Secure your tickets now: bradleybeachjazzfestival.com Scan QR Code

8:30 PM – 10:00 pm

John Lee & Friends featuring Special Guest Roberta Gambarini

Secure your tickets now: bradleybeachjazzfestival.com Scan QR Code

John Lee & Friends brings together some of the finest voices in jazz under the leadership of bassist, producer, and bandleader John Lee. A longtime musical director for the legendary Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, Lee has performed with icons including Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, and Joe Henderson, and continues to carry forward Gillespie’s vision of jazz as a global, joyful art form. His ensembles are known for their dynamic interplay, deep swing, and ability to honor tradition while embracing fresh energy.

For this special festival performance, Lee is joined by Grammy-nominated vocalist Roberta Gambarini, one of the most celebrated jazz singers of her generation. Born in Turin, Italy, Gambarini burst onto the international scene after moving to the U.S. in 1998, quickly earning acclaim for her extraordinary range, impeccable phrasing, and emotional depth. She has performed with legends such as James Moody, Hank Jones, Roy Hargrove, and Jimmy Heath, and is widely regarded as a torchbearer of the great vocal tradition.

Together, John Lee & Friends with Roberta Gambarini promise a performance that blends virtuosity, soul, and swing—an unforgettable celebration of jazz’s past, present, and future.

FRIDAY 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Jerry Weldon – Tenor Saxophone

Secure your tickets now: bradleybeachjazzfestival.com Scan QR Code

Jerry Weldon is an internationally renowned veteran saxophonist whose powerful, soulful sound has defined the New York jazz scene for more than four decades. A native New Yorker, Weldon graduated from the Rutgers University Jazz Studies Program in 1981 and immediately joined the legendary Lionel Hampton Orchestra, performing with Hamp until his passing in 2002.

Weldon’s career includes a long and rewarding tenure with organ master Jack McDuff and his “Heatin’ System”, as well as collaborations with jazz greats such as Jimmy McGriff, Joey DeFrancesco, Dr. Lonnie Smith, George Benson, Cedar Walton, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, Mel Tormé, and Al Grey. In 1990, he became a charter member and featured soloist with Harry Connick Jr.’s big band, touring globally, appearing on Broadway, and serving as part of Connick’s television “house band” from 2016 to 2018.

With more than a dozen recordings as a leader and countless sideman appearances, Weldon’s résumé reads like a “Who’s Who of Jazz.” His tenor saxophone voice is celebrated for its deep swing, blues-drenched phrasing, and hard-blowing energy that electrifies audiences worldwide.

At this festival, Jerry Weldon brings not only his formidable chops but also his legacy as a keeper of the flame, ensuring that the joy, power, and tradition of jazz continue to thrive for new generations.

Festival Hosts Friday 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Lynette Sheard Lynette Sheard is a dynamic vocalist, actress, and arts advocate celebrated for her commanding stage presence. She has hosted and performed at countless cultural events, bringing warmth, professionalism, and joy to every audience. As a community leader, she champions the arts through education, mentorship, and creative engagement across New Jersey. Her role as festival host/MC reflects her gift for connecting people and celebrating jazz as a living tradition.	Wayne Winborne Wayne Winborne is the Executive Director of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, the world’s largest jazz archive. A respected cultural leader, he has produced, curated, and hosted countless events celebrating jazz’s legacy and future. His work bridges scholarship, performance, and community, making him a vital voice in New Jersey’s jazz scene. As festival host/MC, Winborne brings knowledge, warmth, and vision to connect audiences with the music’s rich tradition.

Secure your tickets now: bradleybeachjazzfestival.com Scan QR Code

Back to Main