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…
Read moreFood Truck and Jazz Festival in Monte Irvin Orange Park, City of Orange NJ, July 9
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 moreWhat's Going On In My Neck of the Woods for June 2022
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, June 3, 2022
What's happening all around our towns for June 2022. Please join us.
Jazzy Nights Presents a Gemini Birthday Celebration with MPack Music
Event Details: Friday, 6/3, 7-10 PM, Gemini Celebration featuring MPack Live with Lynette Sheard at South Valley BBQ and Lounge, Outdoor Patio, West Orange, NJ
Are you a Gemini? Come join us and have some birthday celebration fun with us at the new South Valley BBQ and Lounge luxurious new outdoor patio. Open to all with a new start time of 7PM. Bring a friend, family member, someone you just met, and let’s have some dancing fun. Register and make your reservation here and let us know you are coming or just show up for first come first serve seating availability. Prior events were sold out, so come early and get your seat, and let's dance!
Free, Open to Public:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazzy-nights-presents-a-gemini-birthday-celebration-with-mpack-music-tickets-350663212107
Seton Village ArtBender / SoundBender
Event Details: Saturday, 6/4, 11-4 PM, ArtBender / SoundBender Art and Live Music All Around Town, ArtBender Event SoundBender at Seton Village, South Orange, NJ
ArtBender is a celebration of creativity and self-expression, happening in and around South Orange, NJ on June 4, 2022 (rain date June 5). Community members are encouraged to gather at “creativity hubs” by starting communal projects in neighborhoods throughout the town. Local businesses are also encouraged to host an arts event. Past ArtBender events have included painting, chalk street art, poetry writing, and live music and dance performances.
Click to learn more:
https://www.facebook.com/events/782725869755494
Smooth Jazz at The Woodland
Event Details: Saturday, 6/4, 8-10 PM, Jazz Funk Soul feat. Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr. at The Woodland, Maplewood, NJ
Produced by Smooth Jazz New Jersey / Maplewood Arts & Culture, this supergroup can whisk your mind away with Jazz, humble your heart with Soul, and make your foot stomp with Funk. When describing the performance of “Jazz Funk Soul '' featuring 2018 Grammy-winner Jeff Lorber and Grammy nominees Everette Harp and Paul Jackson Jr., you’re talking about the real thing in adult contemporary music.
Purchase tickets at:
https://smoothjazznj.com/
"Juneteenth: Images Triumphant" at the West Orange Arts Council
Event Details: Saturday, 6/18, 2-3:30 PM, Live Music by Lynette Sheard & the James Austin Jr. Trio, "Juneteenth: Images Triumphant" at the West Orange Arts Council, West Orange, NJ
The “Juneteenth: Images Triumphant” art exhibition features the work of West Orange Arts Council members Dwight Carter (photography), Anthony Gartmond (drawings), Glendora Simonson (quilts), and Gabrielle Smith (quilts). A Juneteenth reception will take place on Saturday, June 18 from 12-4pm, featuring music produced by Gregory Burrus Productions with performances by Lynette Sheard Live featuring the James Austin Trio. The reception is supported by The Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.”
Learn more:
https://woarts.org/blog-post/juneteenth-images-triumphant-june-4-july-9-2022/
Community Art Project Celebration and Unveiling
Event Details: Sunday, 6/19, 2-4 PM, Dre Barnes Trio, SOPAC Juneteenth Holiday, South Orange, NJ
Join us in the SOPAC Lobby for the grand unveiling of the Juneteenth Community Art Project that was created at the painting event on June 17. Live music with Dre Barnes Trio. Light bites and refreshments will be available.
Learn More:
Barry Harris Institute of Jazz Presents
Event Details: Sunday, 6/26, 3-6 PM, location TBA. The Barry Harris Institute of Jazz Presents the Richard Clements / Murray Wall 11th Street Bar Band featuring James Austin Jr, along with special guests including the Barry Harris Jazz Chorus, Phillip Bingham, and others.
Learn more:
City of Orange Farmers Market Returns June 29
Event Details: Wednesday, 6/29, 12-5 PM, MPack R&B Jam. Come sing, come play, join in, every Wed. at the Orange Farmers Market at Hickory & S Main St, City of Orange, NJ
Produced by the City of Orange Division of Recreation, the City of Orange Farmers Market returns on June 29. Join us on the grass across from McDonald’s, every Wednesday from noon to 5PM. Bring your tune or your instrument and join us.
Learn more:
Cranford Summer Sounds Returns June 30, Every Thursday, Eastman Clock Plaza Park
Event Details: Thursday, 6/30, 6-8:30 PM, Stuff Brothers, Summer Sounds every Thursday at Eastman Clock Plaza Park, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ
Produced by Downtown Cranford, grab a bite from a local restaurant and pull up a park bench for these special Thursday evening concerts in downtown Cranford. The streets come alive with a different sound from local artists each week. Performances take place at Eastman Clock Plaza.
Learn More:
About the Author Gregory Burrus
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/
Elmwood Culture Club Presents Nat Adderley, Jr. and MPack in a Jazzy Afternoon of Live Music (Saturday, May 21, 3-6pm)
Elmwood Culture Club Presents “Jazzy on the Lawn”
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Monday, May 9, 2022
In celebration of Spring, the Elmwood Church lawn will come alive with the explosive sounds of jazzy live music as Elmwood Culture Club welcomes internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, songwriter and Grammy Winner Nat Adderley, Jr. and his Quartet. Kicking off this inaugural Jazzy Afternoon on the Lawn live music experience will be one of North Jersey’s dynamic and swinging R&B bands, MPack, led by the Groove Master himself Clarence Conover.
3 pm - 4:15 pm MPack Music
4:40 - 6: 00 pm Nat Adderley, Jr.
Join us for this Jazzy Music Experience!!!
Donations accepted.
This benefit event is outdoors at 135 Elmwood Ave, East Orange, NJ and open to the public, so bring your lawn chairs, come out and join us for a day of music, food, and fun!
The Nat Adderley, Jr. Quartet
The Nat Adderley, Jr. Quartet provides a unique jazz experience that you will also not want to miss. The Adderley name is an important one in music because it’s synonymous with jazz, swing, funk, spirit and musical excellence. Nat Adderley, Jr. keeps the torch burning, with a lineage from as far back as Multi-instrumentalist Cannonball Adderley (Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and in Mikes Davis Band), and Cornetist Nat Adderley (“Work Song” and Lionel Hampton’s big band).
Over time, Nat Adderley, Jr. has created his own historical legacy. With over 20 years as the musical director and songwriter for Luther Vandross, Nat wrote “The Wave” for Kirk Whalum, arranged Natalie Cole’s 1987 recording of “When I Fall In Love”, produced “Just Another Lonely Night” for Johnny Gill, arranged Aretha Franklin’s album Jump To It, produced Gloria Lynne’s album No Detour Ahead, and produced “That’s How Heartaches are Made” for The Temptations.
This Yale University graduate in recent years has performed in Beijing Blue Note, Singapore Kool Kats Club, in numerous venues in New York and New Jersey, and has headlined WBGO’s “Somerville (NJ) Jazz Festival” amongst others.
Elmwood is excited to have this history-maker performing some of the time-honored standards created by his family along with tunes that he created, wrote and performed with some of the top best selling, global recording artists.
MPack — Clarence Conover
MPack Live. Kicking off this inaugural Jazzy on the Lawn live music experience will be one of North Jersey’s extremely popular, dynamic and swinging R&B bands, MPack. MPack brings an explosive energy to an event that is guaranteed to rock this Elmwood Jazzy on the Lawn experience.
MPack is a band, a brand, and a musical production enterprise, consisting of multiple elements in an ever-evolving flow. It is the musical brainchild of longtime multi-instrumentalist Clarence Conover. Clarence, also known as the ‘Groove Master’, is a bandleader, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist. Clarence founded MPack Music Productions over 4 decades ago with the motto “Life Changing Sounds.”
A product of the Philly sound, Clarence is a specialist in Funk, Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Neo-soul and R&B. Clarence has performed and or recorded with Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Grover Washington Jr., The Delfonics, Bo Diddley and more. Clarence and his band have performed at the Morris Museum, South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Valley Lounge, Jazz On Sloan, and Crossroads along with numerous other venues across the Tri-State area including many North Jersey town-sponsored annual live music outdoor series.
This bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist, when he’s not on stage, is in the studio devising new music with his MPack band for their fans. The Groove Master will be bringing along this dynamic band of like-minded musicians who have just provided some truly memorable and enjoyable live Jazzy music experiences at some recently sold-out Essex County venues.
Jazzy On the Lawn - Join Us
Come enjoy an afternoon of Jazzy live music among friends, family and the community. This is a great opportunity to come out and experience these very popular, live music musicians, a local food truck, and support the Elmwood Culture Club while you move and groove to some really great, live jazzy music on the lawn. Bring your memories, your singing voices, your dancing shoes and your lawn chairs, as this is an event you don't want to miss — the music will be absolutely amazing!
Please register and let us know you are joining us:
Nat Adderley Jr and MPack in a Jazzy Afternoon of Live Music
About the Writer — Gregory Burrus, Live Music Ambassador
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
Jazzy Nights Presents “R&B Music Nights” Led by Clarence Conover and the MPack Band
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, April 24, 2022
We have had some absolutely fabulous Jazzy Nights events this year, and one of the bands that's become a favorite and will be returning often is the MPack band.
MPack brings an explosive energy to the stage, guaranteed to rock the house all night long! MPack is a band, a brand, and a musical production enterprise, consisting of multiple elements in an ever-evolving flow. It is the musical brainchild of bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist Clarence 'Groove Master' Conover.
M-Pack Music Productions Motto
“Life Changing Sounds”
This cross-genre musician is creatively talented, and he has gathered other like-minded musicians and vocalists that will join him on occasion:
Vocalist Patricia Walton
Vocalist Lynette Sheard
Pianist/keyboardist Larry Greenberg
Drummer Kevin "Natz" Moore
Guitarist Kenny Robinson
Guitarist Brett Calder
Thankfully, we can go back inside and this year Jazzy Nights is happy to present MPack Music Live at South Valley BBQ & Lounge. Here's an introduction to the band because this year’s Jazzy Nights repeat performance will have our favorite musicians returning, plus a few of Clarence’s friends. We also list a few performances so you can get a feel of why you should come on out.
Groove Master Clarence Conover
Clarence Conover, also known as the ‘Groove Master’, is a bandleader, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist. Clarence founded M-Pack Music productions over 4 decades ago with the motto “Life Changing Sounds”. Clarence has performed and recorded with Patti Labelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Grover Washington Jr., The Delfonics, Bo Diddley and more. Clarence is currently performing at numerous venues across the Tri-State area such as Morris Museum, South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Valley Lounge, Jazz On Sloan, S.O. Crossroads, and is a highly requested performer at many NJ towns annual live music outdoor series. When he’s not on stage, he’s in the studio devising new music for his fans. And here's a taste from our last event so you can enjoy it.
Vocalist Patricia Walton
Born in Germany, raised in New York and currently residing in New Jersey, Patricia 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 and has performed at various venues in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Currently she performs both as a Solo Jazz singer and is featured artist in Jazz, Blues and R&B Band as the lead vocalist of MPack! Her warm voice is sure to put a smile on your face and set your feet tapping!
Vocalist Lynette Sheard
Lynette Sheard is a gifted versatile vocalist with a five octave range. She is an actor, producer and director. She is the unseated “West Orange Idol”. Her performances have been acknowledged in numerous publications including, NY Times, The Record and the Chronicle. The Star Ledger proclaims that “Her voice reaches deep into one’s soul and finds a soft spot” She performs Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Soul and Pop music throughout the tri-state area. From our last event here's Lynette Sheard leading on Rufus & Chaka Khan - Sweet Thing.
Keyboardist Larry Greenberg
Multi-keyboardist and synthesist, composer/arranger, bandleader, and studio musician performs in multiple genres of Funk, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, R&B and Latin Rock. A former Skyy band member “Call Me” topped Billboard’s R&B chart and was No. 26 on the pop side. Larry is a regular on the New Jersey live music scene and has performed in many local venues at the Morris Museum, South Orange Performing Arts Center, Roxy and Dukes, Crossroads and more.
Drummer Kev "Natz" Moore
Kev Moore is a Jersey boy through and through. He's been making music since he was a teenager, and his drum performances have won him fans all over the Garden State. This Master Drum from East Orange High School has performed in numerous venues across the industry, was part of the popular Band Aurra – Interviewed by Don Cornelius and has performed on the cutting edge of music, dance and culture Nationwide TV Show "Soul Train". Kev Moore is a local musician who has performed in many venues throughout New Jersey. Kev loves playing drums and interacting with audiences, and he always gets the crowd involved in the show. He has performed regularly at the Morris Museum, South Orange Performing Arts Center, Roxy and Dukes, Crossroads, and many other local spots.
Guitarist Kenny Robinson
Newark Arts High School Alum, Kenny Robinson is an in demand guitarist. He's a former longtime band member of The Black Widow Blues Band along with Ricki Lewis. Kenny has played at numerous venues , churches and special events around the Tri State area.
Guitarist Brett Calder
This veteran soulful guitarist list a Guitar Center Hero, a regular performer around Northern NJ venues such as The Vintage Edge Wine bar, Jazz in the Loft at South Orange Performing Arts Center, the South Orange Village Juneteenth Events along with regular performances Downtown After Sundown and at the memorable Roxy and Dukes. Along with being in MPAC Brett, performing in Harlem Nights fundraiser and is also a member of the very cool The Groove Syndicate band.
What's Next?
As you can see the musicians are heavy hitters playing across many venues throughout the Tristate and beyond…
South Valley BBQ & Lounge
South Valley BBQ Live Music By Gregory Burrus
MPack sings “Aint Nobody”
Take a listen above and note folks were singing along, sitting dancing, talking with friends, eating and just enjoying the moment all night long. The last sold-out Jazzy Nights event was packed at the beginning and full throughout the night and just like last year folks came to enjoy themselves. Inside we will be in the blue room of South Valley BBQ & Lounge under new ownership, so come find us.
Going Forward
The Blue Room
We are going to have a number of events as we move forward including one this Sat April 30. Read more: https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/events/ and https://www.facebook.com/jazzynightslive
About the Writer Gregory Burrus
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 Northern NJ and New York Area.
He sits on a number of local boards and committees and is currently serving as a Board Member of Maplewood Community Music and is a Board Member of Harlem World Magazine Advisory Board.
Year-round Gregory Burrus also curates, books 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, and Cranford NJ Summer Sounds.
In addition to producing events, Gregory Burrus Productions also showcases, photographs, videotapes events annually such as the annual NYC John Jay College Friends of Myrna Bain Scholarship Fundraiser, the Orange NJ Farmers Market, numerous local bands at various local venues.
Gregory Burrus has a passion for making live music happen anywhere and everywhere he can whether locally around town or around the world while living life every day to the fullest.
Learn more at Gregory Burrus Live Music Ambassador.
Jazzy Nights Kicks Off 2022 Live Music Season
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, April 22, 2022
Tapping into the region’s top live music talent, Jazzy Nights hosts live music performances from big-name local artists drawn from all over Northern New Jersey and nearby New York City, Produced by Live Music Ambassador Gregory Burrus of Gregory Burrus Productions.
Jazzy Nights is not just about jazz but all genres of jazzy live music. It's jazz, it's R&B, and it's jazzy. The Jazzy Nights Live mission is focused on keeping the community of summertime live music lovers enjoying live music throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring, whenever possible.
Following is a post about how Jazzy Nights made it to this season. Back in the day, just a few years ago, the South Orange live music season would run June ‘til September and stop. However, so many local folks and attendees from around the various towns wanted more and more. So, we extended the end of the 2019 season by going indoors and kicked off Jazzy Nights Live at The Fox & Falcon restaurant to keep the wonderful vibe going that was established all summer long. Following is a year-by-year recap of previous years up until this year.
2019 November Jazzy Nights at The Fox & Falcon
2019/11/14 Inaugural Season Kickoff in the Essex Room with DC Fusion Band.
The 2019 Jazzy Nights Live Music season was led by our buddy and bassman Darryl Clark. We ran monthly live music sessions from November to April with the wonderful DC Fusion instrumental band led by Darryl Clark on Bass, Howard Hall on piano, and Bill Bang (Mauricio de Souza this night) on drums. We augmented each event with special guest singers (Shadiyah and Joy Topping-Mann this night), folks came out strong, and we packed the Essex Room of The Fox & Falcon. We were moving along nicely each month right up ‘til April 2021 and then the COVID Pandemic shut the world down, including our Jazzy Nights.
In tribute to our buddies.
Sadly, this season was also marked by the passing of many musicians including two of our friends from our Live music community. Community champion and jazz lover Lee Boswell May aka Boz passed before the South Orange Summer Season started. After the 2020 Summer season in November, our beloved Jazzy Nights Bandleader and Bassman Darryl Clark passed on. May they both RIP in musical heaven.
Jazzy Nights (Afternoons) 2021 South Orange NJ
2021 March Season Opener — Outdoor COVID Sessions.
Enter 2021, and because we were all still under a Pandemic watch from 2020 we started the Summer Season early on a beautiful sunny day in 2021 on March 21st. With a live music community starving for entertainment, we came back out in March of 2021, and due to COVID Pandemic Social Distancing guidelines, the world had moved outside and so did Jazzy Nights as “Jazzy Afternoons.”
Jazzy Nights Presents MPack Band at The Fox & Falcon
Thanks to The Fox & Falcon restaurant owner, Jazzy Nights Live became Jazzy Afternoons Live in the Sloan Street Parking Lot on March 21. We moved from Thursday nights to Sunday Afternoons.
As you can see, lots and lots of people came out with family and friends to enjoy the live music of the MPack Band and the community.
We continued our performances throughout April, which is Jazz Appreciation Month. We planned for live music every weekend. Weather canceled one weekend, but we did produce some very well-attended and swinging live music weekend performances.
Mike Lee Trio with Billy Drummond and Mike Kane in Jazz Appreciation Month 2021.
Radam Schwartz Trio with Gene Ghee Sax in Jazz Appreciation Month 2021.
The season continued throughout the Summer, we extended it and worked to extend the live music through October.
October Live Music Fest 2021
Also in 2021, after the Summer Live Music Season we produced the October Live Music Fest.
Take a listen to this event. Performances were 2 times a day every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month.
You can read all about it here: South Orange, NJ October Live Music Fest Takes Over the Sounds In Spiotta Park and Jazz On Sloan Street.
We created live music sessions all year from March thru October, so 2021 was a good year.
Jazzy Nights 2022 at South Valley BBQ & Lounge
Enter 2022, and this year we are back and in a new location and already have produced two extremely successful Jazzy Nights events.
2022 Feb. 18 Jazz Season Opener in the Blue Room.
South Valley BBQ and Lounge Presents John Lee and Friends
We are starting off the 2022 Jazzy Nights Live Music Scene in a really nice new location, and we started earlier this year with our first event on Feb. 18th in the new South Valley Lounge. In their newly remodeled Blue Room, we kicked off the season with world-renowned bassist John Lee and his awesome friends.
2022 Apr 9th R&B Season Opener in the Blue Room.
Jazzy Nights Presents MPack Music Live at South Valley BBQ and Lounge
We started off the Jazzy Nights R&B Live Music Scene in the new South Valley Lounge on April 9th in the newly remodeled Blue Room. We kicked off the season with the extremely popular R&B Band MPack.
Our first Jazzy Nights R&B performance was literally off the chain!!! Folks came to dine and dance and had fun all night long.
Jazzy Nights — Next Steps
For 2021, all of these veteran professionals came to perform and they delivered big time. So, a great start over 3 years through a pandemic, and we are continuing on throughout 2022.
At Gregory Burrus Productions, we always have something going on to get you, your family and your friends involved, so take a look at our events calendar and come join in the live music party.
Check Out Our Upcoming Events Calendar! We'll See You Soon.
About the Writer Gregory Burrus
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 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 a Board Member of Harlem World Magazine Advisory Board.
Year-round Gregory Burrus also curates, books 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, and Cranford NJ Summer Sounds.
In addition to producing events, Gregory Burrus Productions also showcases, photographs, videotapes events annually such as the annual NYC John Jay College Friends of Myrna Bain Scholarship Fundraiser, the Orange NJ Farmers Market, numerous local bands at various local venues. Gregory Burrus has a passion for making live music happen anywhere and everywhere he can whether locally around town or around the world while living life every day to the fullest. Learn more at: Gregory Burrus - Gregory Burrus Live Music Ambassador
Jazz Appreciation Month 2022 Around Town with Gregory Burrus Productions
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, Marcy 29, 2022
JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH
This April, jazz up for a month to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) to honor one of America’s earliest and iconic art forms. Rich with extraordinary heritage and cultural history, jazz music originated in the blues era in the early 20th century and bestowed the world with bebop tunes to which we can dance all night. Founded in 2001, JAM is a 30-day long festival held to learn and recognize the cultural significance of this hip music genre and the jazz pop stars, and offers a chance to jam to some boogie-woogie day in and out. https://nationaltoday.com/jazz-appreciation-month/
Events – Jazz Appreciation Month
Come on out and enjoy some of the best Jazz, Jazzy Nights and some Smooth Jazz Events available during Jazz Appreciation Month. We are starting the celebration early. Here’s some of the fabulous jazz performances you can experience this month..
March 30: Jazz973 Presents Kakuyon Mataeh Quintet
Kakuyon Shakur Mataeh – Trumpeter, Bandleader, and Composer born in Newark, NJ. Jazz education through the Jazz House Kids youth program led by Melissa Walker and Christian McBride, performing in their Montclair Jazz Festival nearly every year since 2014. Kakuyon grew up playing at speakeasies and his father’s many art gallery exhibitions from a young age. Kakuyon is in his junior year at Princeton University where he studies Computer Science, African American studies, and continues his jazz education under the tutelage of trumpeter Ted Chubb, bandleader James Darcey Argue, and saxophonist Rudresh Manhatthappa. Mataeh has played at notable venues such as Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and more recently led his quintet at the 2022 Montclair Jazz Festival. He has also played with Christian McBride, Cyrus Chestnut, Don Braden, Trineice Martin, Mimi Jones, Vince Ector, and many other notable acts. He brings a swinging band:
Destiny Diggs – Bass
Miles Lennox — Keys
Peter Glynn — Drums
Joseph Miller — Sax
Check it out Wed., March 30, 7:00pm and 8:30 pm showtime. Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201
April 1: Elmwood's Culture Club Summer Of Soul Screening
It's the Summer of Soul Film Screening hosted by Lynette Sheard for the Elmwood's Culture Club “Summer of Soul” is about the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. If you haven’t heard of it, that may be because it was—tellingly, if not deliberately—erased from public consciousness. The festival took place outdoors, in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park), and it was filmed, under lighting generously provided by the sun. The tapes then sat in a basement, largely unseen, for half a century. At last, they have been unearthed and, in the hands of Thompson and his editor, Joshua L. Pearson, given new life and shape.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/07/05/questloves-summer-of-soul-pulses-with-long-silenced-beats
Following the screening, there will be a Zoom discussion led by Entertainment Personality Lynette Sheard and Ierviewer for Gregory Burrus Productions. Lynette Sheard is also Director and community education coordinator at the Mental Health Association in NJ, will host the event. Come join us to view the movie and discuss the event. Click here to register for this Zoom event or you can also email eupccultureclub@gmail.com.
April 1: Bradford Hayes Quintet at IJS Clements Place
Bradford Hayes Quintet at IJS Clements Place
Saxophonist Bradford Hayes, a native of Dinwiddie County, Virginia has been a force on the jazz scene in the northeastern U.S. for many years now. He has performed at a number of clubs, colleges and concert halls that include Birdland (NYC), Tavern on the Green (NYC), and the Beacon Theater (NYC). Bradford has performed or recorded in different musical settings with Gerald Alston, Yusef Lateef, Ted Curson, Michael Cochrane, Joe Lee Wilson, Jimmy Heath, Al Grey, Cecil Payne, Rufus Reid, Ray Bryant, Ben Riley, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Cecil Brooks III, Jerry Butler, and The Dells. For this performance Braford Hayes brings in the following professional musicians.
Michael Cochrane on Piano, A forward-leaning yet strongly swinging modern pianist, Cochrane studied with the noted Boston-based piano teacher Madame Margaret Chaloff (mother of Serge Chaloff) and the inimitable Jaki Byard. In a fruitful career, he has performed and/or recorded with saxophonists Michael Brecker, Sonny Fortune, Oliver Lake, David Schnitter and Chico Freeman and trumpeters Clark Terry, Valery Ponomarev, Jack Walrath and Ted Curson; also bassist Eddie Gomez, as well as many others. He has led a quintet that included Tom Harrell and saxophonist Bob Malach, and he has recorded several albums as a leader, including 1997’s “Cutting Edge.” He is also a prominent jazz educator and instrumental instructor in the New York and New Jersey area.
Peter Lin on Trombone. Peter Lin is a Taiwanese-American trombonist, producer, and educator based in New Jersey/New York City. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and raised in northern New Jersey, Peter played violin and piano before picking up the trombone at 10 years old. His love for music continued, motivating him to pursue a jazz studies degree at the esteemed music programs of William Paterson University (undergraduate) and Rutgers University (graduate). Since then, he has become an integral part of the music scene, performing and sharing the stage with renowned artists including Slide Hampton, Winard Harper, Charli Persip, Valerie Ponomarev, JD Allen, and Radam Schwartz. He also spent a considerable amount of time studying with his influences, including trombone masters Slide Hampton, Steve Turre, Conrad Herwig, Robin Eubanks, Steve Davis, and Frank Lacy. He continues to perform prolifically as both a leader and sideman at established venues such as Blue Note, Dizzy’s, Birdland, Smalls, Fat Cat, Zinc Bar, and Candlelight Lounge.
Takashi Otsuka on Bass – A consummate bassist, Takashi also studied composition and arranging with Herb Pomeroy, Bob Freedman and Ken Pullig, and improvisation theory with Gary Burton at Berklee College of Music. Takashi has appeared with various artists including the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Seiji Ozawa, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Ben E. King, Swing Express under the direction of Bill Conway, the Latin Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Victor Rendon, Don Sebesky, Bob Mintzer, Charles McPherson, Marion Meadows, Lew Solof, Ted Curson, Claudio Roditi, Norman Simmons, Vic Juris, John Hart, Bob Devos, Ron Affif, Pete Levin, Virginia Mayhew, Jack Walrath, Billy Hart, Eliot Zigmund and many more.
Noel Sagerman on Drums – Noel Sagerman began playing drums at St. Cloud elementary school in West Orange, NJ. He started playing professionally while attending the University of Vermont, often gigging with ArtisShare founder Brian Camelio and Jazz Mandolin Project founder Jamie Masefield. After graduating he spent a year playing in Japan, including gigs with Chicago native Hank Hirsch and noted Japanese pianist and educator Sadayasa Fujii. In 1992 Noel returned to NJ and furthered his studies with teachers Bobby Thomas, Billy Higgins, and Tim Horner. He also became a regular at The Peppermint Lounge and started working regularly in the NY/NJ area. Some artists he has worked with include Irene Reid, Pharoah Sanders, “Big” John Patton, David “Fathead” Newman, Oliver Lake, Bruce Williams, Dave Stryker, Pat Tandy, Freddie Hendrix, Brandon McCune, Pete Rodriguez, and many others. He currently resides in Newark, NJ, and plays for gospel singer/pianist Joshua Nelson both on tour and at Hopewell Baptist Church.
Check out this performance on Friday, April 1, 7pm at Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201 https://www.bradfordhayes.com/
April 6: Gene Ghee Quartet featuring Bertha Hope
Gene Ghee Quartet featuring Bertha Hope with Kim Clarke and Luciana Padmore
Gene Ghee — Sax – Gene Ghee (saxophone, flute, clarinet) is long-time performer and educator. He graduated from NYU with a music education undergrad degree, from the Manhattan School of Music with an MA for music performance and from Columbia University Teachers College with a Master of Education degree. He has appeared as a sideman with an array of performers from Art Blakey to Stevie Wonder, and is also a recipient of the Daily News Music Teacher Recognition Award.
Bertha Hope — Piano — Jazz pianist Bertha Hope-Booker was born on November 8, 1936and was raised in western Los Angeles, California, As a youth, she performed in numerous Los Angeles clubs, studied piano at Los Angeles Community College and received her B.A. degree in early childhood education from Antioch College. In her youth, she played music with and learned from other young musicians in her neighborhood such as Richie Powell and Elmo Hope, the latter becoming her husband in 1957. She moved with Elmo Hope to the Bronx, New York, where she worked at a telephone company during the day while performing at night. After her husband’s passing in 1967, she continued to present his music and remained an active force in improvised music within the New York jazz scene.. Through the Jersey State Council on the Arts program, she performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Foster, Nat Adderley and Philly Joe Jones. Hope-Booker later married Walter Booker, Jr., and the two worked to keep the music of Elmo Hope alive through Hope-Booker’s tribute ensemble called ELMOllenium and The Elmo Hope Project. She also performs with a Jazz program at Washington Irving High School in New York City, which was sponsored by Bette Midler. The Seattle-based trio, New Stories, has recorded a CD of Hope-Booker's music entitled, Hope Is In the Air. https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/bertha-hope-41
Bertha received two lifetime achievement awards; one in 2002 from Cobi Narita's Jazz Coalition and the second from Dr. Billy Taylorin 2005 at the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C. In 2014, Bertha's three year oral history project was made available in the Library of Congress, and she was celebrated as a Bronx Living Legend by the Bronx Music Heritage Center. In September 2016, the Bronx tree lined block of Lyman Place where Elmo, Bertha and baby daughter lived was co-named “Elmo Hope Way–Jazz Pioneer.” Sidenote Gregory Burrus was born and lived on Lyman place also and knew the Hope family so I am very excited for this performance.
Kim Clarke — Bass – bassist, composer, bandleader, educator performs alternately on the Acoustic Bass, Electric Upright , four and five-stringed Electric Bass Guitar. Holds B.A.’s in Communications and Music from City College and Long Island University respectively, and is a 3- time recipient of the coveted N E A Jazz Study Fellowship; under the tutelage of Bass Masters Ron Carter, Buster Williams and Lisle Atkinson respectively. Ms Clarke is also a long-time student of the Jazzmobile and Barry Harris Workshops.
Lucianna Padmore — Drums – New York based drummer Lucianna Padmore has been praised by Modern Drummer magazine for “Deep grooves and serious fusion chops.” Lucianna’s versatile drumming is featured with artists in the Jazz, Hip-Hop, Funk, Rock, Pop and Fusion genres. An alumnus of LaGuardia High School for Music and the Performing Arts and the New School University, she has received awards from Jazz at Lincoln Center and BMI for her jazz improvisation.
https://www.facebook.com/jazz973
Check it out on Wednesday, April 6th, 7:00pm showtime. Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/gregory-burrus-17227441816
April 7: George Gray Group Jazzical at IJS Clements Place
RUTGER’S INSTITUTE OF JAZZ STUDIES AT CLEMENT’S PLACE PRESENTS
GEORGE GRAY FEATURING THE GROUP JAZZICAL
By popular demand George Gray returns with the versatile jazz group Jazzical featuring Jeff Sheloff on sax, Mark Adams on piano, Derrick Barker on vibes, Donald Nicks on acoustic bass and George Gray on drums! We are here to play authentic jazz at its best so why not join us.
Check it out Thursday, April 7th, 7:00pm showtime. Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201 – Register: [link TBD]
April 8: Steve Slagle at IJS Clements Place
Steve Slagle – Alto Sax, Flute, Composer, Band Leader, Educator
Saxophonist, flutist and composer Steve Slagle makes his home in New York City. He has released 20 CD’s as a leader, and performed on countless others. His many original compositions are published by Slagle Music, BMI worldwide. Steve was musical director of the Mingus Big Band for many years, and wrote many of the bands arrangements as well with Joe Lovano’s Nonet, of which he is a member. He has received two Grammy Awards for recordings with each of those groups and continues his association with them. Steve attended Berklee College of Music in Boston on a Downbeat scholarship at age 18 and subsequently received his Masters in Music at MSM in NYC.
He has played with Stevie Wonder, Machito’s Afro-Cuban Orchestra, Steve Kuhn, Lionel Hampton, Jack McDuff, Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra, Brazil’s Milton Nascimento and band, Carla Bley Orchestra, Ray Barretto, Beastie Boys, and many others.
Check it out on Friday, April 8th, 7:30pm showtime. Clément’s Place 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201
April 9: MPack Music at South Valley BBQ and Lounge
Jazzy Nights Presents MPack Music Live at South Valley BBQ and Lounge. Thankfully we can go back inside and this year as Jazzy Nights is happy to present MPack Music Live at South Valley BBQ & Lounge. This jazzy night will have our favorites performing:
Groove Master Clarence Conover – Bandleader, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist . Clarence Conover ‘Groove Master’ Conover is the founder, and CEO of M-Pack Music productions whose motto is “Life Changing Sounds”. Clarence has performed and recorded with Patti Labelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Grover Washington Jr., The Delfonics, Bo Diddley, and more. Clarence has performed at numerous venues across the Tri-State area and more.
Vocalist Patricia Walton – ,Lead Vocal stylist – Jazz, Blues and R&B. Lead vocalist for MPack Band. Performs Solo gigs and has worked with many of New Jersey’s finest jazz musicians.
Keyboardist – Larry Greenberg – Multi-keyboardist and synthesist, composer/arranger, bandleader, and studio musician performs in multiple genres of Funk, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, R&B and Latin Rock. A Skyy band member “Call Me” topped Billboard’s R&B chart and was No. 26 on the pop side.
Drummer – Kevin Moore – This Master Drum from East Orange High Scholl has performed in numerous venues across the industry, was part of the popular Band Aurra – Interviewed by Don Cornelius and performed on the cutting edge of music, dance and culture Nationwide TV Show Soul Train.
Guitarist – Kenny Robinson – Newark Arts High School Alum is an in demand guitarist, a former long time band member of The Black Widow Blues Band along with Ricki Lewis and has played at numerous venues , churches and special events around the Tri State area.
MPack brings an explosive energy to the stage, guaranteed to rock the house all night long! Dinning, drinking, dancing, singing, talking, connecting, seat dancing, listening and more will be happening in the Blue Room.
Join Us -Jazzy Nights at South Valley BBQ and Lounge Jazzy Nights Presents MPack Music Live at South Valley BBQ and Lounge
April 15: Peter Lin – The Slide Sessions at IJS Clements Place
Peter Lin – The Slide Sessions Music and Legacy of Slide Hamptons
Slide Hampton was a trombonist, arranger, and composer with skills very few could match. He could take a small band and make it sound like an orchestra — not just in vastness, but in excitement, impression and intricate layers of sound. His arrangements found the visceral core of bebop classics and revealed their stunning beauty and spine-tingling glory. When he raised his horn to solo, the results were always impressive: a deep mix of profound blues and complex technique. He was a true original. As a jazz educator, Hampton was active at Harvard University, DePaul and several other institutions
This event will be a musical tribute to the legendary Slide Hampton. Bandleader Peter Lin will present an evening of Slide Hampton’s compositions and arrangements in a quintet setting, along with personal anecdotes and reflections on Slide’s legacy. According to Peter Lin, who first contacted Hampton for an interview for his graduate thesis, and later became his assistant: “Without Slide Hampton, I would not be playing trombone today, and I think many other musicians would feel the same sentiment.”
Joining him are veteran musicians of multiple generations. Mike Karn – Bass, Tadataka Unno – Keys, Jerome Jennings – Drums and Nicole Glover – Sax.
Check out this very special performance on Friday, April 15th, at 7:30pm. Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201 https://www.peterlinmusic.com
April 23: Smooth Vocals, R&B and All That Jazz at the Woodland Mansion
Spring fever is at its peak at the historic Woodland Mansion in Maplewood NJ.
This show is the brainchild of Rich Engel, a local resident, producer and promoter - who for decades produced numerous NYC Smooth Jazz cruises along with many other marquee live music concerts. Engel says he is determined to make contemporary jazz a staple in the SOMA (South Orange Maplewood) area and beyond and he is demonstrating that he is very committed. This show is a group of serious hardcore Smooth jazz and R&B veterans, all have performed with many legends in the industry and now they have also established themselves as stars of this music.
Smooth Vocals R&B with:
Maysa Leak (Singer) Deep Waters – Grammy-nominated, Soul Train Award Winning Soul/Jazz
Alexander Zonjic Jazz flutist (multiple winner Detroit Music Awards)
James Lloyd (Keyboardist) from Pieces of a Dream, Grover Washington Jr., Walter Beasley , Eric Darius, Everett Harp, Gail Jhonson, Hiroshima, Wayman Tisdale, Najee, and more.
Kris Kurzawa (Guitar), Most In Demand Detroit Guitarist – 5X’s Detroit Music Awardee
Jeff Candy (Drums),
Mike Harrington (Bass). Tours with Brian Culbertso, The Spinners, KEM, Jeff Lorber, Kirk Whalum, Kim Burrell, Angela Bofill, Marion Medows and more
Check it out on Saturday, April 23rd, 8:00pm showtime. The Woodlands – 60 Woodland Road. Maplewood, NJ 07040.
Buy tickets here: Smooth Vocals. R&B and All that Jazz at The Woodland Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
April 29: Carla Cook at IJS Clements Place
Carla Cook
There’s a reason for that: Cook has been influenced by the jazz vocal masters, but equally influenced by phenomenal instrumentalists, like Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery and The Crusaders. The Detroit native also finds inspiration in R&B, Motown, pop, gospel and country. In fact, she has put her unique phrasing on everything from Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues” to Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe” to Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold”.
As a result, Cook has an improvisational style that’s steeped in the swing tradition yet eclectic, and brimming with fresh interpretations. “Although I’ve been influenced by all the masters, I’ve been maturing into my own sound, “says Cook. “Today, I sound exactly like me.”
That sound is a warm contralto with a remarkably wide range of colors; known for her interpretive gifts, Cook can sing in a hefty, bluesy timbre, reach crystal clear high notes, then scat with sure-footed richness; and she does it all with an acute sense of rhythm and timing. As a result, says jazz critic John Murph of The Washington Post. “She has sass that enlivens her impeccable diction, and tremendous soul that lets her swagger with gutbucket finesse, but it’s all buttressed with sparkling optimism and innocence.”
Check it out on Friday, April 29th, 7:30pm showtime. Clément’s Place 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201
April 30: Special Event at South Valley BBQ and Lounge
International Jazz Day | April 30, 2022
Stay Tuned for a Special Event
Come join me around town. Hope to see you.
About the Author — Gregory Burrus
Gregory Burrus books bands, produces, promotes, captures, and records live music events along with various other community and private activities.
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://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus
A Fabulous 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree, Sept 25 and 26, 2021 (RECAP)
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, December 15, 2021
The South Orange 24 Hours of Music Jamboree started in 2017 as a local live music event, where the musicians performed on multiple local stages, year after year for 3 years in our neighborhood parks, stores, and gazebos. However, in our new pandemic world in 2020, we all had to adjust in many unexpected ways. The COVID-19 pandemic drove many industries to instantly shut down. Borders, race politics, it did not matter.
We were faced with a new world and understanding that to resolve this problem we needed to know that “we were and still are all in this together“. Hence, the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree had no choice but to adapt and evolve with the times. In 2020, we adapted the event to be totally online. And we had a great time.
The great thing we learned is that live music is universal and musicians can play with each other from all over the world. We evolved this year's performance program to meet the lingering needs of a global pandemic, ongoing social distancing, and sporadic worldwide travel restrictions.
Making It All Happen
Additional adjustments were needed this season as we had scheduled a full-day tribute to one of our fallen musicians, bass player Darryl Clark. We kicked off the Darryl Clark Tribute in July, but we ran into some extremely uncooperative weather. Hence, we had to reschedule this event before the end of the Summer Saturdays season. Addressing the above issues of travel restriction, rescheduling, budget restrictions, lingering social distance issues, etc., we turned this year's 24 Hours of Music Jamboree into a hybrid affair of online and offline performances. While not continuous due to pandemic restrictions, we used a single venue flow for all performances, therefore turning the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree into 36 hours of music over the weekend.
Set 1: Saturday, 10 AM - 10 PM
Planning was done in time to enjoy 3 sets of live music performances. The weekend was divided up between 12 hours live on Saturday, 12 hours overnight, and an 11-hour in-person Tribute on Sunday. Now, let's take a walk through a wonderful day of live music, jazz, R&B, and a DJ Dance party.
Baker Street Duo with Alex Desrivieres and Senia Raines
The Baker Street Trio, featuring Ben Collins-Siegel on keys, Ben Schwartz on drums, Alex Desrivieres on Sax, and Sen Raines on Bass kicked off the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. The music at 10 AM was wonderful and a great way to start the day. You can read more about these youngsters here:
Matt Chertkoff Trio featuring Houston Person, Vince Ector, and Matthew Parish
This was an off-the-chain performance at the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. Thank you to the phenomenal Matt Chertkoff Trio performance with Houston Person on Sax, Vince Ector on Drums, and Matthew Parrish on Bass. The noon to 2 PM performance was a jazz performance that will be remembered for a long time. Read more about Matt Chertkoff Trio feat. Legendary Saxophonist Houston Person.
Leonieke Scheuble Quartet
Thank you to the fabulous Leonieke Scheuble Quartet for joining us in the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. The music performed by Nick Scheuble on Drums, Chuggy Carter on Percussion, and Leonieke Scheuble on Keys, with the legendary bassman Bill Crow, was swinging and just beautiful to listen to and the audience loved it all.
Kumiko Tanaka
As you can see, the Kumiko Tanaka Trio’s performance was absolutely wonderful. Loving this performance and knowing that folks in Japan faced a lot of the same pandemic challenges we do in performing live music, I requested some background. I asked Kumiko about how they prepared, how they felt about their performance, and how it was received by their audience in Japan.
Read More: Japan’s Kumiko Tanaka Trio Live in NJ - 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree (RECAP).
MPack Music
Thank you to MPack Band for kicking off the dancing Sounds In Spiotta Park for the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. The band consisted of Kev Moore (Natz) on Drums, Larry Greenberg on Keys, Kenny Robinson on Guitar, with Patricia Walton on Vocals, led by Clarence Conover on Guitar and Vocals. We switched over to R&B, and folks started moving to the beat with their feet as all entered into jamming and dancing part of the weekend. The audience loved it.
MPack is the musical brainchild of bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, and vocalist Clarence 'Groove Master' Conover. He’s the founder, leader, and vocalist of the Clarence Conover Project, the MPack Band, and the Founder and CEO of M-Pack Music Productions, whose motto is “Life Changing Sounds.” He released his first CD, My Time, in 2014.
New Jersey DJ Services LLC w DJ Jimmy
Thank you to New Jersey DJ Services LLC and their killer sound system for rocking Spiotta Park in the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. The music played by DJ James Buttros was swinging and got folks up on their feet dancing the rest of the night. It was a perfect way to end 13 hours of live music in South Orange Downtown Summer Saturdays.
Watch: https://www.facebook.com/gregory.burrus/videos/410486934031777/
“New Jersey DJ service is a DJ, entertainment, and party rental services. Party Rental includes bouncy houses, game trailers, etc.. We've been in business for over 25 years and our rates are best in the business.” https://www.facebook.com/newjerseydjservices
Set 2: Saturday, 11 PM to Sunday, 12 PM
Set 2 was reflective of last year, 2020, which was all online. Pre-recorded performances were played throughout the night.
Set 3: Sunday, 10 AM - 10 PM — Darryl Clark Tribute
As mentioned above, thanks to the Town of South Orange and South Orange Downtown, we were able to use the final weekend of the Summer Saturdays Live Music Season. The third part of this hybrid weekend was an in-person 3rd set of all-day music on Sunday 9/26. Here's a short snippet:
You can review and listen to the full Sunday tribute here:
Darryl Clark Tribute in the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree
It’s been a lot of fun every year since the beginning. Hopefully, we see you next year. For now, enjoy some of the good times above and below that went from in-person to totally online, and now back to hybrid events.
Enjoy Past 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Experiences:
Hopefully, you enjoyed this video walk-through. Talk soon.
About the Author
Gregory Burrus books bands and 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 at https://24hoursofmusicjamboree.com and https://gregoryburrusproductions.com
RECAP: Juneteenth Celebrations Plus More Produced and Curated by Gregory Burrus Productions
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.
Juneteenth is Now a Federal Holiday
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]
What is Juneteenth?
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.
Local Celebrations of Live Music and More
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.
Recap: Photography and Art
East Orange: Black Panther | Juneteenth Photoshoot
The Black Panther | Juneteenth Photoshoot held in East Orange, New Jersey!! Happy Juneteenth!! Photographer: @theseredmoments; Production: @talent.sunsetmodels
West Orange Arts Council — BLM Exhibit
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”
RECAP: Live Music Bands Around the Towns
Live Music Summary
Here’s a quick recap of the June 19th live music weekend festivities.
Victor Jones Trio
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.
Destiny Autumn — Music History
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
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
Cafe Word Bookstore reported a wonderful celebration with Nia and Steve and Dance Master Susan Pope.
Harmonic Convergence Band
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 Entertainment
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 & Jazz with Jacque Harmon Johnson Quartet
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
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.
South Orange Juneteenth Celebration
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
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
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 in Flood’s Hill
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.
About the Artists
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
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
Celebrate Juneteenth with Us and Live Music Events In and Around South Orange, NJ
By Gregory Burrus | Posted Saturday, June 19, 2021
Come celebrate with Gregory Burrus Productions, South Orange Village Center Alliance, the Town of South Orange and West Orange Arts Council as they pay homage and tribute to Freedom Day on June 19th, 2021.
There will be a number of live music events starting at Noon in and around South Orange, West Orange and more, all the way to 10 PM. Take a look, plan your visits, and have fun with these free events.
Noon - 2 PM Victor Jones Orchestration in Spiotta Park
Photo credit: Albert Clarke, https://www.instagram.com/alclarke_photography/
Victor Jones Orchestration - Jazz is America's One True Original art form.
Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Jazz can express many different emotions, from pain to sheer joy. In jazz, you may hear the sounds of freedom — for the music has also been a powerful voice for people suffering unfair treatment because of the color of their skin or more. Jazz has spread from the United States to many parts of the world, and today jazz musicians — and jazz festivals — can be found in dozens of nations. Jazz is one of the United States's greatest exports to the world.
Victor Jones is world renown drummer and has performed and toured with such luminaries as Stan Getz, James Moody, Michel Petrucciani, Joe, Olivia, Stanley Clarke, Phyllis Hyman, Dizzy Gillespie and Chaka Khan as well as others. As George Benson said, ”Whether playing funk, rock or jazz, Victor Jones is one cat that gets it right.”
We invite you to come listen to the Victor Jones Orchestration as we kick off Juneteenth with this world renown visionary performing the music that has survived through the ages.
2-2:45 PM Destiny Autumn Music In Spiotta Park
Destiny Autumn "...and it's all thanks to Black Musicians"
Did you know almost all music we listen to today originated from black artists and musicians of yesterday? Local musician, Destiny Autumn, will break down the history of black music stemming from Hymns of the South to the Pop hits from the North and everything in between dating from the past until present day! You don't want to miss this fun and educational presentation this Juneteenth! Singing, dancing and having fun are a must. All ages, kids to adults, are welcome to participate.
Destiny Autumn is an up-and-coming professional musician, songwriter and performer based in the New York metropolitan area, who writes and sings from the heart to the hearts and souls of the people. She began her musical journey studying classical piano and voice, and then expanded her palette to various other genres. She studied Jazz and obtained her degree from Indiana University: Jacob School of Music. Destiny has had the opportunity to perform on stage with world renowned artists such as Darmon Meader, Roseanne Vitro, Nadine Herman, Tierney Sutton, Bobby McFerrin, John Raymond, Jeremy Fox and many more.
2:45-4:45 Invigorating Drum Circle In Spiotta Park
We are having a Drum Circle and You are invited
Group rhythm-making evolved from the earliest times of man or woman. When we couldn't communicate verbally, we grunted or banged something as a form of shared expression. That is a Drum Circle! It's when we join together in UNITY to express ourselves through another voice.
Come on out and express yourself through rhythm with our local resident drummer Allison Brown. Special Guest Richard Reiter, Saxophonist/Jazz Master/Spiritual Drumming Circle Leader, will be joining us with a few friends. Bring your Drum and Chair, or we have some for you. All ages, kids to adults, are welcome to participate.
Lynette Sheard Trio Live at BLM Exhibit at the West Orange Arts Council
Maria Estrela and Carol Jenkins, both female artists of color from Essex County, have a personal connection to a new exhibit in West Orange.
Participating Artists: Sarah Bass Aspe, Josephine Barreiro, Yuri Bisono, Carol Black-Lemon, Wendy Born, Syreeta Brooks, Marina Carreira, Patricia Croft, Antoinette Ellis-Williams, Maria Estrela, Mary Fordham, Karen Goldberg, Dino Gravato, Patricia Hutchinson, Queen Mother Imakhu, Carol T. Jenkins, Lizette Louis, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Barbara Motley, Frank Niccoletti, Amelia Panico, Davynte “Red” Pannell, Sundra Parker, John Piccoli, Dayana Poulard, Ron Powell, Martryce Roach, Gale Sasson, Ameerah Shabazz, Ella Silivanch, Timothy Simmons, Elaine Tassy, Sheila R. Thompson, Denise Toney and Kelly D. Villalba.
Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/yumbkryp
You can read more right here: For These Artists, BLM Exhibit In West Orange Has Special Meaning
The gallery show will be open for in-person visits at 551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ through July 31. A reception will be held on Saturday, June 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.
4:30 - 5:30 PM Juneteenth BLM Live Music Experience
Performing at this BLM Reception on June 19th will be a trio of heavy hitter jazz musicians performing outside the West Orange Arts Gallery at 551 Valley Road in West Orange, NJ starting at 4:30-5:30 PM. Adjacent to the Lunar Theater, they will deliver a medley of jazzy tunes guaranteed to make you smile and help you celebrate America's original Art form.
Lynette Sheard - Vocalist
Lynette is a multi-talented and versatile vocalist with a five octave range and perfect pitch. She acts, produces, directs and is 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.” Lynette is also a director of the Mental Health Association of New Jersey. https://www.lynetteentertainment.com/
Brandon McCune - Pianist
This Chicago native makes his home in Newark, NJ. His musical studies began at age three, when his parents enrolled him in the Suzuki Method of Classical Piano. Brandon McCune is an experienced Professional Musician (pianist, organist, drummer, trumpeter, bassist, vocalist, and choir director) serving as a principal music instructor, composer, counselor, arranger, and performer with a special concentration in the jazz, classical, and gospel genres. Brandon was selected through a national audition as a 1998-1999 U.S. Jazz Ambassador to Africa, where he traveled abroad representing the United States performing public and private concerts, master classes and workshops. https://www.facebook.com/brandon.mccune
Marshall McDonald - Saxophonist
Marshall McDonald played Lead Alto for 18 years with The Count Basie Orchestra, played Baritone sax on Paquito D'Rivera’s Latin Grammy-winning album Tropicana Nights, played baritone sax with Abdullah Ibrahim and also played clarinet with The Duke Ellington Orchestra. This Pittsburgh native’s career also includes a 10-year stint with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. Other career highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall with Nancy Wilson, The Tokyo Blue Note, The Nice Jazz Festival, Illinois Jacquet, Charli Persip, Frank Foster, Tony Bennett, Bobby Caldwell, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Tony Bennett, Milt Jackson, Nina Simone, Rosemary Clooney and Aretha Franklin, amongst others. https://marshallmcdonald.com
Tonia Ray All Stars and MPack Band on Flood's Hill, South Orange, NJ
Tonia Ray and Clarence Conover have been making music in the New Jersey scene for a long time and these two bands, Tonia Ray All Stars and MPACK, will delight the crowd with a series of jumping and popping R&B tunes.
6:30 - 7:30 PM Tonia Ray All Stars
Tonia Ray brings down the house with her events, whether on the big stage, the club or a nursing home. Known to sing a variety of genres, she brings listeners to their feet, dancing and making sure everyone is having fun. She sings classics from Whitney Houston, The Marvelettes, Diana Ross to Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, and much, much more. She’s guaranteed to give an audience a performance they will not stop talking about.
8:00 - 9:00 PM MPack Band
MPack is a band, a brand, and a musical production enterprise, consisting of multiple elements in an ever-evolving flow. It is the musical brainchild of bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist Clarence ‘Groove Master’ Conover. He’s the founder and CEO of M-Pack Music productions, whose motto is “Life Changing Sounds.” MPack brings an explosive energy to the stage, guaranteed to rock the house all night long!
They will take us back, and bring us back to today. Good times, dancing and shaking in your seat guaranteed.
You are invited to celebrate Freedom Day on Flood's Hill and enjoy these FREE live music performances. Bring your own picnic, or purchase BBQ and beer from the Gaslight Beer Garden.
About Gregory Burrus Productions
Gregory Burrus Productions produces/promotes local live music events and is also a social media manager, event developer and community partner that 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, showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur all around the towns.