7/20/2023 Sunday Afternoon Jazz Series Returns to Springfield Avenue Gazebo with Saxophonist Mike Lee   The Maplewood Springfield Avenue Gazebo saw the return of the highly anticipated Sunday Afternoon Jazz Series.

This week’s opening session showcased the incredible talent of saxophonist and jam leader Mike Lee who has been a part of the New York, New Jersey jazz scene for more than 30 years. He has played with some of the great jazz luminaries and performs regularly with Nat Adderley Jr, John Lee, Oliver Lake, Wallace Roney, Josh Evans Big Band, Dave Stryker, Loston Harris, amongst others. Recent tours have taken him up and down the East Coast, to Italy, France, California and Beijing, China.

Mike Lee Band

Not only was the weather perfect but the park atmosphere created a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all. Mike Lee was accompanied by Adam Wacks on drums, Jason Maximo Clotter on bass and the very talented vocalist/violinist Jacqueline Lee.

Manuela Zapata Arbeláez

For the jam session, we were treated to several talented jazz jammers including the beautiful tunes of Colombian singer Manuela Zapata Arbeláez. 

Jazz Fans and Attendees

Attendees arrived with their blankets, lawn chairs, and tents, ready to immerse themselves in an afternoon of exceptional jazz, and Mike Lee and his band did not disappoint. The turnout was wonderful with over a 100 enthusiastic attendees, including a great number of young children. The jazz performances provided a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience for everyone. It truly was an outstanding and enjoyable day. 

Food Trucks

We’d like to extend our appreciation to the food trucks that participated in the event, the Urban Cone Food Truck (ice cream)  – http://www.theurbancone.com and @Sandwicheria Food Truck (Peruvian street food) https://www.thesandwicheria.com. The food was very, very delicious.  The Sunday Afternoon Jazz Series is presented by Springfield Avenue Partnership and Gregory Burrus Productions with support by Finlay + Gage Musical Instruments.

Mark your calendars for August 6th, as we return to the Springfield Avenue Gazebo with the widely popular smooth jazz/R&B MPACK band. We hope to see you there and thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event.

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. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/