via Metuchen Recreation – The Metuchen Jazz Fest is back! Mark your calendar – Saturday, September 22nd, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Metuchen Borough Hall Plaza on the corner of Main Street and Middlesex Avenue (Route 27). This year, the free concert will feature the Mike Kaplan Nonet and the Richard Reiter Swing Band.
This event is sponsored by the Metuchen Arts Council and is funded in part by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission with assistance through a grant provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State.
The Mike Kaplan Nonet offers engaging material presented in a precise yet free-spirited manner with solos that draw the listener in, and an underpinning, vibrant sense of swing. The vital nine-piece ensemble, comprising Garden and Empire State stalwarts performs a zesty mix of originals and covers, delivered with vigor and feeling. (Zan Stewart/Newark Star Ledger). The Nonet features Mike Kaplan (tenor sax), Bill Mobley (trumpet/flugelhorn), Rob Henke (trumpet/flugelhorn), Pete McGuinness (trombone), Ben Williams (trombone), Anton Denner (alto sax/clarinet/flute), Ed Xiques’ (baritone and soprano sax/flute), Matt King (piano), Doug Weiss (bass), and Pete MacDonald (drums).
The RICHARD REITER SWING BAND, for over twenty years perhaps New Jersey’s most popular swing combo, performs familiar standards from the swing era, and, when requested, the best of classic rock. The group features Reiter on saxophone, clarinet and flute, plus vocalist Tricia Slafta, accompanied by keyboard, bass and drums, plus, when desired, guitar, trumpet, trombone. Repertoire includes: “Our Love is Here to Stay,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “As Time Goes By,” “Sing Sing Sing,” “Jump Jive an’ Wail.” The audience is invited to both listen and dance to their exciting music.
For more information, please call Nancy Goldberg, Metuchen Recreation Director at 732-632-8502.
Scenes from the 2010 Jazz Fest
September 25 · 3:30pm – 6:00pm
Vida Allworthy
Bruce Jackson and Bob Funesti
