Tag Archives: jazz

RED BANK: BIG BAND HOSTS BIG TROMBONE

Conductor Joe “Mooche” Muccioli with the “freight train” that is the Red Bank Jazz Orchestra, which takes to the Count Basie Theatre boards for the first in a new series of themed concert events Sunday. By TOM CHESEK Red Bank doesn’t have riverboat casino gambling. There’s no year-round Santa Claus Village no go-kart track. You’ll [...]

RED BANK LIBRARY GETS HUGE CACHE OF CDs

J.R. Ford, left, and Jim Willis roll one of several loads of CDs into the library Friday afternoon. (Click to enlarge) By JOHN T. WARD Several thousand CDs collected by a North Jersey man who had “heartbreakingly awesome taste” in classical music and jazz have been donated to the Red Bank Public Library just in [...]

GETTING JAZZY FOR JOHNNY JAZZ

Red Bank’s jazz royalty gathered in an unassuming pocket park at Shrewsbury Avenue and Drs. James Parker Boulevard Friday night as the Al Wright Unit, above, the Chuck Lambert Band and other acts performed for a packed-in crowd of about 100. The occasion: the third and final of the summer in the Count Basie 365 [...]

SOUNDS ALL OVER TOWN

Red Bank offered a sprawling buffet of delights for music lovers Saturday night as the Brookdale Big Band, right, laid down a smooth bed of Basie, Ellington and other greats at Riverside Gardens Park in a benefit for the borough library, while Attractive Nuisenze, above, and Tri City Jazz, below, were among the handful of [...]

CHURN: COMICS, FURNITURE, BURGERS & MORE

The reality show about comic book aficionados is being taped once again at Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash as well as at 28 Broad Street, above. (Click to enlarge) By JOHN T. WARD Production of the second, full season of ‘Comic Book Men’ got underway Monday, giving a prominent vacancy in downtown Red Bank something [...]

A MONTH OF ‘LE JAZZ HOT’ ON THE GREEN

Trumpeter Claudio Roditi sounds a keynote to a month of jazzy happenings in and around Red Bank, with a Weekend in Brazil that kicks off the Summer Jazz Cafe series at Two River Theater. Red Bankers generally don’t need any reminders that theirs is the borough that birthed the great William ‘Count’ Basie. Still, a [...]

…AND YOU CAN TELL ‘EM “JOE SENT ME”

Jazz scholar/ WBGO disc jockey Gary Walker and guitarist Vic Juris are among the special guests TALKIN’ JAZZ with Joe Muccioli, in the series that returns to the Count Basie’s Carlton Lounge for three Mondays beginning tonight.  Start Joe Muccioli to talking and he’ll tell you that “Jazz…grew up with America. It symbolizes American democracy.” “You [...]

BUT WILL THE SIGN BE HAND-SCRAWLED?

By JOHN T. WARD Red Bank officials are mulling a ceremonial renaming of a portion of Shrewsbury Avenue in honor of grocer Ralph ‘Johnny Jazz’ Gatta, who died last Saturday at age 74. Gatta, a lifelong Red Banker, died at Barnabas Health Hospice at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch. He was buried Wednesday at [...]

SWINGING INTO SINATRA AT A BASIE BASH

Joe Muccioli (left) conducts the Red Bank Jazz Orchestra in the fifth annual Sinatra Birthday Bash event, Friday night at Basie’s place — an occasion that also marks the release of the RBJO’s first CD, below. By TOM CHESEK Perhaps the smartest thing that Frank Sinatra ever did in his 82 years on “Frank’s world” was [...]

SCAT SIGNING

A Red Bank employee updates the borough message board at Shrewsbury Avenue and Drs. James Parker Boulevard on Monday to tout the free Comcast Jazz in the Park series at Riverside Gardens Park on Thursday nights at 7 p.m., this week featuring Don Carter. There are free movies, lunchtime concerts and songwriter-at-sunset events in the [...]

AN EARTHLY RE-ENTRY FOR THE WRIGHT STUFF

The Al Wright Unit — featuring vocalist Ruth Wright — brings both homegrown cred and a space-trekking sonic legacy back to the Red Bank Public Library on Thursday evening. (Photos courtesy of Red Bank Public Library) By TOM CHESEK “In New Jersey there’s a place with much to offer, much to proffer, called Red Bank” [...]


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    • 05.25 - AAUW Used Booksale Thousands of best sellers, children's books, paperbacks, DVDs and more at bargain basement prices — as the American Association of University Women used book sale continues every Saturday (except holidays) in the spacious basement of the Old First Church in Middletown.
    • 05.25 - Spring Book Sale at Eastern Branch The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury hosts the annual sale, running during normal library hours for one more day only.
    • 05.25 - One on One Help with Your Resume at RBPL Red Bank Public Library offers hourlong sessions by appointment with librarian volunteers, who assist job seekers with creating or updating a resume to compete effectively in today's job market. Please call or visit the Reference Desk to sign up for this free program.
    • 05.25 - American Sign Language for Tweens The Middletown Main Library hosts a series of ASL instruction workshops for ages 8 to 12 (with tween instructors Sarah and Phoebe), each Sunday afternoon in May. Registration is required (click for phone and email links).
    • 05.25 - Steve and Johnny Appearing at Basil T's for several Saturday night sets.
    • 05.25 - Chris Roselle Appearing at Basil T's for several Friday night sets.
    • 05.25 - Summer Comedy Benefit at the Basie, starring Artie Lange and Rich Vos The nonprofit Rebuild Seaside organization presents the first in a series of shows at the Count Basie, dedicated to post Sandy rebuilding efforts in and around the Ocean County resort of Seaside Heights. Rich Vos (TV's Last Comic Standing) emcees a show that toplines the Red Bank return of king of most media (and Toms River resident) Artie Lange, plus Bonnie McFarlane, Chris DeStefano and Dave Saitzyk.
    • 05.25 - The Haven Appearing for some Saturday night sets, at Walt Street Pub.
    • 05.25 - Mike Plunkett Appearing at Molly Maguire's Black Point Inn in Rumson.
    • 05.26 - Sunday Morning Dialog at UUCMC As part of its May series of guest speaker events, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County in Lincroft hosts a group of homeschooling moms, in a discussion entitled 'Homeschooling in NJ, Not As Crazy As You Think.' Preceded at 8:45am with serving of bagels and coffee in the community room.
    • 05.26 - Red Bank Farmers Market Fresh, locally grown produce from some of New Jerseys finest farmers, plus equally homegrown crafts, at this Sunday morning staple running May through the end of November in the Galleria parking lot.
    • 05.26 - The Ribeye Brothers It's a Memorial Weekend tradition: classics like 'D.W.I.' and 'Drinkin' and Stinkin;' selections from the new release CALL OF THE SCRAPHEAP, and other prime cuts of red meat from the leaner (but no less meaner) poobahs of punk/ swamp/ garage frenzy — served up with gusto (and with The Neverly Brothers opening) outside The Dub.
    • 05.26 - Open Mic with Rob Dye and Mike Ghegan The Sunday night event is THE place to find musicians congregating, hanging out, trying new ideas, cutting up on some classics and generally enjoying one of the MUST events for Jersey Shore music fans.
    • 05.27 - Shrewsbury Borough Memorial Day Observation All are invited to the annual ceremony at Patriot Isle (corner of Route 35 and Sycamore Avenue), with the event followed by refreshments at Shrewsbury Hose Company #1 on Route 35, also the site for the ceremony in case of rain. Click for phone link to more info.
    • 05.27 - Pat Guadagno at Jamian's A Monday night Red Bank tradition continues, as the Shore's celebrated 'saloon singer' resumes his weekly solo sets to Jamian's Food & Drink.
    • 05.28 - Story Time with Kate Benedict The Little Silver Librarian hosts weekly story sessions for Toddler (ages 2 to 3; 9:30am), Baby (ages 10 to 24 months; 10:30am), Preschool (ages 3 to 5 years; 1:30pm) and School Age (grades K and up; 3:39pm) audiences.
    • 05.28 - PC Roundtable at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts the monthly Brookdale Computer Users Group workshop for intermediate and advanced users, with an opportunity to 'discuss problems you are having with your computer with the experts.'
    • 05.28 - Baseball stories and craft at Oceanic Library All ages are invited to a Family Program session at the Oceanic Free Library, with a special afternoon celebrating the season of America's grand pastime.
    • 05.29 - Noble Writers at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a free weekly Wednesday morning meeting of the writing group for women, with all welcome to join and no registration required.
    • 05.29 - Max and Ruby Story Marathon The Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch invites grades K and up to listen to lovable bunny stories y Rosemary Wells. Space is limited; registration required.
    • 05.29 - Conversational Spanish Classs at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a free weekly Wednesday evening program (conducted by Maria Jose Martinez Reid) for adults and teens who want to start or improve their Spanish speaking skills. No registration required.
    • 05.29 - Your Health Benefits Checkup In observance of Older Americans Month, the Red Bank Public Library hosts a free program presented by the National Council on Aging and Alcoeur Gardens. Register by phone or at the Reference Desk.
    • 05.29 - National Book Award Author Nathaniel Philbrick in Fair Haven River Road Books hosts the National Book Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist, in a reading and signing of his new book BUNKER HILL at the nearby Nauvoo Grill Club on Fair Haven Road. Reservations required; call 732.747.9455.
    • 05.29 - Bill Burr A frequent flyer on talk shows, TV series (BREAKING BAD), movies and podcasts takes it to the Basie boards for a debut headline set.
    • 05.29 - Reggae Night with Random Test A Wednesday night tradition in Red Bank continues, as the Shore based partystarters bring the warm and the cool to Jamian's Food & Drink.
    • 05.29 - Guns for Hire Trio Appearing every Wednesday night in May, at Walt Street Pub.
    • 05.30 - Neighbors Helping Neighbors at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a free weekly Thursday morning meeting of the support group for people who are re—entering the job market, struggling small business owners and anyone looking for part—time or volunteer work.
    • 05.30 - Book Club at Oceanic Library Helen Simonson's debut novel MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND is the topic for dicussion, as Cynthia Dannen invites readers to the monthly session at the Oceanic Free Library in Rumson. Registration recommended; light refreshments served.
    • 05.30 - Teen Jazz Coffee House at MTPL Middletown Main Library hosts a Thursday evening session featuring students from Middletown High School North, under the guidance of Mike Coppolla.
    • 05.30 - Yoga Kids at RBPL The Avice Noblett Children's Room at Red Bank Public Library hosts free yoga sesions for kids ages 5 and up, conducted by Alice Balzarini. Registration required; bring your own mat.
    • 05.30 - Rock N Roll Karaoke The band from NYC's Arlene's Grocery hosts this popular weekly feature at The Downtown, in which civilian hopefuls can front a hard—rocking combo on any of a couple hundred classic rock favorites.
    • 05.31 - Yoga for Adults Amy Novak leads a free Friday afternoon session at Red Bank Library. No registration required; bring your own mat.
    • 05.31 - Friday Knitters at Oceanic Library Crocheters are welcome too, as the Oceanic Free Library in Rumson invites needlecraft enthusiasts of all levels to bring your projects to show and share.
    • 05.31 - Riverfest Food and Music Festival Returning to Marine Park for 2013, the three day smorgasbord of savory tastes, savvy sounds, sensational activities and sunsets opens (beginning at 5pm) with food from some 20 local favorite restaurants and vendors; a Rock the River Waterfront Stage (hosted by Musicians on a Mission), plus Navesink River cruises, an Artisan's Alley, kiddie rides, and more. Live music tonight by Red Bank School of Rock, Eryn Shewell, Secret Sound and Motor City Revue; click for link to more details.
    • 05.31 - Paper Sculpture by Pam Cooper As part of the NJ Emerging Artists series, The Monmouth Museum hosts an opening reception for a display of paper constructions in mixed media — incorporating domestic items and Xerox transfers of the artist’s drawings — by Pam Cooper. Exhibit continues during normal museum hours through June 30; check website for admission info.
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