You are all invited to the City of Orange NJ Food Truck and Jazz Festival for a delicious food and live music experience! Join us in the spacious nature-driven outdoors of Monte Irvin Orange Park. Monte Irvin Orange Park is a county park in the City of Orange, in Essex County, New Jersey. It serves the City of Orange with a playground, athletic fields, basketball court, soccer field, walking paths…
Read moreBy Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Even with a rain delay and all that goes into rescheduling a festival of this size, the Under Cover Music Fest (UCMF) roared back into town on Sunday, May 15, 2022 with a huge impact. This event was produced by South Orange Downtown (SODT) and presented by Mark Murphy’s Music and Pollock Properties Group of Keller Williams. The expected 1,000 music lovers of all ages came out to the Sloan St. parking lot throughout the day and enjoyed an afternoon of FREE live music, a very lively and bustling beer garden, along with selected food vendors. But first, the music.
Talking to Mark Murphy, the presenting sponsor and owner of Mark Murphy’s Music, it was obvious he was very excited for the return of the Under Cover Festival and mentioned, “We all need this opportunity to get together, celebrate and listen to some great music in the heart of South Orange.” Well, the music was fantastic.
The Deadful Greats opened up strong, covering everything about the Grateful Dead. The Grateful Dead remained among the highest-grossing American touring acts for multiple decades and gained a committed fanbase by word-of-mouth and the exchange of live recordings due to the band's permissive stance on taping. Today, they played the best of the 70’s Grateful Dead. This group, the Deadful Greats, are a local group that has been pleasing audiences all around Northern New Jersey with their talent for years now, and they did not disappoint us. These are talented performers helping to keep the band's legacy and music alive, well, and vibrant. They did a wonderful job and brought their own unique style to this performance by bringing to life the words and melodies we all remember oh so well.
Next up was the Karl Latham Big Fun(k) Group covering Herbie Hancock, the 14-time GRAMMY Award-winner and Academy Award-winner, and internationally renowned pianist and composer. Talking about covering Herbie Hancock, I found out the day before in my conversation with Don Braden that he was on tour in Amman, Jordan with the great Herbie Hancock. Well, closer to home, Karl Latham and his band of awesome professionals — Bob Magnus on sax, Oscar Perez on keys, and Gary Foote on bass — were simply funkified and masterful. As audience member and music events producer Norman Mann stated: “These cats were excellent and off the chain. Just fabulous.”
Continuing the live music was Vivienne Frederick & Mark Murphy’s Music Faculty Band, and the audience loved their renditions of some of Stevie Wonder's most popular songs. Stevie Wonder is the singer-songwriter and musician who is credited as a pioneer and was influenced by musicians across a range of genres that include rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz.
Vivienne Frederick, a senior at Columbia High School, is headed this fall to the University of Miami (FL) to study music and has been with Mark Murphy's Music since she was young. This was a special farewell performance for Viv with the MMM Faculty Band as they played the electrifying music of Stevie Wonder. She has a beautiful melodic voice, and along with the Mark Murphy's Music Facility Band they did a superlative job in covering her childhood singing influence, Stevie Wonder.
Continuing the live music explosion was the rising star and always-on-point Autumn Jones and her band covering Lauryn Hill. Covering Lauren Hill was perfect for her because as she says the soulful R&B she creates is an expression of her life experiences as told through her stories, expressed in each of her songs. In covering Lauren Hill, this singer-songwriter with a strong vocal technique and songwriting capabilities did justice big time for the Lauren Hill fans. In addition, she brought along a band that performed some exquisite solos that were magical to listen to, and the overall performance was loudly applauded by all.
On stage next was the Dustin Kaufman band covering Phil Collins, who is an English drummer, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is best known for his tenure as the drummer and lead singer of the rock band Genesis.
Dustin Kaufman and his band were a great choice to perform our favorite Phil Collins tunes. The band was definitely on point with the music, and combined with a swinging vocalist who came in from California they had many in the audience singing along. Together, they provided some wonderful memories of Phil Collins tunes that will last for a long time to come.
Last but not least, it was time to hear some of the best music from one of the most legendary bands of all time. Charlie Pollock and Friends covered Led Zeppelin, an English rock band formed in London in 1968 that was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. At the Under Cover Music Fest, it was time to relive the glory days of Led Zeppelin with Charlie Pollock and Friends. Charlie stated previously about covering Zepplin, “The greatest mountain to climb for a supergroup is the legendary Led Zeppelin! The best players, the hardest riffs, the weirdest lyrics and the most awesome fashion. Zeppelin has it all.”
Well, Charlie Pollock (seen on Broadway shows 9 to 5, David Bowie’s Lazarus, and Pretty Woman) and Friends performed beautifully as they sang a number of entertaining tunes that took the huge crowd back to many days gone by. The band provided a very lively and wonderful close to an enjoyable day of live music.
The beer garden was laid out nicely along one side of the Sloan Street parking lot ending at Fox & Falcon, which served as a food source on-site alongside Miti Miti, and both served the food in a very timely manner. One thing I was asked a lot was: “Where are all the other food vendors?” Seems folks once sitting or laid out on the ground did not want to venture afar. Other than that, people enjoyed themselves as they filled up from the available fare for purchase or negotiated a trip to an outside location.
There were even kids activities provided by select participants to keep children entertained while parents enjoyed the music. Security was visible at every entrance point so everyone could enjoy themselves safely.
As mentioned previously, the festival was previously held on Sloan Street, and moving it into the Sloan Street parking lot was a wonderful, widely successful move. People came out in droves with lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy themselves as they watched these wonderful artists perform music from our early days.
Gregory Burrus with the fabulous Autumn Jones.
Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. He combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate.
I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.
https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/events
https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, October 19, 2021
One of the things I love about live music is the ability to create, and the creation takes place over years and truly over generations. Jazz across the generations is a process that I love to read about in a historical sense. It was the 1920's that saw the emergence of many famous women musicians including African-American blues singer Bessie Smith (1894–1937), who inspired singers from later eras, Billie Holiday (1915–1959) and Janis Joplin (1943–1970).
In our last Jazz973 event, we explored generations of Jazz as we went from a 19-year-old woman pianist leading a band that was anchored by a 94-year-old male bassist. Truly a night of Jazz Across the Generations, and what a swinging night of Jazz it was, which will be recapped in an upcoming article.
Next up at Jazz973 at Clements Place Jazz for the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies we present Generations Of Jazz in the making. It is a true family affair with help from a few friends when Jazz973 Presents “Mike Lee Family Band Introducing Violinist Jacquie Lee.” The result will be future musicians creating beautiful jazz music for many more generations. As history in the making, here' s a background of these wonderful stellar musicians making their mark on the jazz scene.
Jazz973 at Clements Place Presents Mike Lee Family Band Introducing Jacquie Lee at Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies.
Jacquie Lee is being introduced to the jazz scene in a big way. The Jazz973 program at Clement’s Place is proud to present the Mike Lee Family Band as they introduce Jacquie Lee at the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies. In 2019 at Garfield Middle school Jacquie, who has been playing Violin for 11 years, received Jazz Soloist Downbeat Student Music Award for an Outstanding Performance. Jacquie has also been a member of Jazz House Kids and is a member of a family of musicians which has truly helped her honed her musicianship. The following stellar list of musicians will perform in this wonderful event featuring Jacquie Lee on Violin.
Photo by Adam Z.
Julian Lee is quickly establishing himself as one of the most sought after and versatile saxophonists of his generation. He is the recipient of the 2017 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award from Jazz At Lincoln Center, and has performed both internationally and nationally with a wide array of critically acclaimed artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and Jon Batiste.
Julian hosted the late night jam session at Dizzy’s Club in Jazz at Lincoln Center from 2015 until 2019, playing with countless of the finest musicians on the New York scene. In addition to headlining his own projects at Dizzy’s, he has played at the Blue Note, Jazz Standard, Birdland, Newport Jazz Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival.
Julian handles the Alto, Tenor, and Soprano saxophones with equal prowess, along with doubling on clarinet and flute. This unique skill set, along with his sight-reading abilities, has allowed him to play in the world’s finest big bands. Along with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Julian has performed with the Christian McBride Big Band, Mingus Big Band, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. Julian is a member of Mwenso and The Shakes, a multinational collective led by singer, dancer, composer and entertainer, Michael Mwenso.
Julian completed his undergraduate studies at the Juilliard School, where he had the honor of studying with a master saxophonist.
Read more: https://www.julianleemusic.com/about
Photo by Jazz House Kids.
In 2015, Matthew Lee was a member of one of the premier young bands in the nation, the award-winning Jazz House Big Band directed by Julius Tolentino. The Big Band is composed of top high school jazz musicians from across New Jersey who are selected through competitive auditions. The pinnacle of Jazz House Kids ensemble programs, the Big Band participates in a number of high-profile performances, festivals, competitions and recording sessions throughout the year and most recently backed up the Christian McBride Trio and percussionist Sheila E.
In addition to performing at this event at the widely renown Blue Note Jazz Club, Matt at his young high school age has performed in the Giants of Jazz after party in the South Orange Performing Arts Center and during his budding career played alongside seasoned professional musicians such as Roy Hatgrove, Freddie Hendrix, John Lee and many more.
Read more: http://bluenotejazzfestival.com/2015/05/jazz-house-kids-presents-the-jazz-house-big-band/
Rebecca Harris-Lee has been a mainstay in the New York musical scene for several years. She has performed with orchestras and chamber ensembles across the region, ranging from the NJ Festival Orchestra, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic, to appearances on Broadway.
Ms. Harris-Lee began her studies with Linda Cerone at the Cleveland Institute of Music as a recipient of the Margaret Randall scholarship. She received degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory and the Cleveland Institute, studying under Stephen Clapp and Donald Weilerstein.
An active chamber musician throughout her career, Ms. Harris-Lee has appeared with members of the Cavani Quartet, Eunice Podis, as well as numerous performances with her father, cellist Alan Harris. She was principal second violin of the Ohio Chamber Orchestra and an active freelance performer in Cleveland prior to moving to the New York area.
In addition to her performance career, she maintains an active teaching studio in Montclair. Also an avid runner, Rebecca has participated in several marathons, including New York and Boston. She has three wonderful children with her husband, saxophonist Mike Lee.
Read more: https://www.madisonstringquartet.com/rebecca-harris-lee
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, saxophonist Mike Lee has established himself in the New York City/Northern New Jersey area for many years. He balances a thriving performing career with a distinguished teaching resume. He performs regularly in New York City as a member of a wide array of jazz ensembles. His recent associations include The Jimmy Heath Orchestra, The Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra, Wallace Roney’s Universe Orchestra, The Oliver Lake Big Band, The Loston Harris Trio, The Nat Adderley Jr. Quartet, Josh Evans Big Band, Dave Stryker, Frank Lacy, TS Monk, and The Roy Hargrove Big Band. He performs regularly at venues such as The Bluenote, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Smalls, The Jazz Gallery, Fat Cat, and Bemelman’s Bar at the Carlyle Hotel.
Recent tours have taken him up and down the East Coast, to Italy, France, California and Beijing, China. Mike Lee is Professor of Jazz Saxophone at The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. In 2009, Lee helped found and develop Jazz House Kid’s in-house jazz education program. As the instructor of the first class (2009) at the Jazz House and Director of the JHK Summer Workshop (2010-2012) he oversaw the growth of the program from one class to a thriving jazz school. Mike’s private students have also excelled winning national awards from the Grammy Band, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, Downbeat Magazine, and Young Arts. He has had several students go on to attend The Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, William Paterson, Rutgers, Miami University, and Northwestern University. Lee has presented clinics and workshops throughout the country. Mr. Lee is endorsed by Conn-Selmer saxophones and Vandoren mouthpieces/reeds.
Lee’s musical accomplishments are shared and enjoyed by his musical family. Along with his wife, Violinist Rebecca Harris-Lee, they are raising three active young musicians. Their oldest son, saxophonist Julian, a graduate of The Juilliard School, has a thriving career in and around New York City having performed with ensembles including the Mingus Big Band, Wynton Marsalis Quintet, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Read more: https://mikeleejazz.com/bio/
Liany Mateo, a 19-year-old jazz bassist from Jersey City, NJ, has already studied and performed with some of the country’s top names in jazz. While in high school, she studied under renowned bassist Ben Wolfe. Through her involvement with the New Jersey Performing Arts “Jazz for Teens” program, she has been able to work with vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, saxophonists Mark Gross and Wayne Escoffery, and drummer Alvester Garnett. Liany has received numerous honors as an aspiring jazz musician.
In 2016, she had the honor of performing with an all-star band that included drummer Jerome Jennings and pianist Benito Gonzalez in Newark, NJ, Sarah Vaughan’s hometown, during the U.S. Postal Service’s ceremony unveiling of the Sarah Vaughan Commemorative Stamp. Notably, in 2015, she received the New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education and was awarded the First Place title in Hudson County, New Jersey’s Solo Strings Competition. Liany Mateo studied with the legendary bassist, Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies.
Read more: https://www.smallslive.com/artists/3031-liany-mateo/
Music arranger and pianist Nat Adderley, Jr. was born on May 23, 1955 to Nat Adderley, Sr. and Ann James in Quincy, Florida. Adderley attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, New York. In high school, he performed and wrote music for his father’s group, the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. Adderley also worked as a keyboardist for R&B singer Valerie Simpson. Adderley earned his B.A. degree in African American studies from Yale University in 1977.
In 1981, Adderley became the music director for Luther Vandross. Adderley arranged the music for Vandross’ 1981 album, Never Too Much on the songs “Never Too Much” and “Sugar and Spice (I Found Me a Girl).” He then co-wrote the song “Better Love” for Vandross’ 1982 album, Forever, for Always, for Love. In 1984, Adderley arranged “Superstar,” as well as “If Only for One Night” and “Creepin’” for Vandross’ album, The Night I Fell In Love. He co-wrote Vandross’ first top twenty hit, “Stop to Love” and arranged the songs “So Amazing” and “Give Me The Reason” from the album, Give Me The Reason. In 1988, Adderley arranged the songs “I Wonder” and “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” for Vandross’ album, Any Love. The album was nominated for a 1989 Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Adderley also played keyboard for Vandross’ 1991 Grammy award winning album, Power of Love. He produced Vandross’ albums Your Secret Love, Luther Vandross, and the Grammy award winning album, Dance with My Father. Adderley arranged Vandross’ 2003 Grammy award-winning duet with Beyonce Knowles, “The Closer I Get to You,” which won for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. He then produced the live album, Luther’s Live 2003 at Radio City Music Hall.
In addition to his work with Vandross, Adderley has worked with several other musicians. He arranged the songs for Aretha Franklin’s 1983 album, Jump To It, the string section for Doc Powell’s Grammy nominated song “What’s Going On” and Natalie Cole’s song “When I Fall in Love.” Recordings of Adderley playing piano were used by playwright August Wilson for his play The Piano Lesson in 1990. Adderley later formed the Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio.
Read more: https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/nat-adderley-jr
Wed. October 20, 2021 Please join us in this unique event as another generation of jazz musicians are coming out and making a serious impact on the jazz scene.
Tickets for Set 1, 7-8PM: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz973-presents-mike-lee-family-band-introducing-jacquie-lee-set-1-tickets-192955935397
Tickets for Set 2, 8:20-9:20PM: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz973-presents-mike-lee-family-band-introducing-jacquie-lee-set-2-tickets-192957750827
This event will be live and also live streamed for Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies and Gregory Burrus Productions.
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Saturday, September 18, 2021
I should say that as a live music lover, ambassador, event planner, community partner and board member of Maplewood Community Music (MCM), the Maplewood Porchfest event is clearly becoming one of my favorite live music events of the year.
This year's Sep 5th, 2021 volunteer-driven Maplewood Porchfest was a huge success as the schedule showed 55 bands across 37 porches, producing 61 hours of live music all around the Hilton neighborhood of Maplewood from 1-5 PM. Technically, it's 62 hours because it all starts with one of my favorite events of the day, the Honk Parade. The good part of this year’s Labor Day weekend event once again was that there was a high level of live music performances from beginning to end across all musical genres.
Each year since its inception in 2017, I look forward to figuring out how I am going to see the bands I want to spend time with and, at the same time, put enough other bands on the same walking route to catch as many live music performances in the same day as possible. It’s a real challenge.
This opening event, true to its history, was a New Orleans-style Second Line Band led by the brainchild of Porchfest local pianist/vocalist Bill Tally, Saxophonist Ben Williams, along with Umbrella Dancer/Porchfest Planner Susan Williams, amongst others. They led a happy-go-lucky group of folks in this kick off event down Lexington Avenue from Dehart all the way to the former home of James W. Buchanan.
Jim and Carol Buchanan leading the 2017 Maplewood Porchfest Honk Parade
Jim is a retired music educator and full-time musician, a former Cultural Affairs Director for the Maplewood Recreation Department, and a co-founder of Maplewood Community Music. He lived here with another very much loved community supporter, his wife Carol Buchanan (RIP), who was a force of her own, as she was very active in the community. I personally love the fact that the Maplewood Porchfest Honk parade honors its founders and is just a lot of fun.
As mentioned, the Maplewood Porchfest contains a wide array of live music entertainment across all musical genres throughout the afternoon. So you can see Bluegrass, Jazz, Country, Rock, Americana and more. My decision this year with a limited amount of time was to check out a few Jazz Bands with stops along the way.
My first stop on my route was the Baker Street Trio. My social media post said it all. Baker Street Trio—3 teenagers (15, 16, and 17) will be making a serious mark on Jazz for a longtime. These young cats were killing it in Maplewood Porchfest. After performing a number of tunes that if you closed your eyes, you would've thought they had way more experience than their actual ages combined. A testament to how good they were, they had Ed Palermo, the alto sax player and arranger, sitting in with them. Ed Palermo has had a big band for twenty-five years, which is an impressive feat in itself, and has had his band performing the music of Frank Zappa for over a decade. With Ed the level rose up again and these young folk were swinging hard. A big shout out to Jazz House Kids and Ed Palermo for joining and supporting them—very cool move. I highly recommend all jazz fans should check them out whenever, wherever you can.
Next up on my tour was the Meant To Be Jazz Quartet. Note, you can get around Maplewood Porchfest a few ways and most folks walk or ride a bike. As you can see, you can hear the music everywhere in a Porchfest. Listen in and get a feel as you walk along, as the music is in the air everywhere you go.
On this walk we encountered the Meant To Be Jazz Quartet featuring Glenn Merritt on keys, Pete Omelio on Drums, Alan Hayes on Bass and John Higgins on Trumpet. Having played together for over 20 years, they have developed a synergy that is evident amongst how they play and perform with each other. This group is a regular set of performers at the Shanghai Jazz Club and the performance was just as stellar as if they were there onsite at a regular performance. The jazz was flowing oh so smooth from this Lexington Ave porch. It was a beautiful day, beautiful music, and the large crowd that gathered enjoyed it tremendously.
What makes Porchfest so cool is you never know where the next porch is going to be. Well, another group was starting as this one ended, directly across the street led by Fishmarket Stew performing Phish covers led by local resident David Shields. He was performing on the porch of another well known Maplewood townsperson.
Gregory Burrus with another huge supporter of the event, former Mayor Vic DeLuca and Maplewood Township Committee Member.
Former Mayor for 20 years and a resident of the Hilton neighborhood, Vic DeLuca hosts events on his porch of course and did so again this year. Vic was quoted earlier saying that the event is “one of the top events in town. Porchfest brings people to the Hilton neighborhood to enjoy a special day of music and community […] It highlights the diversity of our town and the tremendous talent we have living here.”
However, I had to move on as I received a call saying, guess who's playing at such and such a place. As a live music jazz fan on a jazz tour, hearing that a world class drummer is playing around the corner in Maplewood Porchfest is amazing and, well, you just got to go.
Arriving on site, I encountered a hardcore group of seasoned jazz professionals that came to play big time. The Willie Williams Quintet led by Willie Williams was swinging hard in this year's Maplewood Porchfest, that's like wow. Having had a Willie Williams performance up at my favorite jazz club, Clements Place Jazz, this I knew would be a special treat. Willie Williams has played with a stellar cast of musicians his whole career and in beautiful venues like the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C., Afro American Museum, Philadelphia, PA, the All Star Reception at Vice President Al Gore's Mansion, and our own South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in the Giants of Jazz tribute to Jazz Giant James Moody.
Unfortunately, my video was not clear but the music video to the event is awesome and as good if not better than any show in a big club in any big city. The Willie Williams Quartet featuring Alvester C. Garnett on Drums, Kenny Davis on Bass, Miles Lennox on keys, his son rising star Ace Williams on Trumpet, and Willie Williams on Sax were just killing it all afternoon.
Speaking of Ace Williams on trumpet, a special treat was the group I first mentioned: the Baker Street Trio joined in with Ace Williams on Trumpet and they had a ball.
Big huge kudos to the Maplewood Porchfest Committee — Matt, Bill, Tracy, Susan, Jay, and Bill — which did a phenomenal job this year.
Maplewood Community Music is the official presenter of Maplewood Porchfest. Maplewood Porchfest was the brainchild of local pianist/vocalist Bill Tally, who went to Jamaica Plain Porchfest in Boston every year. He brought the idea to friends in his hometown, and put together a committee of musicians from Maplewood Community Music to run the event. The committee chose the Hilton neighborhood for its perfect layout, easy walkability, and its porches (of course). You can read all about it here at https://maplewoodporchfest.com
Maplewood Community Music (MCM), a non-profit based in Maplewood, NJ, was founded in 2003 by Jim Buchanan and Susan Williams. Susan had played in the Rutgers Band and after a number of years without playing, she approached Jim Buchanan about starting a band. At the time, Jim was the Cultural Affairs Supervisor for Maplewood.
The dedicated group of volunteer musicians and conductors continue to work towards MCM's major goals of giving hobbyist musicians the opportunity to play and perform and bringing music to Maplewood, South Orange, and other nearby communities. In addition, MCM is proud to support community events and community/youth music enrichment programs. Since its formation in 2003, the organization has grown to well over 50 musicians and has numerous active ensembles. MCM hosts between 4-6 events each season and our ensembles perform at even more local events each year.
Read more at http://www.maplewoodcommunitymusic.org/
I didn't get to see all the bands I know, but thanks to all bands for making a great day even better. If you didn't get in this year, you can always join up for next year, just let me know. Please note, the views and opinions expressed in this article are from Gregory Burrus, the writer, blogger, live music lover and community partner. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/author/gregoryburrusproductions/
Hope to see you all again in September 2022.
#maplewoodporchfest #livemusic #livemusicbands #labordayweekend #laborday2021 #outdoors #honkmusic #outdoormusic #maplecommunitymusic #HiltonMaplewood #gregoryburrusproductions
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, August 22, 2021
Have you heard about the brand new MAPSO Funk Fest? Well, MAPSO Funk Fest will be a really cool family-friendly festival targeted at helping local Black / Minority-owned restaurants, artisan businesses and the community recover and thrive through these pandemic times. The other day we caught up with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman who was being interviewed by Gregory Burrus Productions Interviewer Lynette Sheard.
That’s right, MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman has proclaimed: “MAPSO Funk Fest is going to be a family event created to celebrate the diversity of MAPSO through food, music, and the arts!
MAPSO Funk Fest will be showcasing & supporting Black & minority-owned restaurants and artisan businesses in the greater Maplewood & South Orange area. There will be music all day by local DJs and live performers.”
Lexi stated that "Many small brands have been faced with big challenges and this day is an opportunity to revive the flavor of our neighborhood, invigorate local hand-picked restaurants, and remind people of the rich culture that we are surrounded by." So here's a little about the day’s planned activities.
There will be food vendors sourced from local restaurants along with food trucks that will be secured from the local communities. Food vendors will ring the park in strategic easy to reach locations for fast and easy access. There will also be a food tasting selection that local restaurants will be participating in for which attendees may purchase tickets and sample a number of the vendors' menu items.
In addition, I am very happy to announce there will be a beautiful MAPSO Funk Fest beer garden hosted by our exclusive craft beer provider, Montclair Brewery. This minority-owned business will provide a host of home grown brews to our attendees all day. Please bring ID in order to be wristbanded and purchase beer garden tickets.
“One good thing about music, when it hits you you feel no pain”
What's a festival without some funky music? From setup to shut down, there will be music highlighting the various genres representing the diversity of MAPSO, or as Lexi stated in the interview: “there will be house music, funk music and soul music.“ Throughout the day, there will be local DJs and a few live performances at the Springfield Gazebo.
There will be kid-friendly vendors, educational readings and activities as well as mini workshops throughout the day. Please visit the website for additional activities being added on a periodic basis.
According to the experts, our folks are not looking for an average wellness experience. They’re looking for wellness practices that invigorate them, that allow them to find community, and that speak to their unique sense of culture and identity. MAPSO Funk Fest Wellness events are designed with our core audiences in mind.
Stressed? - Then come on out with the kids, or not, and enjoy the vibe and engage in a relaxing yoga session, gain more flexibility and energy flow. If high energy is your thing, don't worry we got you covered. You will leave totally refreshed, relaxed and reinvigorated to take on your day. We have Funk Fest Yoga for All Ages, Yoga & Stretch Practice #Yogaworld365
The event will boost local talent, businesses, and restaurants. The event is being sponsored by Blackstock & Weber, Springfield Avenue Maplewood, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate agent Maria Morrison Heningburg. Learn more about then here.
Other community partners include Inspired Dream Real Estate, Maplewood Bike Shed, Words Bookstore, Finlay + Gage Music Instruments, Blue Life Karate and Gregory Burrus Productions.
Additional Sponsorships are available for you to support the MAPSO Funk Fest and you can learn more here.
That's right, all MAPSO Funk Fest volunteers are happy people. Yup, you feel real good so why not let's get happy together. We need your support and it takes a village. Volunteers are what makes events like this successful. If you're interested in helping make this day possible, please visit the MAPSO Funk Fest Support page or click here for more information.
Born and raised in Maplewood & South Orange, Lexi graduated from CHS in 2012 where she had started Diversity Rocks Club at CHS in order to educate and celebrate the diversity of the student body addressing issues of racism in the school district and the goal of creating a unified sense of community among students of different backgrounds. She graduated from Rutgers Newark in 2016 where she studied Sociology & International Affairs. With a never ending appetite for travel and a passion for all things creative and expressive, Lexi loves exploring new places, trying new things, and meeting and connecting with new people.
“With a passion for people and self-expression, I consider myself a multifaceted creative curator. I've always been proud of growing up in such a multicultural place, whose identity is shaped by a wealth of creatives and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. I truly love crafting a vision and bringing it to life. Inspired by community projects and social impact work, my mission is to continue strategizing and organizing programs, events, and initiatives that truly make a difference for people."
I believe that small business is the very fabric of any community like ours, representing the passion, creativity, and entrepreneurship of its residents, providing a meaningful service, safe space, or hub for people to connect.”
Contact Information Lexi Hellerman, Freelance project manager, event producer, and brand strategist.
973-986-8305
And now, a final word from our Funk Fest Creator and Founder Lexi Hellerman:
“The day will be a magical celebration of diversity and community with food, wellness and artisan vendor booths surrounding the park with live entertainment and folks enjoying themselves.”
“This is a highly inclusive event that supports businesses of all kinds. We’ve worked diligently to prioritize inclusion of Black, minority, women, and LGBTQ+ owned entities for optimal representation. Please know this event will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 guidelines. So bring your friends and family for good food, good music and great vibes!”
Gregory Burrus with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman, 2021
Whether it’s MAPSO or SOMA, Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love: the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange and Maplewood, NJ. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the Jersey/NYC landscape and beyond, right here as JI blogger Gregory Burrus.
Contact Gregory Burrus Productions to promote your event, business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com or 8622057660.
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, August 4, 2021
We are bringing back Jazz On Sloan in a huge, huge way!!! You are invited to enjoy this very special, spectacular performance by award-winning and critically acclaimed operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist, Ema Mitrović along with renowned jazz/classical pianist David Budway. This entertaining live music performance will cover Opera, Jazz and Classical Theatre. Learn more about these wonderful performers.
As you know, Jazz is a true American art that goes way back in time. That’s because Jazz began here in America, hundreds of years ago, in the fields where black people worked as slaves and made up songs to pass time. Opera is a key part of the Western classical music. Born in Italy more than 400 years ago during the Renaissance, opera—a combination of vocal and orchestral music, drama, visual arts and dance—has been inspiring people for ages. Classical Theatre is a type of theater which relies upon imagination to convey the setting and atmosphere of the play. Classical theater usually contains lofty, grand prose or free verse dialogue. Combining these 3 distinct yet connected art forms of Jazz, Opera and Classical Theatre into one powerful performance is an accomplishment that you have to experience. We are very happy to have these wonderful powerful artists share their gifts and present their one of a kind crossover live music performance. Here's an introduction to these Artists for this upcoming performance.
"It's kismet that David and I are able to perform at Jazz on Sloan! Gregory Burrus had asked me to come a number of times and we finally found a date/time that works! I'm really excited, as a resident of East Orange, just 1.7 miles away to be exact, to have this opportunity to perform for my neighbors, my community, in my backyard." — Ema Mitrovic
Award-winning and critically acclaimed operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist, Ema Mitrović, is described: “out of the ensemble, I found Ema Mitrovic...to be the standout” (Opera Manhattan, Suor Angelica ’12) and "Her rich mezzo is pure pleasure” (Hudson Opera Theatre, Lucia di Lammermoor ’18).
Ms. Mitrović performs as an ambassador of music across different genres, having performed 19 operatic roles thus far, a number of solo recitals, and has enjoyed being a strong cross-over jazz singer, performing along New York City’s finest musicians, including Tim Horner, Joe Locke, Ted Rosenthal, and Jim Ridl, to name a few.
She's been on stage at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and New York City's renowned jazz venues Birdland, The Kitano, and Smalls. Often, she performs programs that include both classical and standard jazz repertoire to connect to her audience.
This season, despite strains from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ema was grateful to perform in recital at Brooklyn’s Soapbox Gallery and Nyack’s Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, as Annina (La Traviata) with The Lighthouse Opera Company, and recording with the New Jersey Youth Symphony Chamber Ensemble in a newly commissioned piece, “La Frontera” by Raul Abbad. Later this season, Ema will return to New York’s The Lighthouse Opera Company in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (Dritte Dame) as well as make a role/company debut with Bronx Opera Company in its production of The Bartered Bride (Háta).
"As a performer, your audience is your lifeline, and I'm excited for people to hear what we are all about, to share Opera, Classical, Jazz, and the works with them! Not many people do what David and I do and my hope as a musician is to make as many people as possible hear this music in a fun, informal, and beautiful way."
— Ema Mitrovic
Passionate as a performer, Ema is equally as passionate in teaching, having done so for 7+ years. During the COVID-19 quarantine, Ema has been proud to keep a full studio remotely (on Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.) of roughly 30+ voice and piano students, at both the non-profit The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts and privately owned Elefante Music, among her own.
Ms. Mitrović is a proud, first generation Croatian-American, born and raised in New Jersey. She happily resides in East Orange with her partner, drummer Tim Horner.
Max Jazz Recording Artist David Budway is one of the most versatile pianists on the New York music scene today. While deeply rooted in many styles, his masterful command for Modern Jazz has propelled him into the midst of present day jazz pioneers. (www.davidbudway.com)
As a Classical pianist David has performed countless recitals. He studied extensively with Ruth Slenczynska, Dr. Carole Riley, CDP, Gerald Jennings, and performed in Master Classes with Artur Balsam, Warren Jones, Eugene List and Sheila Paige. In Italy, David studied at the prestigious Rome Festival where he performed Opera and Chamber Music under the baton of Maestro Fritz Maraffi. Born in Pittsburgh, PA , David grew up listening to the improvisations of his father Leo Budway, and became interested and well versed in the style of Arabic music. Later, he earned his Masters Degree in Piano Performance and Percussion at Duquesne University where he also studied Jazz Composition and Arranging with Dr. John Wilson. David went on to be Adjunct Professor at Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon University for 15 years before moving to New York. In 1992, Mr. Budway made his solo debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with them on many occasions including special performances with the late Marvin Hamlisch.
Since moving to New York, David has performed at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Village Vanguard, Birdland, The Blue Note, The Jazz Standard and The Hollywood Bowl with both Liza Minnelli and Hubert Laws. David studied chamber music extensively with master musician Bernard Goldberg, and has continued his love for the flute repertoire throughout his 30 year tenure with Master Flutist Hubert Laws. Some of his recording credits include the entire Bach Sonatas for Flute and Piano. David's Trio is currently in residence at the famed Carlyle Hotel in New York City. Mr. Budway's recording credits as both a leader and a sideman include artists Branford Marsalis, Michael Brecker, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Hubert Laws, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Heath, Christiane Noll, Ravi Coltrane and Eric Leeds. David has toured worldwide with Stanley Turrentine, Hubert Laws, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Regina Carter and Liza Minnelli.
As a composer, David has several albums to his credit. His release, “A New Kiss”, on the Max Jazz label was awarded 4 stars in Downbeat Magazine. His song “Love You Tonight” reached number one on WBGO's playlist in 2012. Most recently, the disc was charted at number four in Canada. Other releases include “Brief Encounter to Last a Lifetime”, “The Music I Hear”, “Bud Way”, “Jazz... the Budway”, and his latest release “3 Budways” with siblings Kathy and Maureen Budway. “Sweet Candor”, Maureen Budway's release in 2015 on the MSG Jazz label, received 4 1⁄2 stars in Downbeat Magazine.
Honoring his late sister, David and his wife Brianne Higgins have recently opened MAUREEN'S JAZZ CELLAR in Nyack, NY. The intimate venue features Jazz, Classical, Cabaret, Acoustic Music, Comedy and Rock and Roll. Mr. Budway's newest CD, “The Jazz Piano Man”, features original songs co-written with lyricist Lou Tracey. David was a proud recipient of two prizes in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. He has scored the music to the motion pictures Lift and Giant Steps starring Billy Dee Williams, and has been published in Downbeat Magazine’s Masterclass section: Contemporary French Music’s Influence in Jazz Harmonies.
Yes, we are thrilled to present operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist Ema Mitrović and jazz and classical pianist David Budway for your listening pleasure. Come early and secure your best spot. Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo is extremely excited to present this fantastic, one-of-a-kind performance for your listening pleasure. When you hear Ema, you will know why I am so excited. Please grab your chair, your friend and please join us outdoors for this perfectly wonderful one-of-a-kind Sunday afternoon performance.
Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love, the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange NJ. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the Jersey NYC landscape and beyond, right here as JI blogger Gregory Burrus. Contact Gregory Burrus to promote your business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. gregoryburrusproductions.com
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, August 4, 2021
In producing and promoting live music for Saturday, June 19th this year, there were street closings, art gallery receptions and, of course, the newly mandated holiday for Juneteenth. For many parts of this weekend, it turned into a Holiday Celebration.
This past week, establishing a new federal holiday — effective immediately — caused some scrambling at courts, government agencies and businesses. As it was literally signed into law days before June 19th, 2021 to be a Federal Holiday, many did not know what it meant or that it was a holiday (see “Juneteenth is now a federal holiday, as Biden signs bill”).
![US President Joe Biden laughs with Vice President Kamala Harris and members of Congress as he signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, June 17, 2021 [Carlos Barria/Reuters]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/561c2914e4b090a32cbb0b9c/1627664742764-I91YVQHBN81IGN52WAD6/Joe+Biden+with+group.png)
US President Joe Biden laughs with Vice President Kamala Harris and members of Congress as he signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, June 17, 2021 [Carlos Barria/Reuters]
Juneteenth is the holiday commemorating the end of slavery by marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. Now, it's a federal holiday (read more here: “So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth”, New York Times). The move comes after growing support nationwide for observing the day of celebration and reflection.
For many of us, we celebrated by reflecting on the greatness of the day and celebrating, but not forgetting some of the recent injustices that still occur today. And for most people, they reflected back on years of struggle, from Angela Davis, Huey Newton and the Black Panthers. The creativity of all types of celebrations helps bring awareness to all that has and is happening. Here’s a look around my town.
The Black Panther | Juneteenth Photoshoot held in East Orange, New Jersey!! Happy Juneteenth!! Photographer: @theseredmoments; Production: @talent.sunsetmodels
BLM Exhibit curated by Maria Estrella and Carol Jenkins.
Maria Estrela and Carol Jenkins, both female artists of color from Essex County, have a personal connection to a new exhibit in West Orange. For Estrela, she said:
"I purposely utilize my skills to help Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) artists, who are underrepresented in the arts scene […] I feel it's important to raise awareness of the issues faced in their own communities including racism, discrimination, inequality and injustice."
Read more of what they said and all about the exhibit, here: “For These Artists, BLM Exhibit In West Orange Has Special Meaning”
Here’s a quick recap of the June 19th live music weekend festivities.
We started off in Spiotta Park with world renown drummer Victor Jones with the Victor Jones Trio featuring Robera Piket & Shin Sakeino. The event was produced in association with the South Orange Village Center Alliance. The trio was just amazing to listen to and — an added bonus — it became a mini drummer reunion as drummers rule when Tim Horner, Tommy Campbell, Dorian McGee and many other Victor Jones friends from long ago came out to catch up and enjoy the music.
Another highlight was Destiny Autumn Tucker who came out and sang beautifully a song with Victor Jones. Then, Destiny Autumn educated us for the Juneteenth Celebration. She walked us through the history of Black Music and demonstrated various methods of communicating and clapping with us. We all enjoyed it tremendously.
Drum Circle by Alison V. Brown and Friends for Juneteenth Celebration in Spiotta Park, South Orange, NJ .
Aliison Brown orchestrated one awesome and very well attended Drum Circle with Yahya Kamate and Richard Reiter. As one drum master stated, “This was great, we didn't have to pull people out to play, folks just kept coming and participating." Yes! The roar of the drums was intoxicating. We have to do it again.
Cafe Word Bookstore reported a wonderful celebration with Nia and Steve and Dance Master Susan Pope.
Shout out the Harmonic Convergence band. We tried to go on with another Summer Saturday live music event featuring Harmonic Convergence at the Grid Iron Waffle Stage, but the rain won out. This event will be rescheduled.
Lynette Sheard Trio with Brandon McCune and Marshall McDonald. BLM Art Exhibition in Juneteenth Celebration at the West Orange Arts Council located in West Orange, NJ.
Food Brews and Jazz with Chef Jesse Jones and Jacque Harmon Quartet, with Rich Acciavatti, Gary Mancinelli, Richard Pierson, Ben Frank and vocalist Jacque Harmon Johnson in a Juneteenth Celebration at the Montclair Brewery in Montclair, NJ.
Food for the Soul, Tasteful Brews & Swinging Jazz at the Montclair Brewery with Chef Jesse Live - POW!! What better way to celebrate Junteenth than enjoying Chef Jesse's modern approach to southern cuisine and his delicious delectable cooking. While sampling these soulful delights, folks explored some fabulous Brews of the Black Owned Montclair Brewery and of course listened to the original American music art form - jazz from the great American SongBook performed by the Jacque Harmon Johnson Quartet. Food, Brews and Jazz. A great way to spend an evening.
ZooS Band with BJ Hermann, Pegaso Cris, Peter McClard at the Eastman Street Summertime Street Closing in Cranford, NJ. Produced by the Downtown Cranford Organization.
We outlasted the rain with poetry, spoken word and, of course, live music — all Emceed by South Orange Trustee Bobby Brown. It was very nice to see our younger folks keeping the cause and flame alive for true freedom.
Tonia Ray All Stars with Nicole Inocent, Norman Stevenson, Kenny Robinson performed at the Juneteenth Celebration on Flood’s Hill in the Township of South Orange Village, NJ. Listen to a taste:
MPACK Band with Clarence Conover, Patricia Walton, Glenn Merrit, Brett Calder, Kev Nazt Moore and Larry Greenberg performed at the South Orange Juneteenth Celebration at Flood’s Hill in the Township of South Orange Village, NJ.
It was great to see, hear and enjoy the night's live music performances under the musical direction of Clarence Conover. It was just fabulous as folks were dancing, jumping, singing and the camaraderie amongst everyone was just fantastic.
The fireworks were a very, very cool unexpected touch, and they played out over the music, which was truly spectacular. It actually moved some folks in very touching ways.
You can learn more about the artists who performed here: Celebrate Juneteenth with Us and Live Music Events In and Around South Orange, NJ .
Since my mission is supporting and exposing the talents of these artists, we hope you take the time to check them out and support them when you can.
The events were produced in conjunction with:
South Orange Village Center Alliance, South Orange NJ.
Gregory Burrus Productions
Township of South Orange Village, South Orange NJ.
West Orange Arts Council, West Orange NJ
Montclair Brewery, Montclair NJ
Downtown Cranford, Cranford NJ
Gregory Burrus Productions was extremely happy to capture the day and also provide live music at various towns and venues around North Jersey.
Gregory Burrus is a Photojournalist, Live Music Ambassador, Arts and Entertainment Writer, Blogger, Business Reviewer, and Community Events Reporter. He is a supporter of local businesses and community events, with a passion for live music. Gregory reviews and writes about local live music programs while booking, promoting and curating many regional live music events around the greater New York/New Jersey area. Having fun, living life, while helping others. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com
Darryl Clark at Spiotta Park, South Orange, NJ
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, July 16, 2021
This weekend, we pay tribute to a wonderful colleague who was a pillar of the community, Darryl Clark. He played bass, which is how we know him, but he was a family man involved in many other endeavors. Because of the Pandemic many celebrations were delayed, and this weekend we finally get to celebrate the life of our friend who finally succumbed to a 10-year illness,
Darryl Clark developed his love of music as a youth in East Elmhurst (Queens), NY, where he was classically trained on guitar in elementary school. By high school, he discovered the fusion sounds of Stanley Clarke, falling in love with Stanley's School Days album and was officially bitten by "the bass bug," adopting a deep respect and affection for the styles of Larry Graham, Louis Johnson and Jaco Pastorius, to name a few.
The '70's were a time of neighborhood bands and East Elmhurst had quite a few of them including neighbor and professional bassist Kim Clarke. Kim inspired Darryl to hone his chops by attending Jazzmobile in Harlem. While at Jazzmobile, Darryl studied under the direction of legendary bassist Earl May.
Darryl had spent a musical lifetime living, learning and accomplished in the spectrum of styles; traditional jazz, fusion, funk, gospel, rock and alternative make up an inclusive repertoire playing with jazz artists including Nat Adderley Jr., Tina Fabrique, Peter Lin, Marshall McDonald and Slide Hampton.
Other projects include the Essex County Youth Detention Center Prison Ministry, Lafayette College Jazz Ensemble, St Matthew Ame Gospel Chorus, The Owens Brothers Band and The Perfect Alibi Quartet.
In addition to some stellar bands, we will have a few Special Guests, one being our host on Sunday, Lynette Sheard of Lynette Sheard Entertainment. We want to give a shout out to a very special college friend of Darryl Clark, Saxophonist Marshall McDonald who is returning to Japan, but we thank him for being with us.
12-2pm MPACK MUSIC and Jam
3-5pm Flip Da Skrip Band
6:30-9:30pm Radam Schwartz Organ Trio
12:30-2:30pm Peter Lin Trio and Jazz Jam
2:30pm Special Guest Host Lynette Sheard will take us through the day
3-5pm Darryl Clark DC Fusion Band
6:30pm - 9:30pm Nat Adderley Jr. Trio w/ Special Guest
Spiotta Park - Let’s Dance and Jam - We kick off the day with a truly swinging R&B jam led by MPack Music. Dynamic, versatile, multifaceted, multitalented, cross-genre band whose playlist spans old school Funk, Jazz, R&B, Fusion, Motown, Neo-Soul and more. Yup the music will be hot and the jam will be awesome. Bring your instrument and or your voice at 12 Noon and join in. We are jamming.
Photo Credit Flip Da Skrip Band
Spiotta Park - Calling all Flippers - we are all in for a special treat as one of our favorite funk, pop bands Flip Da Skrip Band returns to the stage and will be the Sounds In Spiotta Park. Head Flipper has been telling the world:
"Certain Places We've Played Just Mean A Lil' Sumthin' Sumthin' More!!! Places Like Cecil's, Gotham Hall, Gaustavinos, Seton Village, & The Spot Come 2 Mind. However Spiotta Park Has Alwayz Been A Great Place 2 Hang Out, Chillax, & Lissen 2 Whatever Sounds Are Going On Out There That Day. Hear Why Each Flippa Xplains Why They Love Performing In This Waaayyy Kewl Space!!!"
Bottomline, come have some fun.
Sloan Street Parking - Are you ready for some serious Organ Music? One of the pacesetters of the jazz organ, Radam Schwartz teams up with drummer David F. Gibson and saxophonist Anthony Ware and they intend to bring the house dam. The jazz will jumping Radam had hosted a Jam Session from 1986 to 20016, beginning at the famous Peppermint Lounge in Orange, New Jersey, and in 1997 when the Mint closed its doors, moving to the Crossroads in Garwood, where he played every Tuesday for 19 years, making this the longest running session in New Jersey history. Radam knows how to jam so bring your instrument and or your voice and sign in to have some big fun on Saturday night.
Darryl Clark wirth Peter Lin, Slide Hampton and Mimiko Watanabe
Spiotta Park - Nothing like a really fabulous jazz jam led by the stellar Trombone player Peter Lin. Darryl played with the cats all the time so bring your stuff and join in. Come listen and or Jam with us and the true Jam Master.
Special Guest Host Lynette Sheard with Members of DC Fusion Band
Spiotta Park - In honor of Darryl Clark’s band rides again with his original band members and they will be playing the hits and bringing back some of the great times of the DC Fusion Band.
Spiotta Park - Nat Adderley Jr, long time friend of Darryl Clark will join us. Are you Ready for the smooth Jazz and R&B sounds of Nat Adderley, Jr. trio featuring always in demand bassist Chris Berger and a stellar drummer who loves to groove Jerome Jennings and with Special Guest joining in. Yup, it's a smoking hot Sunday and you can join in if you think you're ready, just let me know. Are you ready?
This tribute is free so please tell your friends and your friends, friends to grab a chair and join us. Just listen to the music in the Summer Air. We hope you can come on Sunday, July 17 and 18, 2021 enjoy some great music and the memory of Darryl Clark. The music will be jumping all day.
Summer Saturdays produced/hosted by South Orange Village Center, South Orange Village and Gregory Burrus Productions
Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, live music ambassador and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area.
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Saturday, June 19, 2021
With outstanding shopping, restaurants, services and entertainment & events, not to mention our beautiful parks and waterways, Cranford offers authentic experiences for everyone.
According to Wikipedia, Cranford, NJ has a nickname of "The Venice of New Jersey'' and a motto "Friendship and Progress." This small town has shaped up to be one highly desirable place to be and live in. In both 2018 and 2019, The Star-Ledger named Cranford the best downtown in New Jersey after an online vote, calling it "adorable [and] snowglobe-like.” New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Cranford as its 34th best place to live in its 2010 rankings of the "Best Places To Live.” Cranford is part of the New York City metropolitan area.
Cranford is home to more than 24,000 people who enjoy its many parks, recreational facilities, shopping areas and outstanding schools. Strategically located in the heart of Union County, the Township is served by the NJ Transit bus and Raritan Valley train line, making it desirable for outbound and inbound commuters. Established in 1871, Cranford is 4.8 square miles of wonderful neighborhoods and historic homes along the Rahway River, some dating back to the late 1800s. Township residents and visitors, young and old, can enjoy the many programs at the Community Center, Public Library, parks, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools or canoeing on the river. These are just some of the reasons Cranford is routinely rated in the Top 50 Best Places to Live in NJ and to raise a family.
https://downtowncranford.org/
The town has a strong commercial base. Downtown Cranford is well known for its many restaurants, unique specialty shops and has seen tremendous investment and growth in recent years with several Transit-Oriented Development projects. Smaller neighborhood shopping areas, like Centennial Village, are also revitalized with new restaurants and businesses. The Cranford Business Park, with easy access to the Garden State Parkway, major roads and Newark Airport, is home to several well-known national corporations.
https://downtowncranford.org/
Also, the Downtown Cranford Special Improvement District (SID) led by Executive Director Caren Demyan is dedicated to ensuring a vibrant downtown. Downtown Cranford is a Township department whose objective is to promote, brand, beautify, maintain, attract, and grow business. The Office of Downtown Business & Economic Development is part of the Township government and represents all properties, businesses and residents within the SID regardless of size, location or use and is the official advocate for property and business owners. You can learn more about Downtown Cranford and how they can support your objectives right here.
Alex Desrivieres / Harmonic Convergence 2020
The Downtown Cranford office announced that there is music at Eastman Plaza throughout the summer 2021! Starting in June, there will be music performances at Eastman Plaza on Thursdays from 6-8pm by a number of local musicians.
As you can see, we have an extensive and diverse list of music genres and performers for everyone's listening pleasure, with some returning favorites and some brand new first-timers. We have crossed the spectrum with pop, rock, R&B, jazz, country, Latin, cabaret and, of course, some blues to make you tap your feet, shake your head and dance in your seat. Just come on out and have a good time enjoying the sounds of Downtown Cranford live music.
All are invited to come on out and enjoy this wonderful live music location, to enjoy Downtown Cranford stores and restaurants and the Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds Series. Here's a few landmarks to pique your curiosity, and hopefully you will stop in and enjoy this wonderful environment.
At this very busy traffic intersection right off the NJ Transit train station there is this idyllic park in the middle of the hustle and bustle:
Inside it is this wonderful grassy location, along with some natural seating, what's known locally as the Eastman Clock location.
And what's really cool is there is a built-in amphitheater-type seating all the way around and out to the grass and the adjacent stores. This is a very cool place to be where you are able to sit, relax and enjoy the summer sounds of live music.
Gregory Burrus is a Photojournalist, Live Music Ambassador, Arts and Entertainment Writer, Blogger, Business Reviewer, and Community Events Reporter. He is a supporter of local businesses and community events, with a passion for live music. Gregory reviews and writes about local live music programs while booking, promoting and curating many regional live music events around the greater New York/New Jersey area. Greg promotes events through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism. Having fun, living life, while helping others. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, June 18, 2021
I want to thank everyone for their participation and support of the 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. While I still wished we could have performed, in person outside as usual, the Coronavirus Pandemic changed all that. As the pandemic went into full effect for us during the last week of March and lockdown started in April 2020, we pivoted and started thinking about what else we could do to keep the music alive.
We couldn't go outside so we adapted and continued our commitment to the live music community and launched a new virtual approach that addressed our new social distancing world. We asked folks to submit live performances specifically for this event, a truly sweet past performance, or we scheduled them into a live performance slot on the day of the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree event. The musicians responded overwhelmingly positively and it was great to see folks volunteer their time/energy along with their dynamic and amazing musical talents in making this first time move to a Virtual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree a big success. The following is a recap of what happened throughout the Jamboree.
Out of this pivot to online, we discovered the wonderful and very energetic Lynette Sheard. In person she was also dynamic and her turn to the virtual world was no less stellar. We ended up selecting Lynette Sheard of Lynette Sheard Entertainment as our official welcome spokesperson because even through the very negative environment we were in, Lynette was a bright beam of enthusiasm and hope. Thank you, Lynette.
We opened the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree at 11:30 AM with a tribute to our recently departed long-term South Orange resident and live music advocate Lee Boz May, may she RIP. We also said goodbye to another wonderful local performer, Holi Ross who also sang with The Royal Bopsters.
As we usually have our South Orange Gazebo dressed up physically in balloons, this year we adapted and developed a virtual balloon backdrop. We then listened to the song “Candy” converted to "I need my 24 Hours of Music" by vocalist Jacqueline Harmon Johnson, a.k.a. The Balloon Lady.
We then were officially kicked off by the Rutgers University Clements Place Institute of Jazz Studies Executive Director Wayne Winborne. His now very "prophetic message" was to enjoy the wide range of music that was being presented and that “while science and medicine will get us out of this pandemic […] it’s art, especially music, that will get us through it.”
We then moved to a message from the Jazz Exchange Relief Fund Founders Candice Reyes and Abel Mireles, who are supporting local North Jersey and NYC full-time and part-time jazz artists with The Jazz Exchange Relief Fund! This was especially important because artists were immediately affected by this pandemic, as all of their performances, tours, teaching gigs, lessons and more were cancelled overnight. The Jazz Exchange came on to help us raise funds to provide emergency and preventative resources to those at financial risk
It was a stellar lineup of some truly wonderful musicians who all volunteered their time and efforts to this 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree.
2020 event lineup
We kicked off the Virtual 4th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree at noon Saturay, May 30th with the Pop, R&B, Soul sessions headlined by South Orange-based Alicia Taiping and Dan Pieraccini of the popular local band Forget the Whale. We were then treated to some wonderful performances by Dunia Best Live, Howlin Poets, Positive Note, Rhonda Denet, Flip da Skrip, our official spokesperson Lynette Sheard, Acute Inflections, Tasha R. Williams with budding new star Aaliyah Arroyo, Sounds of A and R, and local favorite Ricky Persaud, Jr.
Our Latin sessions contained some sweet music produced by Carlos Frias and Circulo Social Band and a few wonderful Yardbird Entertainment-produced sessions by the Rudy Vidal Latin Jazz Quartet.
The evening and overnight Jazz Sessions were kicked off live by the wonderful and engaging Mike Lee Jazz Family, which all members were very talented while socially distancing together. Overnight performers included Kristina Koller, Abel & Candice, Reyes, Arcoiris Sandoval Live, DC Fusion Darry Clark, Peter Lin, Mamiko Watanabe, Richard Reiter, Sue Maskaleris, Winard Harper – Jeli Posse, Kemp and Reyvolation from Buffalo NY, James Austin, Jr. and Friends, Mauricio de Sousa, Joel Cotton with Matt Niedbalski, Jarrett Walser and Campblicated, Marshall McDonald from Fukuoka, Japan, Seyeon Chang from South Korea, Kumiko Tanaka from Tokyo, our normally 3 AM to 6 AM crew, the Alex De Lazzari Duo with Caelan Cardello, then Flip Peters and Friends ending overnight with Candice Reyes.
Rounding out the early morning hours, we had songs from the American Songbook by vocalist Patricia Walton and Barbara Hassenfeld, then Blues Rocker Debra Devi, Hal Keshner from the beautiful hills and desert of Arizona with some truly gorgeous sun scenes, and finally closing us out by sitting on the dock of the San Francisco Bay was Blues Man Mr. Coo Mo Gee.
2020 24 Hours of Music Volunteers with Teresa Ware and Donna Siedman
The major difference this year was we literally broadcast the entire 24 Hour of Music Jamboree event. We broadcasted on 5 virtual venues simultaneously. Listeners had a choice of watching and listening on Facebook pages, or my Gregory Burrus profile, Youtube, Twitch, or Periscope.tv channels. Thanks to our Audience Development Director, Chelsea B., who conducted selected Instagram broadcasts throughout the 24 hours. We also broadcasted to non-social media channels at 24hoursofmusicjamboree.tv.
Our regular volunteers Jon McGriff, Teresa Ware, Donna Siedman, Chelsea Burrus, Greg2B, and Roxanne Burrus, all supported us for 24 hours while we missed out steadfast volunteer Lee Boz May. We also give thanks to our official photographer Albert Clarke. Please visit his Instagram, as he captured some beautiful shots for us virtually, and our other giveaway supporter Designs by Aron.
2020 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Broadcast Studio Operations
Needless to say, we had some interesting challenges broadcasting nonstop for the full 24 Hours of Music Jamboree, especially when Facebook says you can only do 8 hours at a time and it stops, and we have to start again. Other networks did not have this problem but had other internet-related situations that had to be dealt with, and lets’s not forget being up more than 24 hours.
Overall initial numbers are over 604 YouTube views, 100+ Facebook views, unknown Instagram/Twitch views and over 100 Periscope views which, interestingly, are mostly from Australia and Great Britain. Comments from many local and other worldwide attendees were that “the music was a much-needed respite from the challenges plaguing our society today.”
And another thanks to our g2bpro motion graphics video engineer — we have a new logo:
Again, I thank all that participated. We will showcase your work.
The 24 Hours of Music Jamboree is normally an outdoor festival held in the town of South Orange, NJ at multiple venues with live music bands voluntarily performing for 24-hours non stop. Due to the 2020 COVID Pandemic, we went online. You can review past events at the following links:
2020 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree May 30 -31, 2020
2019 3rd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree Sep 7 - 8, 2019
2018 2nd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree May 5 - 6, 2018
2017 1st Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree May 6 -7, 2017
Now, a year has passed and hopefully COVID KEEPS DECLINING. For 2021, the idea is to get back outside with live bands and live audiences, meanwhile adding an online virtual performance component.
Anyone can participate, so open call is on.
Contact us to join us with your band, solo, duo, trio or whatever configuration you have. Let us know what you do and how you want to do it. We will find a spot for you in and around South Orange, NJ or online.
Volunteer here for the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree at this link https://bit.ly/3vXJJja .
Gregory Burrus books bands, produces, promotes, captures and records live music events along with various community and private activities.
My mission is to help my customers, which are community groups, live music bands and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.
Learn more https://24hoursofmusicjamboree.com
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, May 16, 2021
It’s time to get ready for a very exciting live music event, exquisite food and more. On Memorial Day Weekend James Scott, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Global Mixed Gender Basketball, is producing a 2-day VIP event called “A Night on the Waterfront.” James Scott and his Jam Network TV Promotions Team is preparing a truly fabulous and spectacular 2-day live jazz music and entertainment explosion at the Newark Waterfront Center located at 1100 McCarter Highway in Newark, NJ. James Scott has put together an impressive list of performances over two days for folks listening and actual participation enjoyment.
“The objective of “A Night on the Waterfront” is for people to come together and enjoy a truly fabulous good time with their family, friends, community neighbors alongside some of our local, national and historical entertainment figures of our times.” — James Scott, CEO, GMGB
As one can see, James Scott is all about providing a very memorable experience and for me, being an avowed jazz lover and live music ambassador, I immediately signed on, of course, to help get the word out about this awesome Jazz performance that has been put together for this fabulous event.
The exclusive jazz line up includes world class professional musicians with a lineage spanning decades and decades of jazz history. The performers have connections and personal influences from the 1920's that continue to our present day environment.
The event's jazz activities include the outstanding 15-piece George Gee Swing Orchestra. This big band is known all over the world and will be led by renown bandleader George Gee. This will be followed by one of the most talented pianists and composers alive, Nat Adderley Jr., who is well known as the songwriter/composer for Luther Vandross, Beyonce, amongst other big stars. Nat's lineage is connected to world class and highly revered jazz musicians Cannonball Adderley and Nat Adderley. The evening's events will also include a performance that will feature the former WNBA superstar and now TV actress and singer, Kym Hampton. Performances details for the night are:
Bandleader George Gee Swing Orchestra —Big Band Jazz is a cultural phenomena that is big fun to listen and dance to anywhere in this country and is loved across the world! A generation of folks are very nostalgic for it. Here in New York, Big Band leader George Gee dominates the Big Apple Big Band swing scene as he holds court weekly at the number one New York City Times Square swing jazz nightspot, the Swing 46 Jazz And Supper Club. A native New Yorker, George always loved music. He grew up with rock’n’roll and R&B but in his teens, he developed a powerful passion for jazz — especially the big band styles of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway and other legends.
If you know anything about big bands, this performance will be amazing as George Gee in 2020 announced the launch of their 40th Anniversary of swingin’ and spreading the Big Band Sound to audiences throughout the world inclusive of 23 years in NYC at Swing 46. This is an amazing accomplishment in today's fast paced, short term appreciation world. George Gee is a master showman who definitely knows how to ensure that you will have a great time.
Nat Adderley, as a pianist, has some amazing accomplishments from the 70s and 80s. Nat wrote/arranged Luther Vandross’s first top 20 pop hit, “Stop to Love”, and “Wait for Love” and the Grammy-nominated “Give me the Reason.” Nat also arranged many of Luther’s most popular records, including “The Closer I Get To You”, a duet with Beyonce Knowles that is featured on Beyonce’s grammy-winning Dangerously in Love, on Luther’s Grammy-winning “Dance With My Father” which won the Grammy in 2004 for best R&B performance by a duo or group. In 2003, Nat produced Luther’s Live 2003 at Radio City Music Hall. Nat was Luther’s musical director from 1981 until Luther’s passing. Nat developed tracks for the Temptations’ CD Awesome and Ruben Studdard’s Love Is and he played piano (and/or keyboards) on all the above mentioned recordings, and many many more.
So besides Pop and R&B, what’s even more amazing is Nat’s lineage, which has roots which are anchored way back in the jazz industry. Born into jazz royalty as the son and nephew of jazz greats, trumpeter Nat Adderley and saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, his father Nat Adderley (1931–2000) was a composer, jazz cornet and trumpet player, while his uncle Cannonball Adderley (1928–1975) was a jazz alto saxophonist well known for the hit “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.”
For A Night on the Waterfront, Nat’s Quartet will bring a set of all-star jazz professionals, featuring:
Vince Ector, Jazz Drummer and Recording Artist - performs regularly in New York City with several ensembles such as: The Grammy Award winning Charles Mingus Orchestra & Big Band, The Orrin Evans Quartet and Captain Black Big Band and his own band in venues such as: The Blue Note, Smoke, The Iridium, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Smalls and The Jazz Standard among others. Vince Ector is also the Founder, President and Executive Director of Arts For Kids Inc., a not-for-profit Arts-in-Education company.
Chris Berger on bass - always in demand bassist that has performed, toured, and recorded with such jazz luminaries as John Abercrombie, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Jimmy Cobb, David Hazeltine, Joe Lovano, Junior Mance, Mickey Roker, Jeff "Tain'' Watts, Loston Harris, James Williams, Russell Malone, Eric Alexander, and Maria Schneider Big Band. He has toured the United States, Europe, and Asia with legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau.
Mike Lee on tenor sax and flute - Mike has performed with Loston Harris, Dave Stryker, Wallace Roney, TS Monk, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, the Jimmy Heath Orchestra, Oliver Lake Big Band, Josh Evans Big Band, and the Roy Hargrove Big Band. Recent tours have taken him to Italy, France, California and Beijing, China. Mike Lee is Professor of Jazz Saxophone at The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. In 2009, Lee helped found and develop the Jazz House Kids in-house jazz education program.
As a WNBA Legend, Kym Hampton completed a spectacular 15-year professional basketball career not only in the WNBA, but Spain, Italy, France and Japan. She is also a professional and sports brand spokesperson for the NBA, WNBA, New York Liberty and New York Knicks. In addition Kym Hampton is also the Global Mixed Gender Basketball League’s Consultant and Coach.
Kym has appeared in the pages of Glamour Magazine, Essence Magazine and many other magazines and is also a television and film personality. The multi-talented Hampton has had appearances on the “Cosby Show”, “Rosie”, NBA TV, The Bobby Flay “Throw Down” and celebrity “Wheel of Fortune'' and the films “JuWanna Mann” and “She Hate Me.”
For a Night on the Waterfront, you will notice that when you first see Kym, her statuesque frame and beauty immediately command your attention. As a vocalist she allows the rich, smooth, yet powerful melodies to flow from her mouth and one immediately gets the sense that she was born to sing and entertain us. Hampton is blessed with a 3-octave range allowing her to flow freely in and out of the highs and lows of the moment. Singing has always been a love of Kym’s, and she was a regular at a nightclub (Insomnia) in Italy.
James Scott is a seasoned entrepreneur, real estate owner and investor relations professional with a proven track record of securing capital financing for new business development in various industry verticals. James started his business ventures in the area of real estate, construction and property management, overseeing multi-million dollar luxury condo budgets as early as the mid 1990’s. His agility in financial transformations and product management, enable him to dismember venture components and ensure maximum capitalization and revenues for the investor.
He is a business leader that conceptualizes new ideas and develops market-ready individual, corporate and governmental business models. His profound sense of timing and ability to identify unmet market needs helped him co-create the Mixed Gender Basketball League, which was later developed into the Global Mixed Gender Basketball League. Coming out of the pandemic, it's this foresight that led James to conceive A Night on the Waterfront to lead us towards our new normal via a spectacular night of jazz and entertainment that will help us all recover and enjoy ourselves.
As part of the location identification team, CC Minton and James Scott have visited Newark Waterfront Center and CC Minton of I Love Beautiful Spaces stated, "the location is central and easily accessible from the local highways and is part of downtown Newark. The Waterfront location is very well laid out considering we are coming out of a pandemic, has parking and the attendees will be able to enjoy the nights activities from inside and outside all night long. If you ever want to impress your friend, your neighbor or loved one, then I highly recommend you grab a ticket and come enjoy yourself. It's going to be a fabulous experience all weekend long.”
Newark Waterfront Center
Folks should also know that in addition to the above, there is much more to A Night on the Waterfront, as it's a complete two day experience, so you should consider joining in all the activities of this fabulous weekend. The event also includes:
There is a Talent Explosion on Friday, May 28th with Kangol Kid & Friends, a talent showcase competition showcasing the top R&B and Hip-Hop artists across the trip-state, judged by top industry professionals.
On Saturday after the jazz, there is a VIP Platinum Experience Package that includes comedy from 6 of the funniest HBO and Comedy Central top acts, champagne and a lobster dinner. After dinner, you can dance the night away to two of the tri-state area's top DJ’s, DJ Hakim Bell and Chuck Chillout from WBLS.
Life Luxe Jazz is “a premiere luxury cultural experience with jazz as the focal point, bringing people together with common interests in music, culture and exceptional cuisine with the goal of building bridges across borders." Their mission is to foster new and existing relationships through cultural exchange and tourism benefiting the communities they touch. They offer premium-quality live entertainment, cuisine and environments which exceed the expectations of the discerning jazz aficionado. It’s about promoting quality living through health and wellness, recreational, nutritional and lifestyle enhancement offerings.
Gregory Burrus Productions will perform a number of online, social media and PR promotional activities. Gregory Burrus is a local live music event producer, promoter, social media manager, event developer and community partner that develops, manages, promotes and documents local community events in the Greater New Jersey and New York Area. Gregory Burrus reports and blogs about the local arts and entertainment scene and also writes and reports on local community events, showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur all around the towns.
Sponsors and Supporters are still being accepted to ensure this night becomes one folks truly remember. To become a sponsor, you can contact James Scott or email thefulltimedramaqueenstudios@gmail.com or call 646-300-2428.
We urge you to find some friends, come on out and have a good time. Learn more at a 'A Night On The Waterfront' A Night of Jazz and Entertainment.
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Thursday, April 29, 2021
There is no doubt that the Coronavirus Pandemic wreaked havoc on the live music industry, not just around South Orange but all over the world. Musicians went from traveling and performing 2-3 times a day to zilch, nada, zero performances, as large music halls and small restaurants with a single stage, all had to shut down. After all, what is live music but a communal and social interaction experience, but the virus pointed us all in the exact opposite direction. We entered into the world of necessary and forced social distancing in order to live and to survive.
The Summer of 2020 saw us all cautiously returning to a new normal life while committing to all the preventive and precautionary measures required to survive. This, for some, meant not coming out and for others it meant wearing masks, social distancing, no hugs and no hand shakes. For the return of live music, we added in six feet apart circles on the ground at our events and sitting far apart from each other, and we also learned elbow greetings along with never ending hand washing.
Since 2010, we usually start our Downtown After Sundown live music season during the last week of May and usually at two locations in the evening. With the pandemic, that was not happening, but in July 2020 we came together and scrambled back outside. Part of the mission was to help businesses that were shuttered for months survive. We put together a live music season based on that and decided to progress by watching the COVID numbers on a week to week basis.
We found some truly cool bands with fans, found a new stage located with the businesses, and a very large parking lot so folks could space out as much as they wanted. Since we couldn't all be together because of the COVID Pandemic, spreading out was the name of the game. For our daytime events, we also added a component to place the music around town in what amounted to live music pods adjacent to our businesses located all around South Orange. Then we started booking bands on a week to week basis, identified as Making Live Music Around South Orange, NJ While Adjusting for the COVID-19 Pandemic. And guess what? It worked out very well, as many folks came out, stayed safe, and enjoyed the music.
Well, we are now announcing a new 2021 South Orange Summer Saturdays born out of last year's learnings. This year, we are starting our season almost a month earlier, extending it a month later, and formally using our new outdoor restaurant patio as our stage. In addition, we identified almost 14 locations for live music all around South Orange, NJ. For our performances, we charged up the lineup as 50% of the bands are new to our performance lineup. Check it out here: SOVillageCenter.org.
The 2021 South Orange Summer Saturdays Live Music season will feature blues, jazz, rock, latin, pop, country and more all around our town.
Highly requested returning favorites are MPAC Band, Los Trafficanos, Andy Lackow and Mess Around, Harmonic Conversion, Lynette Sheard Entertainment, Organist Radam Schwartz, Gene Ghee, NXSTAGE Music, Carlos Frias & Circulo Social, Mama D and Vexations, Stuff Bros, Dwight West and Spirit of Life Ensemble.
New to the Main Stage, as of this writing, for 2021: Meant To Be Jazz Quartet, Mike Lee Jazz and his Jazz Jam, the fabulous Big Train Band, Forget The Whale will finally grace the main stage, Alan Paul's Big In China, Jacqueline Harmon Johnson Jazz & Jam, pop rocker David Easton, Rafiki led by Norman Man, Sir G. Earl Grice and the truly awesome 19-piece Maplewood Community Music Big Band which is too big for the stage so they will be sharing the parking lot with us.
In addition, around town we’ll also have some of your favorites returning, like Hal Keshner’s Piano Lounge, Bossio Ukulele, Leonieke Scheuble Trio, Alex DeLazzari Jazz, The Zoos, Howlin Poets, Kyle Younger Jazz Group, Charlie Apicella, Mike Choi, New Jersey DJ Services, Laredo the Band, Joel Cotton and, yes, even Opera in the Park if we can work it out, and a number of other events that we will bring onboard throughout the summer.
As you know, due to COVID, most celebrations of life were canceled or postponed, but we remember. Hence, lest we forget, not everyone made it through the 2020 year. We had tributes during the 2020 Live Music Season and into 2021, where some of our musical friends left us while others fell victim to COVID, such as Lee Boswell May, Darryl Clark, Holli Ross and many, many more. All of our memories, our live music season, and a few musical tributes are listed below.
Thank you musician Caylen Bryant for performing at Reflecting Together: South Orange, Maplewood to Remember Lives Lost to COVID-19, March 21. My thoughts during this SOMA Ceremony - Tribute to Darryl Clark Holli Ross and Lee Boswell May and Many More and their families.
March 6, 2021, the Township of South Orange named a street in Lee Boz May’s name, called “Boz Way.” I reported on that here: A Tribute to Lee "Boz" May -- Live Music Advocate Making South Orange, NJ Black History and Women's History. Long live “Boz Way.”
We celebrated with a ceremony. Thank you to our musicians for your tributes to our fallen live music advocate, jazz lover, wife, family lover, community lover and more, Lee Boswell May.
We hope to do more to honor them as COVID restrictions loosen up.
As we try and move forward, all of us here in town feel a sense of joyful anticipation about the 2021 South Orange Summer Saturdays season. We will once again make music for our devoted audience members. It promises to be a season to be remembered and cherish. Please join us.
Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love, the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange NJ, Essex County and Beyond. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the JerseyNYC landscape, right here on Jersey Indie as JI blogger Gregory Burrus. Contact Gregory Burrus to promote your business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. http://gregoryburrus.me
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, March 19, 2021
The 2020 pandemic threw us all for a loop as Social Distancing was introduced to us. We all hunkered down to stay safe as we all hoped for the best. As we waited for a solution to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we all wondered what's next... Since we couldn't all be together because of the COVID Pandemic, spreading out was the name of the game.
Live music is a creative outlet for the performer and can be soul-saving and mentally uplifting for the audience. Big town or small town, one of the best things about live music is that all you need for a good performance is a place to perform and a place for the patrons to listen. Enter social distancing, and the live music along with the benefits disappeared. We all talked and wrote about surviving coronavirus and social distancing because this time there was no doubt we were all in this together. Here in South Orange, New Jersey, local folks, government and business folks got together, got very creative in helping small businesses thrive and came up with a few different ways to keep the music alive around South Orange throughout this ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.
A quick look around South Orange Holiday Open Air Markets, with music by Forget The Whale.
Normally inside and at two locations, it was time to get creative, and a key part of the mission was keeping people safe and helping businesses survive. South Orange Village Government and South Orange Village Center Alliance (SOVCA) joined with Gregory Burrus Productions and figured out how to start spreading the music all around South Orange, NJ. We found a new stage and a very wide open parking lot, and an agreeable South Orange Village Government that invited the restaurants to move outside with outdoor seating. Local business venues were in agreement, community folks were receptive, and then we proceeded to spread the music all around South Orange, NJ to various restaurants, storefronts and parks.
We started in July under the warmth of the sun, wearing short sleeves and t-shirts, and made it all the way in our outdoor settings to Christmas Eve with heaters while wearing coats and jackets. What a blast we had. I should mention that the South Orange Holiday Open Air Market shown above was very much appreciated by its patrons and was recognized with a 2020 Downtown New Jersey Placemaking award that went to SOVCA.
As the mission was to keep the music alive, provide more open spaces for musicians to perform, allow our audiences to come out and gather safely, and help small businesses survive and thrive, we came up with a number of outdoor locations. Hopefully, as the new 2021 live music season approaches, we are back at these spaces this year, too. Following is a list of the instant COVID Pandemic live music venues, their quick business descriptions from their websites, and some of the music performed at these locations.
Harmonic Convergence band led by Alex Desrivieres on the Grid Iron Waffle stage
Grid Iron Waffle - From the Streets of Liege and Brussels, Belgium, we bring you the most delicious authentic waffles to enjoy any time of day. For Foodies - A world class menu including breakfast, lunch and brunch. Specialty Coffee - Superior Fair Trade beans blended and roasted just for us!
Jamming at The Fox & Falcon led by Leonieke and Nick Scheuble
The Fox & Falcon’s elevated contemporary American menu reflects a continual reinvention of classic and new American cuisine, resulting in approachable, yet bold and exciting dishes where the purity of its ingredients and flavor profiles shine. The Fox & Falcon’s multi-level space offers several rooms, each reflecting its own mood, personality and purpose, from the traditional Irish pub setting of the Snug to the well-appointed dining room located on the main level, as well as an array of entertainment ranging from comedy shows, live music and weekly trivia.
Harmonic Convergence Quartet featuring Vocalist Destiny Tucker
Inkosi Cafe - Chefs specialize in authentic and delicious food. The staff at Inkosi Cafe is devoted to serving customers mouthwatering dishes that feature the highest quality ingredients available. Chicken Cutlet Sandwich, Crispy Fish Sandwich and are all prepared quickly and delivered to you right away. Inkosi Cafe uses only the freshest ingredients around, ensuring that every dish is of the highest possible quality.
Kyle Younger Quartet featuring Drummer Meredith Foreman and Sax man Claudius Washington
Papillon25 -Sophisticated restaurant & martini bar serving New American fare in a modern space with live jazz. The restaurant color scheme stimulates the appetite for the culinary delights of Executive Chef Yanick Ranieri. A butterfly insignia, crafted by architects Sussna and Matz of Princeton, floats above the martini bar illuminating the various hues of cocktails offered. The martini bar also boasts a menu of more than 50 martinis and a wonderful selection of wines. This extensive offering compliments Yanick’s uniquely exotic cuisine and adds to the air of elegance, grace and nostalgia reminiscent of the supper clubs of the ’40s and ’50s.
Gabriel Plotkin at the Dancing Blender Smoothie in South Orange
The Dancing Blender Smoothie Company provides a casual, social and comfortable atmosphere coupled with a distinctive menu of freshly-made and delicious Smoothies, Juices, Wraps, custom-made salads, and other healthy snack products while using the highest quality nutritional ingredients. We offer these services affordably, consistently and with the ultimate focus on service–service to our customers, service to our vendors and respect for the environment.
Bunny's Sports Bar is a local favorite for great draft beer, thin-crust pizza and an array of Italian-American specialty dishes. Visit us on Facebook! We are a family restaurant / Sports Bar and our longevity can certainly be attributed, in part, to dynamic crowds, ever-present drinks, and wonderful employees who pride themselves on guest services.
Tito’s Burritos & Wings’ slogan is, “It’s all good,” & that motto applies to the whole philosophy we built our business on. In other words, we are 100% committed to giving our customers nothing but goodness; the tastiest food, prepared & served in a casual & easy-going manner, always at a good value.
Cafe Word is a spiritual-based bookstore and gift shop located in South Orange, New Jersey.
Bossio Band with Daniel Perrotta at Jackie & Son in South Orange
Jackie's lineage of extraordinary cuisine is on full display at Jackie & Son. Whether you are in a rush and need to grab take out, seeking a great vibe to work or hang out while chowing down, or looking for the ultimate dining experience, Jackie & Son will hit the spot every time. Jackie sees Jackie & Son not simply as a restaurant, but instead, as a beacon of love, flavor, creativity and most importantly, a place you can count on and be inspired by each and every day.
Hal Keshner at The Village Diner in South Orange
Located in the heart of the downtown business district and literally under the South Orange, NJ transit Train Tracks, The Village Diner serves up fresh & healthy American cuisine. Choose from our selections of breakfast items, soups, salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, entrees and much, much more!!!
Band of Strays in front of D&I Fitness in South Orange
BGR - Fresh steakburgers made to order & grilled to perfection over an open flame. Create your own - choose protein. Choose bun, wrap, or bowl. Choose topping. Signature sides. Kids meals.
D&I Fitness provides a terrific place to exercise, but it is a community of people that truly cares about each other. Dynamic Classes. Energizing Trainers. Inspiring Community. Personalized training attention within a class atmosphere. Train Hard. Train Local.
Jamming Led by Leonieke Scheuble at The Fox & Falcon next to Toro Loco in South Orange
Toro Loco Mexican Restaurant - serving up Mexican meals & margaritas in casual, festive quarters with an outdoor patio. The goal of El Toro Loco has always been to ensure that customers come in and out the door smiling. This positive energy is only amplified by the restaurant’s delicious food menu and expansive drink selection. El Toro Loco truly brings the tagline “Modern Mexican Kitchen” to life with dozens of authentic Mexican dishes available for customers to enjoy.
Jazz On Sloan with Meant To Be band and MPAC in South Orange
Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo is showcasing the wealth of Jazz Talent around South Orange Village. Enjoy Free Live Music Concerts under the stars with your friends, neighbors in the community, every Friday and Saturday evening.
Mama D and the Vexations in Spiotta Park South Orange, NJ
Spiotta Park - Downtown After Sundown is dedicated to showcasing the wealth of Live Music and Talent in and around South Orange Village. Free Live Music Concerts under the stars with your your friends, neighbors and community members, every Friday and Saturday evening, 7:30 - 10 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Explore our very walkable town, our vibrant assortment of unique shops and delectable restaurants, our architecturally significant buildings and more while listening to some of the best professional jazz musicians in the Northeast. Check in and use #DAS.
New Jersey DJ Services LLC in South Orange
Music Walk Way Entertainment. South Orange Creates a 'Music Walk' in its Downtown. Yes, South Orange Village Center Alliance was Awarded a Transformation Grant from the Main Street New Jersey program. With this new grant from MSNJ, SOVCA will also transform the pedestrian alleyway leading from South Orange Ave to the Sloan Street parking lot into an interactive “Music Walk” by installing new murals, flower instruments, benches, overhead bistro lights, lighting, landscaping, and a custom bike rack. Music will also be piped in. The walk-way was designed in a way that allows the space to transform and host new art with changing themes in the future.
Since there is nothing like a good meal and some great food along with nice drinks, a great time was had by all at the many different live music spaces, and many folks came in from other towns and enjoyed the venues that participated. Hopefully, we will be back soon. With the new season approaching, we hope you come on out and discover all the great live music that is all around South Orange, NJ.
Gregory Burrus with Mayor Sheena Collum during Get Out the Vote Day
Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love, the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange NJ. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the Jersey NYC landscape and beyond, right here as JI blogger Gregory Burrus. Contact Gregory Burrus to promote your business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. http://gregoryburrus.me
PRESS RELEASE | Posted Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Axel Castillo, a 20-year-old entrepreneur from Atlantic City, NJ, has launched a talent showcase, in conjunction with Dirty Politics Studio & Apparel. The event includes music artists of various genres from the tri-state area. Judges include Billboard recording artist Lovari, among others. The event takes place on February 20, 2021.
Under the umbrella of his Cherry Bomb Entertainment promotional team, the February 20th event, a mere few blocks from the Atlantic Ocean seashore, will include some of Atlantic City's established artists on the scene, along with artists from the tri-state area. The event will be held at Dirty Politics Studio & Apparel (4403 Atlantic Avenue), an independently owned recording studio and clothing boutique, helmed by Jersey Shore natives Benjamin "Benji" Howard and Deron "Strandz" Leggete. This event will be the first of several by Mr. Castillo that will be produced throughout the year.
DJs Neff, Stev, and Mav provide the sounds. Guest judges include Lovari, who recently hit Billboard's Top 25 Dance Charts and iTunes Top 10 Pop Electronica Album charts, along with Adam Letnom, Nat Cruz, and Dirty Politic's Strandz. Hosted by Rook.
Scheduled to perform: omgxreem, NDETE (Skreechy/E2High/Yoshi), Kingoak, Young Cholo, Johnny Seed, FBN Kappo, Julio Fuaego, 28 Young G, Adonis YBC, Sway Valentine, Lil Ess, Zay TheSmoker, Rome Rose, Tony Newbury, Mophead TBC, E Class, Hoodiequel, Zuback.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
For more information, please contact cherrybombconcerts@yahoo.com
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Imagine 24 Hours of Live Jazz, all day and all night performed by some of the best local jazz musicians around. That was the goal, and last year for the South Orange 24 Hours of Music Jamboree we attempted once again to fill the Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo venue with live Jazz music all day, all night, and yes, all of the next morning, too.
Our Promotional materials encouraged local residents and the general public to come visit South Orange, shop, and frequent local businesses. Town residents were encouraged to tweak their daily routines to take advantage of the live music all around South Orange. Event announcements were promoted by genre and by time-of-day, so prospective attendees were aware that whether they headed out for the morning, afternoon or evening, they should take advantage of the opportunity to listen to live music over the entire 24 hours.
Normally held in May each year, last year, due to inclement weather, it was conducted in the month of September. From the first event at noon on Sept. 7th to the last event, starting at noon on Sept. 8th, the live music performances ran for 24 consecutive hours.
The entry process to 24 Hours of Music was through an Open Call announced about 2 months before the date, where we solicited volunteer musicians and they were asked to perform at the following locations:
1. Jazz on Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo,
2. Sounds in Spiotta Park or
3. Outdoor business location Around South Orange.
The process of matching artist to performance location is usually on a first come, first served placement . Of course, a venue or a perfumer can request a specific location and if there is space, we assign them to their first choice.
The Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo venue came about from the summer-long concert, Downtown After Sundown, and needing a way to focus and draw in potential attendees based on a specific agenda. We have a high concentration of Jazz Musicians in the area. This venue is smaller, more intimate, holds about 30 plus seats, and has lots of standing room, so it became a dedicated venue for Jazz.
Jacqueline Harmon Johnson, the founder of Fly Balloon Designs, has for the second year in a row mastered the technique of using balloons to make venues look fabulous by creating balloon designs. It was a fitting beautiful design.
Jonathan Fritz is both a passionate stage performer and sought after session guitar player from New York City. As a self-taught player, he has mastered many guitar stylings. Jonathan travels the world playing for a wide range of audiences. He has toured with a diverse range of artists such as Lionel Richie and Richie Havens, and has performed with John Mayer, Josh Stone, Gavin Degraw, Rachel Platten, Billy Joel, Van Morrison and Jimmy Buffet, to name a few. Learn more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-fritz-304937b
Lynette Sheard has shared the stage with Grammy-winning musicians and Broadway stars including those in The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera. She is a multi-talented and versatile vocalist with a five octave range and perfect pitch. She acts, produces, directs and is also a vocal coach. Her performances have been acknowledged in numerous publications including The NY Times, Broadway World, The Record, Hot House, The Patch and The Chronicle. The Star Ledger proclaimed that, “Her voice reaches deep into one’s soul and finds a soft spot.”
Bruce Tyler explains that his love affair with the arts began at an early age. Born and raised in Montclair, Tyler pursued Music at Essex County College, graduating with an Associate’s Degree. He then studied drums with Carl Wolff, Andre Strobert, Freddie Waits, Charlie Per and many others at Jazz Mobile in New York. He later went on to graduate with a BA in Anthropology from Montclair State University.
To learn more about Tim Rodner, visit https://www.facebook.com/tim.rodner.
Sherry Gibson and Friends from NYC Jamming in South Orange, NJ.
To learn more about Sherry Gibson, visit https://www.facebook.com/staylorgibson.
Jamming with Jacquelyn Harmon Johnson. https://www.facebook.com/jacquejazzjohnson
Keeping the music alive all night were a number of late-night folks who last year and the year before loved to play in the wee hours of the morning…
Ian Eisenzweig https://www.facebook.com/ilan.eisenzweig
Due to Darkness Stock photo from Giants of Jazz 22 at South Orange Performing Arts Center.
For the 2nd year in a row, Alex De Lazzari (Sax), Hank Allen-Barfield (Drums) and Griffin Fink (Bass) carried us overnight from 3 AM to 6 AM. Thank you, guys.
Alex De Lazzari (Sax) - Originally from Italy but growing up in the D.C. area, saxophonist and composer Alex De Lazzari brings his quintet for his debut performance at Germanos. Alex first picked up the saxophone at age 12, and, shortly after hearing a few John Coltrane records, was hooked. Now he is a freshman at William Paterson University where he studies with famed saxophonist Vincent Herring.
Griffin Fink (Bass) – Ridgewood, NJ, RHS senior Griffin Fink was recently selected as a Merit Winner by the National YoungArts Foundation for Jazz/Double Bass. Selected from a very competitive pool of applicants from 47 states, YoungArts winners gain access to one of the most comprehensive programs for emerging artists in the United States. Griffin plans to continue studying music at William Paterson University.
Band of Strays. “What's our story? Well, it remarkably similar for each of us. We each had been involved in music in our teens and it was always a strong undercurrent in our lives after we chose to dedicate most of our time to our families and careers. Now with kids grown and experiencing the need for creative expression - we turned back to music.” Read more from their Facebook page, here.
“Born in Germany, raised in New York and currently residing in New Jersey, Patricia Walton has been singing since she can remember. Her singing career started in school choir, while still in Germany. She was a soloist and member of the Mt. Sinai UCC choir, a member of One Accord, and, as a lead vocalist for several party/dance bands, has performed at various venues in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Currently, she performs both as a featured artist (Jazz) and as lead vocalist of MPack Band!” Read more here.
Closing out Jazz events at Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo. https://www.facebook.com/barbara.hassenfeld
https://www.facebook.com/james.hassenfeld.1
This year, thank you to the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS). The IJS is extending their community engagement mission of building and sharing jazz with us right here in South Orange, NJ.
This year, the nonstop music jamboree was hoping to bring town wide awareness to the current needs of the South Orange Rescue Squad. Most folks do not know that the South Orange Rescue Squad is a completely volunteer organization. These folks are a full-time support organization, providing selfless service and are always there when we need them. All are invited to contribute to the South Orange Rescue Squad by making a donation at https://www.southorangerescuesquad.org.
And now thank you to all of you who performed in the 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music. Over 120 musicians performed in 31 events across 16 musical genres to a couple hundred visitors that came to town and had some fun with us. It was a blast and we hope we can do it again next year. See you all around South Orange, NJ. Thanks to South Orange Village Center Alliance, South Orange Village, the musicians, supporters and volunteers that helped make it happen.
Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, live music ambassador and community partner who curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area. Gregory Burrus sits on a number of local boards and committees and is currently serving as a Board Member of Maplewood Community Music and is Vice President of Communications for Stevenson and Moses Boxing for Life nonprofit.
Year-round, Gregory Burrus also curates and produces: the Jazz973 live music jazz series at Clements Place Jazz for the Rutgers University Institute of Jazz Studies, the Jazzy Nights Live Music performances at the Speakeasy Style Essex Room of The Fox and Falcon Restaurant in South Orange, NJ and produces Live Music entertainment for South Orange’s Inkosi Cafe. During the Summer months, Gregory manages and promotes the South Orange Downtown After Sundown summer long live music concerts, the annual South Orange 24 Hours of Music Festival, and the June thru October South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam.
Tags: Gregory Burrus Around Town, 24 Hours of Music, Persaud Entertainment LLC, South Orange Village Center , Alliance, Live Music Ambassador, South Orange Rescue Squad, CC Minton.Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo, jazz, blues , 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Thursday, February 6, 2020
Last year, we were very happy that Andrew Byrd from The Sentonian of Seton Hall University came out and reported on our 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. He interviewed a number of folks and described the jamboree this way: “South Orange Village hosts 24-hour music jamboree. The 24 Hours of Live Music jamboree was held throughout the South Orange Village. For 24 hours, each location included live music spanning all genres of music. Performers were encouraged to perform other art forms, such as spoken word and dance routines.” And yes, from 12 Noon on Saturday to 12 Noon on Sunday, we had live music all Around South Orange, NJ.
All were told that they should connect with family and friends and enjoy the live music performances for a few minutes or a few hours. They were reminded that it’s really “24 Hours of Music” and as such, when headed out for lunch, the evening, or coming home from the club in the wee hours of the morning, they could enjoy live music somewhere in South Orange, NJ.
The 24 Hours of Music Fest has two concentrated locations for the live music. We then solicit local businesses to lend their storefronts for a live music performance. We can do as many or as few as the number of musicians available.
These Around South Orange locations provide a number of unique venues for the musicians to perform outdoors to the business locations customers and event attendees:
1. Jazz on Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo,
2. Sounds in Spiotta Park or
3. Some outdoor business location Around South Orange.
The scheduled artist and locations for 2019 were as follows:
The Around South Orange venue is really a multitude of locations outdoors in front of local business that are located all across the business districts of South Orange, NJ. Stores, restaurants, etc. are encourage to sign up and let us place bands in front of their locations. Suitable public spaces also become candidates during this event.
Last year, more restaurants and stores joined us in supporting our 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree, and we truly had live music performances all Around South Orange.
Elitist Coffee Shop. This wonderful newly opened South Orange gathering spot serves coffee, danish and more. With a warm inviting interior on this warm weather day, their outdoor patrons were treated to a few unique performances by:
Whether in Seville Spain or in South Orange, NJ, Jennifer Jasenky is one very energetic person. She is a freelance writer, Math Tutor, and apprentice/professional flamenco dancer (www.instagram.com/dance_with_jj). She is an amateur polymath, an outgoing homebody, and a perpetual idealist whose love of learning knows no bounds. We were very happy to have Jennifer grace us with her beautiful dancing. Check her out at https://watchmomtry.com/author/jennifer/.
SIP in SOMA is a podcast in Maplewood and South Orange, NJ featuring interviews with local residents and is hosted by Danielle Perrotta. Besides being a Mom and community advocate, Danielle also plays the Ukulele and runs Ukulele jams. Hence, I was happy to have her come on out on a warm Sunday morning and play some tunes with her Ukulele partner to the delight of the early morning coffee patrons at Elitist Coffee shop. Check her out at https://sipinsoma.com/.
Live Jazz and R&B performance by Trumpet Man Bruno Lee and Guitarist Craig Mictchell.
Inkosi Cafe is a local dining spot off the beaten path on Irvington Ave in South Orange. Servicing the local Seton Hall College and Seton Village residents, Bruno and Craig served up some beautiful Hit Tunes during the early afternoon.
This inspirational Christian Bookstore at the edge of the South Orange downtown shopping district welcomed residents and visitors coming into town with live music for a few hours during Saturday afternoon. Live Gospel and R&B performances by Cafe Word Bookstore participants, with a sound system provided by New Jersey DJ services and backed up Trumpet Man Bruno Lee and Guitarist Craig Mitchell.
The next day, all were invited to an early Sunday morning inspirational service provided by Reverend Sheila Campbell.
Folks at this centrally located Village Diner in the heart of South Orange had a performance by a wildly successful local band, Forget The Whale, led by members Alishia Taiping (lead vocals, bass), Dan Pieraccini (bass, keys, vocals), and Peter Durning (guitar, harmonica). From blues to rock, alternative, R&B, country, funk and nu-metal, they all become ingredients, or, as it has been said, Forget the Whale is a “veritable witches’ brew” of musical genres. Fans new and old reported that they loved Forget the Whale’s performance.
Here are regular South Orange Saturday night live music locations with events:
The Fox and Falcon - hosting its very popular Karaoke Night.
Papillon 25 - entertaining its customers with returning favorite MPACK music band.
South Orange Performing Arts Center - had the wildly popular Ragtime, The Musical on its main stage.
Café Word Bookstore - early Sunday morning Inspiration session.
“Deadful Greats in Spiotta Park in the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree.” That was the headline. 24 Hours was rescheduled. However, these cats wanted to play and perform — and they did, playing the best of the 70’s Grateful Dead and helping to keep the band’s legacy and music alive, well and vibrant. We thank them because their performance was great, and if they could have moved to September they would have. So, thanks for volunteering and putting on a really nice late night concert!
Thank you again and again to our official restroom hospitality location, The Fox and Falcon. You made folks feel very welcome.
Thank you Town Hall Deli and Grid Iron Waffle for agreeing to join us, but we ran out of musicians due to scheduling conflicts.
Folks were invited to visit our musical attractions as they wandered amongst the live music venues.
The Gateway Residence in South Orange completed a mural project for the wall along the NJ Transit rail line that faces a luxury development. Some of our local musicians were honored by being included in some of these commissioned murals. Attendees were encouraged when walking around South Orange to stop by and see this mural along with the others on this wall throughout the day.
Pedestrian corridor between South Orange Avenue and Sloan Street Parking Lot.
The South Orange Village Center Alliance, the Village of South Orange, the South Orange Arts Advisory Council announced The Music Walk Mural Project and put out a call for proposals for the new music walk artwork. The first phase of the project was done the day of our event. It was finished and is beautiful.
South Orange Village hosts 24-hour music jamboree.
Andrew Byrd can be reached at andrew.byrd@student.shu.edu.
“The 24 Hours of Live Music jamboree was held throughout the South Orange Village. For 24 hours, each location included live music spanning all genres of music. Performers were encouraged to perform other art forms, such as spoken word and dance routines. Gregory Burrus, a member of the South Orange Village Center Alliance and music coordinator for the jamboree, said that this event is about community.”
Read more here: http://www.thesetonian.com/2019/09/12/south-orange-village-hosts-24-hour-music-jamboree/
During the 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music, Dustin Dumas of Dustin's Kaleidoscope TV Show spoke with Chelsea Burrus, who is a fitness and yoga brand manager of the Tvrnvp Company. You can listen to this interview here at Dustin's Kaleidoscope.
Nov 13, 2019 - What's Happening in the 3rd Annual "24 Hours Of Music Jamboree" ... Thanks to South Orange Village Center Alliance, South Orange Village. https://www.jerseyindie.com/blog/tag/Essex+County
“We have booked 24 Hours of Music all Around South Orange starting Noon Sept. 7. all day, all night and Sunday Sept. 8 too!!!. Like the last two years, it's going to be a great day of live music performances…”
Many of the events on the avenue were supported in part by Lifestyle Advocate CC Minton who is also President of Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life. CC coaching programs and her team empower individuals to focus on your desires, wants, and needs. The Lifestyle Empowerment Group is a team of passionate professionals who will engage and support you on your transformational journey from a diamond in the rough to a sparkling gem! http://ccminton.com.
This year, the nonstop music jamboree was to bring awareness to the current needs of the South Orange Rescue Squad, as most folks do not know that the South Orange Rescue Squad is a completely volunteer organization. These folks are a full-time support organization, providing selfless service and are always there when we need them. All are invited to contribute to the South Orange Rescue Squad by making a donation at https://www.southorangerescuesquad.org.
And now, thank you. Thank you to all of you who performed in the 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music. Over 120 musicians performed in 31 events across 16 musical genres, performed to a couple hundred visitors that came to town, and had some fun with us. It was a blast and hope we can do it again next year. See you all around South Orange, NJ.
Thanks to South Orange Village Center Alliance and township of South Orange Village, the musicians and the supporters.
A big thank you to event day volunteers Jon McGriff, Teresa Ware, Donna Seidman, Chelsa Burrus and others who came out and helped make it happen.
Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, live music ambassador and community partner who curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area. Gregory Burrus sits on a number of local boards and committees and is currently serving as a Board Member of Maplewood Community Music and is Vice President of Communications for Stevenson and Moses Boxing for Life nonprofit.
Year-round, Gregory Burrus also curates and produces: the Jazz973 live music jazz series at Clements Place Jazz for the Rutgers University Institute of Jazz Studies, the Jazzy Nights Live Music performances at the Speakeasy Style Essex Room of The Fox and Falcon Restaurant in South Orange, NJ and produces Live Music entertainment for South Orange’s Inkosi Cafe. During the Summer months, Gregory manages and promotes the South Orange Downtown After Sundown summer long live music concerts, the annual South Orange 24 Hours of Music Festival, and the June thru October South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam.
Tags: Gregory Burrus Around Town, 24 Hours of Music, Persaud Entertainment LLC, South Orange Village Center , Alliance, Live Music Ambassador, South Orange Rescue Squad, CC Minton.Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo, jazz, blues , 3rd Annual 24 Hours of Music
