What'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:

https://www.southorangedowntown.org/juneteenth 

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:

https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/events/ 

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:

https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/events/ 

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:

https://www.facebook.com/DowntownCranford/ 

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/ 

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.

John Lee and Friends Keeping Jazz Alive Since Dizzy Gillespie and More at South Valley BBQ and Lounge

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Monday, February 14, 2022

In today's series of Keeping Jazz Alive, we talk about a venue that has had jazz performances on a regular basis for years, and then due to Pandemic plus the venue was sold, jazz has been missing for way too long.  Well, SuzyQue’s is gone, and it's time to see if we can keep jazz alive at South Valley BBQ and Lounge. I say, let’s do it!!

John Lee and Friends at South Valley BBQ and Bar, formerly SuzyQue’s.

We’ll also review some Jazz Masters that have been performing there and are all about Keeping Jazz Alive. These musicians are notable not only because they play jazz music but because it has also become their life's journey. They have, in some cases, played with and had their careers moved forward by past jazz masters. Some of these musicians we have been listening to have been entrusted to keep the jazz legacy alive and they do so every day. Their journey in life is learning, teaching, and performing their original compositions but also the jazz music that has passed down through the generations. Today we tell this Keep Jazz Alive Story through the venue that has a wonderful history of jazz events, but first it’s about the musicians who have performed here and will again in upcoming performances, which is what it's all about. 

John Lee — Musician

Bassist, Grammy-winning record producer and audio engineer.

John Lee on Bass with Aretha Franklin. John Lee with 2019 Grammy. (Images: Matters Magazine)

Most folks around here don't know that the unassuming friendly bass player leaning on the window playing the smooth bass as the jazz flows has an incredible musical legacy. As a recent Maplewood Matters Magazine article, “From Dizzy Gillespie to Aretha Franklin, John Lee is a South Orange Jazz All-Star”, stated:

“John Lee won a Grammy in 2019 for the ‘Best Latin Jazz / Jazz Album’ as the recording engineer, producer, and mixer for “Jazz Batá 2” by Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés.” 

Around Dizzy Gillespie

John Lee with Dizzy Gillespie. (Images: Matters Magazine)

If you don’t know, John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie is remembered by both critics and fans alike as one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of all time.  John Lee was Dizzy Gillespie's bassist for 10 years, from 1984 through 1993. He performed and recorded in the trumpet master's various bands, including the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet, Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, and Dizzy's Grammy Award-winning United Nation Orchestra.

Around the World

John Lee has performed on over 50 albums and performed with the likes of Paquito D’Rivera, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Joe Henderson, Larry Coryell, Gregory Hines, Claudio Roditi, Arturo Sandoval, Joachim Kühn, Philip Catherine, Gerry Brown and the aforementioned Legendary Dizzy Gillespie, etc. 

Dizzy Gillespie Bands. (Image: dizzygillespie.org)

At the request of Dizzy’s family, John was asked to create an ongoing tribute to the great man and his music—and the concept for the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars was born. John is the bassist and Director of the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars, Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, and the Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Cuban Experience. The cast of musicians is an incredible list of great performers. These cats play some incredible music all around the world and are first-hand keeping jazz alive. (Read more at dizzygillespie.org.)

Around South Orange 

Artist Kevin O'Connell's "Giant Steps.” Read more on Gregory Burrus’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/19gFgMtOLv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

John Lee supports, arranges, and organizes jazz events around the world, including the spectacular Giants of Jazz Concert at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. The Giants of Jazz Concert is an annual event that includes 70 fabulous worldwide musicians. John’s event was honored and captured in Artist Kevin O'Connell's "Giant Steps" giant mural in South Orange, NJ.

As the Grammy Award-winning record producer, audio engineer, and bass player who has produced over 100 recordings, John has a worldwide reach when it comes to the music business. When he performs, the band is always top-notch and you never know who might show up, as John always invites widely respected friends from all over the world to join in at our very local venue. Here’s a few upcoming friends that will perform with him in the upcoming performance:

John Lee’s Friends

Gerry Brown — Master Drummer

Gerry Brown.

Gerry Brown began playing the drums at the age of five, and since 2000 he has been the drummer for Diana Ross. Gerry is a ”Jazz drummer who has featured with bassists Stanley Clarke and John Lee and is an ex-member of Chick Corea's Return To Forever.” (Read more here.)

His musical journey started with fellow schoolmate, Stanley Clarke, who introduced Gerry as a "Master Drummer" and the "first musician I ever played with!" Gerry, along with Stanley, crafted the revolutionary “School Days” recording which continues to inspire drummers and bassists worldwide.

Gerry Brown with Stanley Clarke at Newport Jazz Festival. Watch the video here.

His long list of accomplishments has landed him on stages and recording studios with George Benson, Marcus Miller, Lionel Ritchie, John Lee, Sonny Fortune, Alfonso Johnson and Phillip Bailey. He also has worked with the NDR Big Band, Brothers Johnson, Roberta Flack, Joe Sample, Slide Hampton, Tom Harrell, Larry Coryell, Dave Samuels, Chuck Loeb and Chick Corea.

Gerry Brown has performed at numerous SRO events worldwide and also holds the distinction of holding the drum chair for the legendary Stevie Wonder for 14 years.

Stevie Wonder/Gerry Brown Duet

His versatility is obviously well known in the industry as has also toured with Diana Ross, Jeffrey Osborne, plus others, and he still performs with some of the top musicians of today. 

Gerry, formerly of Los Angeles, CA is lucky for us now residing in South Orange, NJ and continues to be a driving force in the industry. His first instructional drum video "R&B Drumming With Gerry Brown" was released to critical acclaim by numerous music publications. Gerry's insight as an educator and performer has established him as a sought after clinician for Yamaha Drums, Zildjian Cymbals & Drumsticks, and Evans Drumheads.

Steve Carrington — Saxophone

According to SOPAC’s website: “Born in East Baltimore, Maryland, Steve Carrington began playing the saxophone at age seven. After attending the Baltimore School for the Arts and Frederick Douglass High School (whose alumni include Cab Calloway), Carrington was awarded a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied with saxophonist Bill Pierce. His early influences were John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Grover Washington Jr., Hank Mobley, Dexter Gordon, and Freddie Hubbard.”

Steve Carrington on sax with John Lee Jazz on a Sunday afternoon at 100 Blanchard in South Orange, NJ.

“[In] New York, Steve sat in and performed with the likes of the late Elvin Jones, Joey DeFrancesco, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Wynton Marsalis, Wessel “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Eric Lewis (ELEW) and Chick Corea. He is close friends with his mentor Kenny Garrett. In a symbolic passing of the torch, Kenny gifted Steve with a saxophone in 2012. Long distances don’t prevent these two from sharing impromptu jam sessions via FaceTime, even when Kenny is on the road! […] In addition, Carrington has played with Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Hargrove, Milt Hinton, Frank Wess and Jimmy Heath, among many others.” (Read more here.)

“Just keep that big beautiful smile and that big beautiful sound.” – Chick Corea

“Steve’s music and robust sound demands that you take a listen.” – Kenny Garrett.

As leader of his quartet, Carrington has opened for Abbey Lincoln, Lionel Hampton, Stanley Turrentine, and Milt Hinton. He has been performing with Kool and the Gang. Currently, he is a member of Greg Bandy’s band, the Valery Ponomarev Big Band, and Cyrus Chestnut’s African Reflections band. Carrington’s recordings include his debut album A Caring Tone (2014) and Mind Traveler (2019). He is also on the faculty of the Jazz Mentoring Program at the Eubie Blake Cultural Center in Baltimore.

Alex Collins — Composer/Arranger/Pianist

Alex Collins is a New York City-based pianist, composer, arranger and vibraphonist. Alex made his debut at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival with the Brandon Wright Quartet in 2010.

Alex is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (M.M. Jazz Composition) and earned his undergraduate degree from the Eastman School of Music (B.M. Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media (Piano)).

He received the Wynton Kelly Jazz Foundation Award for Jazz Achievement (2003) and participated in the prestigious Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead program (2006).

Aside from leading his own trio, Alex has performed in the bands of Ronnie Burrage, Micelle Coltrane, Big Funk, Gerry Gibbs, Karl Latham, John Lee, Lonnie Plaxico, Lenny White, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars. Alex has performed at prolific venues across the city, such as the Blue Note, The Plaza Hotel, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center, Fat Cat and Smalls Jazz Club, just to name a few!

As you can see, it's an all-star cast, the jazz will be extraordinary, and now on to the venue that John Lee used to hang out in pre-Covid days and hopefully will again on a regular basis, once again. 

South Valley BBQ and Bar — West Orange, NJ

The former SuzyQue’s, if you haven't heard, is under new ownership and is now a Black-owned restaurant. John Lee and Friends had a regular Jazz Night that we captured periodically on Facebook. As time progressed, things changed, and then COVID came along and stopped everything. 

Well, SuzyQue’s now the new South Valley BBQ and Bar and the new owners are looking forward to creating a wonderful and warm environment for all patrons to enjoy live music. Their first very visible modification was a newly remodeled Blue Room for events.

With an upgraded menu and an outside seating area, there’s still lots of free parking, and they currently have Karaoke nights, DJ spinning nights, football watch nights and more. Of course, we would love to add a Jazzy Night, and we would love for Jazz Fans to come on out.

Jazzy Nights 

Let's work together at keeping jazz alive right here in West Orange, NJ. 

Jazzy Nights Music with John Lee and Friends is coming to South Valley BBQ and Lounge, 34 S Valley Rd, West Orange, NJ 07052. 

Live swinging jazz “like you like it.”

John Lee — Bass
Alex Collins — Keys
Gerry Brown — Drums
Steve Carrington — Sax

Please join us for 2 Sets - 8-9:15 PM and 9:45-11 PM 

Limit Seating. To make reservations in advance, call (973) 736-7899.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnleeandfriends

Hope to see you at South Valley BBQ and Bar on Feb. 18th and beyond.  

About the Author 

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 

Get Featured

So as you can see, these are some pretty cool places with awesome support groups and, more importantly, supportive venue owners, all hoping and helping to keep the Jazz Alive for a long, long time. If you want your favorite Jazz venue listed, let me know and I'll get you in on the next scheduled post.

http://gregoryburrusproductions.com/contact

Celebrating Black Lives Matter via Art and Live Music at BLM Artist Reception (RECAP)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Thursday, November 11, 2021

Unfortunately, in today’s world we have to tell people that life matters. Hence, the Black Lives Matter  Movement which is a decentralized political and social movement protesting against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against black people.

Being a Mahatma Gandhi fan, I share his quote, “The future depends on what we do in the present.” In recapping the Juneteenth celebration during the Artist Reception of “Black Lives Matter: For Justice, For Equality, For Liberty!”, it was wonderful to see and hear this very creative West Orange Art Council (WOAC) exhibition. To me, this exhibition was a celebration of life via two life-changing mediums — art and live music.

“Black Lives Matter: For Justice, For Equality, For Liberty!”

The Curators

Designed to address the issues of today, the artists were encouraged to express their feelings about this subject in their art. As part of West Orange, NJ’s celebration and commemoration of Juneteenth, artists Maria Luis Estrela and Carol T. Jenkins of the West Orange Arts Council (WOAC) curated this exhibition. It was clear from meeting early on with Maria that she had a personal connection to this exhibition.

“I purposely utilize my skills to help Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) artists, who are underrepresented in the arts scene,” Maria Estrela said. “I feel it’s important to raise awareness of the issues faced in their own communities including racism, discrimination, inequality and injustice.” (See For These Artists, BLM Exhibit In West Orange Has Special Meaning.)

Maria’s passion was also reflected in the article How Maria Estrela’s Passion for Arts and Travel Shapes RBNY Homegrown Player, Bento Estrela, where Maria clearly feels a close connection to singer/songwriter Nina Simone. “Nina Simone, she was an activist and through her music, she raised awareness about what was happening in America against Black people. So she was a very powerful woman, she used her music to say what was happening in America,” said Estrela. “So that inspired me to create first because she was a great musician and artist, and second because she was an activist, and she was fighting for equality and justice.”  

The Artists

The exhibit debuted in person on June 5th and was open for in-person visits at the West Orange Arts Center (551 Valley Road) through July 31. As stated on the WOAC’s website:

“Over 40 artists, photographers and poets are participating in this art for social change. The participating artists are: 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.”

To see WOAC’s “Black Lives Matter: For Justice, For Equality, For Liberty!”exhibition online, click here.

In addition, it was great to see that Estrela and Jenkins received support from Rey Arvelo, Carol Black-Lemon, Deneise Smith and Patricia Mitrano and also collaborated with the West Orange Human Relations Commission, NAACP Oranges Maplewood Branch, West Orange Public Library, West Orange Youth Caucus, Bloomfield College and the Office of the West Orange Mayor & Township Administration.

The Music

The Artist Reception featured art and a live music performance.

As Gregory Burrus Productions, I was very happy to be the curator of the live music for this reception. I selected the jazz genre, considering the fact that “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. (See Wikipedia.)

UNPA. UN stamps commemorating International Jazz Day. Source: https://news.un.org/en/story/2014/04/467252-world-day-un-celebrates-historic-influence-jazz-connect-people-ignite-social

How does jazz connect to social change? According to this United Nations article:

“Jazz reinforces the role youth play for social change; Jazz encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion of traditional music forms into new ones; Jazz stimulates intercultural dialogue and empowers young people from marginalized societies.”   

Jazz is about improvisation, a blend of different cultures and, like America, Jazz states that we all belong here, have value here and can get along here. So what better way to celebrate a Juneteenth Black Lives Matter event than with this “uniquely American” form of music. It takes from West African culture, the work songs and spirituals of black slaves in America, and European instruments like the piano and the trumpet.

Performing at this BLM Reception in the West Orange Art Center, located adjacent to Luna Stage, was a trio of heavy hitter professional jazz musicians

The artists performing were: Lynette Sheard – Vocals, Brandon McCune – Piano and Marshall McDonald – Saxophone. They performed a medley of jazz tunes from the Great American Songbook that make you smile and tap your feet while you celebrated and enjoyed America’s original art form called Jazz.

A little background on the musicians.

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. 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. (See 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). 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. (See https://www.facebook.com/brandon.mccune)

Marshall McDonald – Saxophonist

Marshall McDonald was lead alto for 18 years with Count Basie Orchestra, played sax on Paquito D’Rivera’s Latin Grammy-winning album, sax with Abdullah Ibrahim, and clarinet with Duke Ellington Orchestra. This Pittsburgh native’s career had a 10-year stint with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, and he performed at Carnegie Hall with Nancy Wilson, Tokyo Blue Note, Nice Jazz Festival, and with Illinois Jacquet, Tony Bennett, Bobby Caldwell, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Tony Bennett, Milt Jackson, Nina Simone, Rosemary Clooney and Aretha Franklin amongst others.  (See https://marshallmcdonald.com)

Looking Back – Going Forward

Combining the normal in-person experience along with an online component was — and is — extremely important during these COVID times, especially since there was a tremendous amount of work put into this exhibition. It’s great to see and know that the results of these curators, Maria and Carol, will have an impact for some time to come. It’s great to know this legacy of art and music will last far into the future.

WOAC Reception: June 29, 2021

Please enjoy the following shots and subsequent press from this exhibit.

Photos Rich Silivanch, Gregory Burrus

New 12 New Jersey

I’m excited to share that Della Crews of News 12 New Jersey gave a shout out to the artists and poets in the West Orange Arts Council’s “Black Lives Matter: For Justice, For Equality, For Liberty!” exhibit and shared some of the photos taken by Rich Silivanch at the #Juneteenth artist’s reception last weekend in West Orange, NJ.

Additional coverage links and sources:

NJ.com – Black Lives Matter: For Justice, For Equality, For Liberty

WO Patch – For These Artists, BLM Exhibit In West Orange Has Special Meaning

Essex News Daily – West Orange Arts Center presents hybrid ‘Black Lives Matter’ art experience

Facebook WOAC – Black Lives Matter: For Justice, For Equality, For Liberty!

TAPinto/West Orange – 22 Days Left to Visit West Orange Arts Council’s Black Lives Matter Exhibit

A truly beautiful event, gorgeous and inspiring artwork with some wonderful people. Read more here: https://essexnewsdaily.com/arts/98515

About Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus Productions produces and 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, and videotaping events and happenings as they occur all around the towns.

Darryl Clark Tribute in the 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, November 10, 2021

On September 26th, the Live Music Community came together with friends, family and fellow musicians to celebrate the life of local West Orange resident Bass Man Darryl Clark. Folks came from as far as Massachusetts, New York and more to express their sentiments. Folks who could not make this event in person, joined in and viewed the livestream from New York, Florida, California and more.

We had tried this in July, but the 2nd time was a charm as on a perfect weather day the community came together for the 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree Sunday that celebrated the life of bass player, father and community member Darryl Clark. Darryl became a fixture on the live music scene as he performed in numerous live music events in and around South Orange NJ. Always friendly, always helpful, Darryl jammed with us, produced some truly swinging performances and enjoyed playing bass all over the area.

It was a beautiful day, the weather was great as we recreated a number of environments Darryl performed in.

1. The South Orange Farmers market where Darryl jammed numerous times.

2. His band DC Fusion with former band members Howard Hall and Alex DeLazzari.

3. The Nat Adderley Jr. Trio as Nat was one of his biggest supporters and played with Darryl Clark many times in Spiotta Park.

We also live streamed events overnight with submitted performances by his college buddy saxophonist Marshall McDonald and vocalist Lynette Sheard, amongst others, who performed with him in the past.

Below is a taste of each of the live music tribute events that reflected Darryl’s musical life in and around South Orange with friends and family.

Full events will be found at https://vimeo.com/gregoryburrus.

South Orange Farmers Market Jam led by Peter Lin

A taste of the Peter Lin Trio Tribute to Darryl Clark in the 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree in Spiotta Park, South Orange NJ.

A huge thank you to Peter Lin Trio with Gordon Kuba on Drums, Billy Smolen on Bass and led by Peter Lin on Trombone for leading off Day 2 of the 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree. It was a perfect and fitting tribute of live music for our buddy Bass man Darryl Clark as we recaptured the South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jams.

Jazzy Nights DC Fusion Band led by Howard Hall 

Here we have a little bit of Darryl’s original band, DC Fusion, in Tribute to Darryl Clark in 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree in Spiotta Park, South Orange NJ.

Thank you to DC Fusion Jazz, led by the Howard Hall Quartet, in celebration of the DC Fusion Band, Darryl Clark Rides Again on Day 2 of the 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree.

DC Fusion rode one more time in honor of Darryl Clark with Coo Moe Jhee on Bass, band member Alex De Lazzari on Sax, filling in Errold Lanier Jr. on Drums, and led by Howard Hall on Keys. Thank you all for replaying the tunes he loved and for recreating the Jazzy Nights scene. Especially nice was calling up the folks he loved to play with as they came through. Just fabulous live music all around, all day on a beautiful sunny day.

Family and Friends Tributes led by Gregory Burrus

Folks came from as far as Massachusetts to express their sentiments. 

Folks who could not make this event in person joined in and watched the livestream from New York, Florida, California and more.

The tributes were amazing.

Fellow Musicians Led by Neighbor Nat Adderley Jr.

A taste of the Nat Adderley Jr. Tribute to Darryl Clark at the 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree with Chris Berger & Jerome Jennings.

A big thank you goes out to the Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio for headlining the day and closing out our 5th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree. From the 1st tune to the end, your trio with Bassist Chris Berger and Drummer Jerome Jennings was slamming.

A Great Tribute and Great Day of Live Music

The live music was smoking hot, made everyone feel welcome, and I know it made Darryl Clark proud as the music flowed hard, fast and friendly. Thank you for having fun with all of Darryl‘s Friends and Family and audience members who clearly enjoyed themselves while paying tribute to Darryl.

Darryl William Clark (1962 – 2020)

Darryl Clark and wife Michele Clark.

We commemorate our buddy Darryl Clark who now resides in musical heaven.

“A year ago today my world stopped and it felt like I’d never breathe again. But you, our amazing sons, the love that surrounds us and God, have been the source of my strength. You were and still are a blessing to me, and for that, I am thankful. I miss you everyday. Rest in peace my bass man, my captain, my love.” —Michele Clark

Thank you Good Buddy Darryl for being you. — Greg

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]

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. 

NJ Art Exhibit Gives Teens a Voice During COVID-19 Pandemic

Featured artwork: Miguel Intal. Acrylic (16 x 20); Tray Kwok. Watercolor (12 x 12);
Dylan Wimberly. Acrylic (13 x 20)

PRESS RELEASE | Posted Sunday, March 21, 2021

West Orange Arts Council Presents a Virtual Art Exhibit of 
West Orange High School Advanced Placement Studio Art Seniors

Opening Online at www.woarts.org in March 2021

WEST ORANGE, NJ (March 12, 2021) – Through an exciting partnership with the Visual and Performing Arts Program at West Orange High School (WOHS), the West Orange Arts Council’s (WOAC) latest show features rising stars of our community.  

The 2021 Virtual WOHS Student Exhibit showcases the work of seventeen Advanced Placement Studio Art seniors:  Clark Bunao, Adriana Garcia, Miguel Intal, Chris King, Tracy Kwok, Finnley Lewis, Alina Oser, Cristal Perez, Olivia Pinto, Jordan Roberts, Kyle Selim, Ella Silivanch, Julia Spellman, Mikayla Tilton, Elian Torres, Ilayda Vural and Dylan Wimberly.

The artists work in several techniques including traditional acrylic, graphite, and watercolor to Tombow markers and digital charcoal. 

"The students look forward to sharing the work they’ve created over the course of this unusual year of virtual learning,” says Heather Young, AP Studio art teacher. “As over 80% plan to or are in the process of applying to higher learning with an art focus, this group show is a great way to enhance their online portfolios." 

The WOHS Arts Program offers a variety of visual and aesthetic art courses. Students are required to complete a one-semester foundation course in studio art before proceeding to advanced studies like advanced drawing, design, painting, graphics and sculpture. After that, juniors and seniors may enroll in Advanced Placement Studio Art, producing portfolios for college admission and earning up to six advanced placement college credits. 

 This student exhibit has significant meaning for both organizations as it marks the one-year anniversary of the pandemic lockdown. “Last March we no sooner installed the show at the WOAC gallery, when the governor placed New Jersey in lockdown,” Lisa Suss, WOAC board member and co-curator recounts. 

“While our doors were closed, we were working behind the scenes to stay connected and keep the arts alive,” states WOAC chair Patricia Mitrano. “The WOAC offered several virtual shows and two hybrid (virtual and in-person at the gallery) this past year with more in store for 2021.”

 The virtual exhibit will be available on the West Orange Arts Council website at www.woarts.org. Additional events including a virtual reception are being planned at the time of this writing. Follow the West Orange Arts Council on social media and check the website regularly. 

For more information about the West Orange Arts Council and West Orange Arts Center, visit www.woarts.org or email info@woarts.org

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.

Ringside For A Cause: Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life (Recap)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Saturday, December 29, 2018

On Monday, December 10, 2018, Olympic medalist & Pro Boxer Shakur Stevenson, New Jersey Hall of Fame Boxing Coach Wali Moses, along with CEO Robyn Moses were the special guests at the Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life Ringside for a Cause Benefit. The purpose of the benefit event was to raise the organization's profile in additional communities outside its Newark home base, raise awareness of their mission, and garner additional support for upcoming organizational activities.  

The Wilshire Grand Hotel

The event was co-hosted by CC Minton, the Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life Board President, and Gregory Burrus, Live Music Ambassador and Live Music Events Producer and Promoter. The location was the Wilshire Grand Hotel Primavera Lounge in West Orange, NJ.   Primavera is a cozy, Zagat-rated Italian restaurant with a sophisticated ambiance which created a warm and relaxing atmosphere where event attendees mixed and mingled throughout the night.  The staff was warm and friendly, service timely and helpful, and they should be commended.

Round 1: Mix and Mingle - Live Music - Nat Adderley, Jr. and Darryl Clark

Nat Adderley, Jr. (piano) and Darryl Clark (bass). Photo by Maria B. Photography Studio.

Round 1 of the evening kicked off with a highly entertaining live music performance by bassist Darryl Clark of Darryl Clark Fusion and pianist/music director Nat Adderley Jr., who was also songwriter and arranger for 8-time GRAMMY winner Luther Vandross. Nat is a tremendous entertainer and pianist who began playing and writing music incredibly early. His first song, “I'm On My Way,” was recorded when he was just 11 by his legendary father, Nat Sr. and uncle, Cannonball Adderley.  Nat Adderley, Jr. along with local dynamic bassist Darryl Clark kept us very much engaged and entertained by performing a number of memorable jazz and R&B tunes to the immense delight of the event’s attendees. We were very happy that Darryl and Nat gave some of their time and musical gifts to us.

Photo by Maria B. Photography Studio.

Also during Round 1, Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life Board members Kenny Jones, Yusef Suliman and Doug Freeman spoke to the audience about the organization’s mission and its ongoing commitment to guiding young people.  Yusef made it clear that, “We have to encourage our kids, get behind them and support them in their endeavors.  We at Stevenson Boxing will give kids a chance to watch someone go from not knowing how to do something to knowing how to do it and give them the opportunity to compete all over the world if they choose to.”

Round 2: Main Event - Intimate Conversation with the Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life

Round 2 of the evening’s main event was an intimate conversation with Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life. This interview was excellently moderated by Stephanie Hutton, Board President of the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. The Junior League of Montclair-Newark is a supportive, amazing organization of women whose mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve the community through trained volunteers. We were very happy to have Stephanie gives us her time to help make the night’s activities a big success.

During Round 2, Stephanie’s queries gave us an opportunity to get up close and personal with the Boxing For Life leadership team. Robyn, Wali and Shakur expanded on the group’s vision, how it all came about, its importance to the community, and what’s happening now. We all gained extensive insight into the future of Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life.   You can listen to some of the interview right here: 

Stephanie Hutton leads Interview of Olympian Shakur Stebenson Willie Moses and CEO Robyn Moses from Gregory Burrus on Vimeo.

A key point from Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life CEO Robyn Moses that was apparent was her commitment to the community and belief that education is just as important as the tools that boxing provides to young people. 

During the event — and literally flying in from the 2018 Elite and Youth National Championships and Junior and Prep Open held in Utah — was guest honoree Olympian and Top Rank Contracted Pro Boxer Shakur Stevenson. Having landed in Newark as the event started, Shakur arrived in time to join the Round 2 ringside conversation. Shakur clearly agreed that boxing impacted his life tremendously and supported the fact that it gave him discipline and direction, which makes him know he will never give up on any goal he chooses to pursue. The night’s activities moved on to the Q and A portion of Round 2. Many insightful questions came about, including marketing and how it can help move the mission along.

Photo by Maria B. Photography Studio

This portion of the night further highlighted how the community supported Shakur in his journey from the city of Newark to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro — or, as NJ Hall of Fame Coach Wali Moses made it clear, that “It does takes a village and that is why we use boxing as a tool to reach the kids.”

“Shakur Stevenson is joined at a parade in his honor by the Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka (L); Stevenson's father, Shahid (2nd L); and mother, Malikah (R) on Aug. 28, 2016 in Newark, N.J..” Photo by Newark City Press Office.

Coach Wali’s point was truly emphasized when it comes to ”it takes a village” in this article by Columnist Jim Hague of TeamUSA, where it was noted: 

NEWARK, N.J. -- Thousands of Newark, New Jersey, residents took to the streets on a hot Sunday afternoon in August to welcome home one of their own, an Olympic hero no matter what took place at the recent Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

Read more at An Inspiration To His Hometown, Thousands Show Up To Honor Boxer Shakur Stevenson In Newark. 

Olympian/Boxer Vikas Krishan Yadav with Former Olympic Coach/NJ Hall of Fame Boxing Coach Wali Moses.

A wonderful surprise for the night was Vikas Krishan Yadav. Vikas is a boxer from the Bhiwani district in the state of Haryana in Northern India. Krishan won a Gold Medal in the 2010 Asian Games in the Lightweight category and a Gold Medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. In the 2016 Olympics, he advanced to the quarterfinal round, defeating highly touted U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell in the Round of 32. Earlier this year, he won a Commonwealth Gold and a Bronze Medal at the Asian Games, becoming the first three-time Asian Games medalist in Indian history. Recently signed to Top Rank boxing as a pro, he is going to train with Coach Wali Moses in Newark, N.J., and with the Indian National Team in Punjab, India.

Round 3: Networking, Photo Opportunities and Supporters

Photo by Maria B. Photography Studio.

Round 3 of the evening concluded with networking, a drawing of 50-50 winners, and lots of photo opportunities. It should also be said that the event’s success happened due to some notable attendees, sponsors, and supporters in attendance who gave us their time, expertise and presence.

Sponsors that joined us were Newark’s Playwright and Vocalist Joy Topping Mann of Ife Basim Masterpieces, event artist who captured it live – Kingdom Art, Jazz vocalist Patricia Walton, event welcome hostess and Round Announcements by Chelsea Burrus, video and technical support by Greg2B, and our professional photographer Maria Baptiste of Maria B Photography.

Supporters noted at the event were Michael Gray, Founder of Save our Nations and Chief of Staff for Congressman Donald Payne, L-Mani S. Viney, Executive Director of the Kappa League, and Professional Boxer Wali Muhammad.

Attendees that we were very happy to see in the audience were large-scale mural artist Elijah Minton, known as “The Art Alchemist,” and Celeste Bateman of Celeste Bateman & Associates and Founder of The Nia Network, and Norman Mann of the band "Rafiki.

You can review all of the “Ringside For A Cause: Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life” action at https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Gregory-Burrus-Productions-Artist/CC-Minton/Stevenson-Moses-Boxing-For-Life-Ringside-For-a-Cause/ 

About Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life

According to their website:

Stevenson and Moses Boxing For Life is the vision of Willie and Robyn Moses, along with their grandson 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist in Boxing Shakur Stevenson […] Stevenson & Moses Boxing For Life is an organization committed to using boxing as a tool to teach camaraderie among peers in the community.  The organization teaches Olympic style boxing to open the possibility of being a contender for the Olympics for Boxing.  We provide training for athletes to build endurance and perseverance for the sport of their choice. Our goal is to offer boxing as a deterrent to gun violence by building character and responsibility for the community in which participants live.  Stevenson and Moses Boxing For Life is a viable force in the community.

About the Author Gregory Burrus and Co-Host CC Minton

CC Minton, as President of the Board at Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life, provides strategic leadership to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies. She is a President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award recipient and also works with adults, children, and communities, empowering them to embrace healthy living. Her various projects include working with the Office of First Lady Michelle Obama, Whole Foods Market, NY/NJ Super Bowl organization, Apollo Theater, Olympic Day Committee, and Harlem World Magazine. She has spent her time honing her skills as a brand ambassador, fundraiser, and fitness instructor.

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, 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 sits on a number of local boards, committees and serves as a Board Member of Maplewood Community Music and curates and promotes live music events all over Essex County along with booking bands at many other local venues. For more information, visit http://gregoyburrus.me.

Ringside with Shakur Stevenson in West Orange (Monday, Dec. 10, 2018)

Join an Intimate Conversation with Co-Founder Olympic/Pro Boxer Shakur Stevenson, CEO Robyn Moses, and Hall of Fame Boxing Coach Wali Moses on
Mon 12/10/2018, 6:30 – 9:30 PM, Wilshire Grand Hotel, West Orange, NJ

Who is Shakur Stevenson?

Shakur  Stevenson the Boxer had a very successful career at the Youth Level, winning the 2014 AIBA Youth World Championships and 2014 Summer Youth Olympics. In 2015 he won the Senior U.S. Olympic Trials, thus qualifying for the U.S. boxing team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. In Rio, Stevenson won a silver medal, losing to Robeisy Ramirez of Cuba in the gold medal match. He was the highest-medaling male for the USA.  Photo By Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil  

It should also be noted that in the Olympics, Stevenson was dubbed "the next Mayweather" by Floyd Mayweather Jr. himself.  Stevenson turned professional on February 9, 2017 signing a promotional contract with Top Rank. Professionally Shikur has shown off his quickness, defense and punching skills as he has went on to win 9 professional fights, 5 by knockouts and 4 by decision.  (Wikipedia)

To learn more about Shakur take a listen to one of Shakur Stevenson Trainers, Wali Moses in this exclusive interview. Here, Wali Moses discusses how Shakur got started, fighting internationally and much more:

With a bright future ahead and fantastic family and community support, Shikur and family are looking at giving back to the community with the formation of Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life Group. 

Stevenson and Moses Boxing For Life

Stevenson and Moses Boxing for Life is the vision of Willie and Robyn Moses and their grandson 2016 Olympic Boxing Silver Medalist Shakur Stevenson.

“We believe all people can embrace who they are, can define their future, and can change the world.”

The Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life organization is committed to using boxing as a tool to:

•       Build endurance and perseverance training for athletes in any sport,

•       Teach camaraderie amongst the members and their peers,

•       Be a strong deterrent to gun violence in the neighborhood,

•       Build character, responsibility and respect for their community.

Moses is Stevenson’s grandfather and trainer who taught the 123-pound, oldest of nine children boxer how to fight. Moses co-founded Elite Heat Boxing Gym, which once boasted nine championships at the same time.

Inspired by Shakur’s successful boxing career Robin and Wali Moses have taken their dedicated community support to the next level by forming Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life Group.

By providing mentorship, tutoring and some basic needs support for their members, they are able to create a lasting impact that will ripple out across the community. The nonprofit’s ultimate goal is teaching boxing that can enable members to be a success in life and maybe even reach the level of being a contender for the Olympics and beyond.

Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life President CC Minton

In line with expanding their mission into the community, Stevenson Moses Founders recently appointed CC Minton as President of Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life organization. This was noted on a recent episode of the Eric Dawson Radio Show.  A great selection as CC Minton is a nationally recognized, award-winning health and lifestyle empowerment advocate, author, media contributor. CC Minton is a recipient of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Leadership Award and just recently was awarded the Michael Gray’s Save Our Nations Inc. Dream Maker Award.  

She is also a New Jersey Best Kids Book Author for her children’s book “Daddy’s Greek Potato Pie.” Invited by Michelle Obama’s Press Office, she has covered the Kids State Dinner at the White House. CC has also interviewed food notables such as Marcus Samuelsson as a health and lifestyle editor for Harlem World Magazine, and covered several New York City charity events.

Minton sits on the Board of Governance with the Junior League of Montclair-Newark and has served as a guest panelist at the Jack and Jill of America Childhood Obesity Forum in Washington, D.C. She is a former member of the Wellness Council for the West Orange School District.

Stevenson Moses Ringside for a Cause Benefit 

You are invited to enjoy an entertaining evening with local celebrities. The night’s event will include an opening mix and mingle reception. There will be a live music performance featuring Grammy Nominee, pianist Nat Adderley Jr. with bass player Darryl Clark.

Nat Adderley Jr. is known for his work with Luther Vandross. Nat wrote and arranged  Vandross' first top 20 pop hit, "Stop to Love," and other songs, including the Grammy Award-nominated "Give me the Reason.". Nat also produced tracks on the last seven Vandross studio albums. These include "The Closer I Get To You," a duet with Beyonce Knowles which also appears on Beyoncé’s album Dangerously in Love and won the Grammy Award for best R&B performance by a duo or group in 2004. At this benefit performance, Nat Adderley Jr. along with Darryl will wow the opening session as they play anything from Miles Davis to Stevie Wonder.

 Along the way guest will enjoy Primavera Ristorante ’ bits and bites while networking with attendees, the founders and community dignitaries.

The main event will be an intimate Ringside conversation with Co-Founder Olympian & Pro Boxer Shakur Stevenson, CEO Robyn Moses, and Hall of Fame Boxing Coach Wali Moses about boxing, the community and the passion behind founding Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life. This main event will be led by moderator Stephanie Hutton, President of the Junior League of Montclair Newark, Inc and immediately followed by your participation in an audience driven Q&A session. 

Rounding out the night’s activities will be a final networking hour viewing of the final art by local artist Kingdom Art and your chance to talk with the stars, photo opportunities and more. Proceeds will benefit community programs for Stevenson Moses Boxing for Life.

All are invited to join Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life Ringside at the Wilshire Grand Hotel’s Primavera Lounge 350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052 Mon 12/10/2018 - 6:30 – 9:30 PM West Orange, NJ.  This event will raise funds for support of programs and services to continue the mission of building discipline, integrity, and camaraderie in the community. Join us to build camaraderie in the community around the sport of boxing. Learn more at Stevenson Moses Boxing For Life Ringside and RSVP below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ringside-for-a-cause-with-stevenson-moses-boxing-for-life-tickets-52510558494

About the Author and Event Co-Host 

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, 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 sits on a number of local boards, committees and serves as a Board Member of Maplewood Community Music and is also Vice President of the Northern New Jersey Blues Alliance,

Gregory curates and Promotes the South Orange Downtown After Sundown Live Music Concerts, the South Orange 24 Hours of Music Festival, the SOPAC Playing Around South Orange Music Initiative, the Maplewood 4th of Music Live Music Events, Newark’s Rutgers Jazz973 at Clements Place Jazz Series, the Orange NJ Valley Arts Music Programs, Creator of the South Orange Farmers Market Jazz Jam, along with booking bands at many other local venues.

Showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur around town while living life every day to the fullest. Gregory Burrus Live Music Ambassador.  http://gregoyburrus.me

The 2018 South Mountain International Blues Festival is Coming at You

Sunday, September 9, 2018
South Mountain Reservation in West Orange

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Saturday, August 18, 2018

Have you heard North Jersey's favorite Free Blues Party is coming your way?  A great day at the South Mountain International Blues Festival is being planned by the team so put the date SUNDAY, SEPT 9th in your calendars now. The South Mountain International Blues Festival is an annual event held the second Sunday of September. Nine years ago, Mike Griot, an Essex County based musician and promoter specializing in the blues circuit, founded the South Mountain International Blues Festival to raise awareness of the Blues, which has been described as “the classical music of America.”

And this year is no different as he sticks to the mission and brings you the blues – live and in person.  As Mike has been known to say, we are keeping the blues alive which is why it’s truly one of Northern NJ’s biggest free blues festival! 

This year, the annual festival will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9th at the Cherry Lane/Oakdale Picnic Area at South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, we have something for everyone so take a moment and check out this year’s performers.

The Ben Stein Group 

Ben Stein appearing for the first time in the South Mountain International Blues Festival.  This young blues / rock lead guitar player resides here in North NJ with a large amount of live experience in the studio and clubs around the Northern New Jersey scene. He’s played music for his entire life and is looking forward to playing some serious blues and rock.

Debra Devi

Debra Devi - JamBase calls Debra Devi “a supersonic fret-burner with a deep feel for the blues who also writes hauntingly memorable songs.” American Blues Scene, which premiered Devi's "Tired of Waiting" music video, calls her guitar playing "hypnotic, heavy and bluesy," adding "there's a Gov't Mule vibe to her powerful band."

Devi is supporting her new Wild Little Girl EP at clubs and festivals along the East Coast, opening for national acts like Ana Popovic, Devon Allman and Nikki Hall. 

The EP is receiving raves for her classic rock/Americana sound and blazing guitar playing. Urban Politico says, “Devi's music radiates infectious joy, putting us in mind of The Black Crowes, Prince and Little Feet.” Good Times calls her "one of the most remarkable guitarists on the East Coast." 

Devi is also the author of the popular, award-winning blues glossary, The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu (foreword by Dr. John), which is blurbed by Bonnie Raitt and Joe Bonamassa. 

Black Lace Blues

Black Lace Blues is a cross-genre, cross-generation Blues Rock and Reggae band, incorporating original material with contributions from everyone, as well as select quality covers that span a range of musical styles. 

Veterans of many of the New York area jazz, rock and blues venues, the band has performed at numerous music venues such as: The Great Notch Inn, Spirit Pub, Montclair Arts Council Events, Ruthie's Pizza and BBQ, Trumpets Jazz Club, Montclair, NJ,  Montclair Center Stage, Hat City Kitchen, Orange, NJ,  West Paterson, NJ, Montville Music Festival, etc.

 "We don't just play the blues, but we bring the blues to everything we play"- Brian I Feldman. Get ready for some Blues, Rock, Reggae, Funk, R & B and Fusion… Oh Yeah.

Nation Beat

Nation Beat – Nation Beat singularly conjures up this elemental musical mojo, drawing on the wellsprings of rhythm that lit up jazz and got maracatu thundering. Nation Beat takes off with be-bop-via-Brazil drumming; propelled by percussive bursts of New Orleans-flavored brass. But forget the musical history; this is music to make you dance.

A 21st century mash-up of the thunderous grooves of northeastern Brazil with the strolling swagger of New Orleans funk. Nation Beat’s live shows have taken on an almost mythological aura for their ability to lift the souls, and the feet, of their growing cross-cultural audience. Band leader, drummer/percussionist Scott Kettner has long been at the forefront of merging different musical elements together, from the earliest days of Nation Beat's Brazil meets North American music.

Rockin Johnny Burgin

Rockin Johnny Burgin is one of the hardest touring and well recognized traditional Chicago blues guitarists and singers today. Since his start in the 90s on Chicago’s West Side with blues singer Taildragger, Johnny has played the Chicago blues festival many times, has headlined festivals all over the US and has become a leading blues attraction throughout the United States and Europe.

Over the years, he has developed from a blues guitar slinger and local blues hero into a fully-fledged singer, harmonica player, a dynamic and engaging bandleader, and a mature, seasoned guitarist.  One look at Johnny’s tour schedule confirms his status as an in-demand blues performer. Johnny currently does close to 250 shows a year worldwide.

King Solomon Hicks

King Solomon Hicks “is a 22-year-old guitarist/vocalist from the upper west side of New York City aka Harlem, NY. At the age of 13 Solomon started playing with the Cotton Club 17-piece band as Lead Guitarist and continues to perform there. He has been featured in The Washington Post, New York Daily News, The New York Times, Amsterdam News, etc and the PBS TV series American Music.

Trained in jazz guitar with the soul of a burgeoning blues master from Harlem. He was recently in Europe opening for Ringo Starr and Jeff Beck! Solomon has also performed with Tony Bennett, The Destroyers (George Thorogood), Neal Evans (Soulive), Jimmy Vivino (Bandleader for Conan O’Brien), Sam Moore, Marcus King, Stax Songwriter William Bell, John Nemeth, Blind Boy Paxton, Roger Earl (Foghat), Kim Simmonds (Savoy Brown), Davey Knowles, Ne-Yo, Jon Hendricks, Mike Stern and Lee Ritenour.

If you want a glimpse of what Muddy Waters was like at 23, look no further. King Solomon Hicks is one of the most electrifying and exciting young Blues guitarists around!

Are You Ready?  Sept 9, 12 Noon 2018 South Mountain International Blues Festival

As you can see this annual free South Mountain International Blues Festival showcases local and national blues artists from the Tri City Area. From those who are up and coming and making a difference on the Blues scene, all the way to the seasoned professionals who tour internationally around the world. The musicians are truly some of the best performers from around the country and you never know when Bass player Mike Griot, who has played all over the world and has recently just returned from playing a gig in Serbia may just join in the festivities.

This year we are expecting over 3,000 attendees to descend on the hill.

Folks will be shaking, dancing, picnicking and just having a god time listening to some great blues music.

Here’s a glimpse into the great day on the hill.

2017 Blues Star Regina Bonelli song -  “Don’t Put Your Hands On Me“ - rings loud across the Mountain capture by Gregory Burrus

Please come join in the festivities. The outdoor environment is gorgeous, there is plenty of parking, extremely kid friendly location which we will talk more about I the next article, the vibe is great, and the music is even better! Please visit us and learn more as we head toward Sept 9th.

EVENT WEBSITE: http://www.southmountainblues.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/southmountainbluesfest

About the Author

Gregory Burrus, Your Live Music Ambassador and Board Member North Jersey Blues Alliance, which supports the South Mountain International Blues Festival, invites you to stay tuned as there is much more to come. 

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians and local art exhibitions. On a regular basis, Gregory Burrus is promoter and manager of Downtown After Sundown Live Music Concerts for South Orange, NJ.

Gregory promotes events through social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photojournalism.  Having fun living life while helping others.

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