Join us at the Springfield Avenue Gazebo!

On Aug 4th, 2024, on behalf of NJPAC Community Engagement, we are proud to extend into the community, the very long running, highly successful NJPAC Jazz Jam sessions. This session will be hosted by Gregory Burrus Productions with the Springfield Avenue Marketing ( SAM) Association. The jazz jam will be held outdoors at the Springfield Ave Gazebo in Maplewood, New Jersey. Our Jazz Jam leader, pianist James Austin Jr. curates these monthly sessions at the Rutgers IJS Clements Place Jazz location, in the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall. James a semifinalist in Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition at the Smithsonian Institute and has been leading these session where we mesh legends with newcomers. Free and open to all so if you got the chops you are welcome to come sing or jam with us.

NJPAC Jazz Jams

Running for 10 years, our monthly Jazz Jam Sessions, feature top-flight NJ musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr. This series is co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers Institute for Jazz Studies. Immerse yourself in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the player’s and listeners’ minds. All novice and seasoned jazz musicians/singers are welcomed to jam and improv with the professional house band. Co-Producers are Wayne Winborne, Executive Director, Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies and Rev. Eyesha Marable, AVP, Community Engagement, NJPAC.

About the Artists

James Austin Jr / Leader NJPAC Jazz Jam

James Austin, Jr. is an accomplished jazz pianist and bandleader who hails from Chicago, IL.  He has honed his craft under the tutelage of a number of legendary jazz musicians including extensive study with Barry Harris, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz educators of all time.

James’ musical achievements include being honored as a featured performer and semifinalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. In recent years, James has performed alongside an illustrious list of singers and musicians in diverse settings throughout the world. He recently served as pianist and arranger for several star-studded concerts at Carnegie Hall under the baton of esteemed musical director, Ray Chew.

James is regularly featured in the New York City area as a pianist and bandleader for various live concerts, theatrical performances, and civic and charitable events. He has curated and led the NJPAC Jazz Jam Session series since its inception. Songs in the Key of Wonder, James’ debut album, showcases his tasteful instrumental arrangements of a selection of classic compositions from the songbook of the great Stevie Wonder.

Alvester Garnett – Drums

Alvester Garnett is an American jazz drummer born on July 17, 1970, in Richmond, Virginia. He has an impressive list of collaborations, having played with artists such as Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, Regina Carter, Clark Terry, Pharoah Sanders, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many others. His contributions extend beyond the jazz scene; he has also appeared on Great Performances on PBS in a tribute to Kurt Weill. Garnett’s talent and versatility are leaving a significant mark in the world of music.

Motoki Mihara – Bass

Motoki Mihara is a jazz musician known for his work as a bassist. From Kyoto, Japan. Studied jazz performance at CCNY. Also, studied/ performs African percussion, Haitian Kompa, and Caribbean music, along w Jazz.

Jackie Jones – Vocalist

Jackie Jones – Her presence on the greater Newark/New Brunswick/New York Metro jazz scene is nothing short of prolific – it speaks volumes about what she has achieved since her emergence in the late 70’s and early 80’s — a musical journey that has carried her to destinations near and afar.   A product of the Jazz program at Rutgers University – she studied with a coalition of legendary talents led by bassist Dr. Larry Ridley, pianist Kenny Barron, alto saxophonist James Spaulding, vibraphonist Steve Nelson and drummer Keith Copeland.   Among her career achievements, Jackie has been blessed to establish musical associations with many noteworthy talents including: appearing as the opening act for Lou Rawls, as well as performing with a host of jazz luminaries such as — saxophonist Houston Person, vibraphonist Roy Ayers, pianist Nat Adderley, guitarist Jimmy Ponder, Bassist Christian McBride and drummers Winard Harper and Cecil Brooks, III. Her abundant talents have carried her overseas to perform at festivals in Russia, Berlin and Switzerland while at home, she makes regular appearances at local music festivals. Jackie is an avowed foodie, Swing  dancer and musicians that  influenced her the most are Nancy Wilson and Phyllis Hyman.

Up Next

Aug 11 John Lee and Friends Jazz Party. Grammy Winning Producer, 11 years as Dizzy Gillespie Basis and notable performances with Aretha Franklin, Max Roach, and Sonny Rollins and many more.

We encourage attendees to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the event from the park and bring a musical instrument to join in the fun.

If you would like to be a sponsor or donate to the series please contact us!

Location

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  Rutgers IJS NJPAC Monthly Jazz Jam Session featuring James Austin Jr at Clements Place

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