Clarinetist Allan Vaché's Benny Goodman Tribute at Bickford Theater

Clarinetist Allan Vaché celebrates the anniversary of the Palomar Ballroom appearance at which historians agree Benny Goodman launched the Swing Era. Vaché is an outstanding reed player, having established himself as among the best playing today in both jazz and swing disciplines.  His playing often reminds people of Benny Goodman, which is not a bad thing, given that the King of Swing delighted generations of young people throughout his long career.

Now based in Orlando, Allan Vaché's reputation is well established in New Jersey, where he played for many years. His appearance on Monday evening, August 15 is part of the Jazz Summerfest at Morristown's Bickford Theatre.  For two years running, the Bickford Jazz Showcase has undertaken an ambitious musical program during the warm months. Their 2011 Jazz Summer­Fest continues the tradition with a schedule that calls for a concert nearly every week, mostly on Monday evenings, priced so that nobody need feel excluded. The concerts offer an interest­ing variety within the jazz genre to appeal to diverse audiences. Each features top musicians within their specialties, with the music experienced in a comfortable acoustic setting.

"Vaché is the proprietor of a big, rich, round tone across all registers," writes John McDonough in Downbeat, "and swings with a fierce, caution‑to‑the‑wind abandon."  His clarinet can be downright blistering as well as warm and inviting, and his grace­ful playing makes even complicated pieces seem easy.  "He makes a sport out of improvisation," writes another reed player, in admiration.

He has put together an all‑star lineup for this one‑night‑ only concert: Mark Shane (piano), Matt Hoffmann (vibes), Joel Forbes  (bass) and Kevin Dorn (drums).  Previous appearances by Vaché with a Benny Goodman theme have been sellouts here.

These weeknight shows are run as a single extended set, without interruption, from 8 to around 9:30 p.m., allowing people to return home early on a weeknight after enjoying a full show. Seats are still only $15 in advance, and $18 at the door. 

Tickets are sold on site, but are best purchased by phone in advance, avoiding a queue that night. Calling the box office at (973) 971‑3706 facilitates credit card purchases. Those unfamil­iar with the hall may request that a "jazz map" be sent. 

The 300 seat Bickford Theatre is on the Morris Museum cam­pus, located on Columbia Road/Turnpike (County Road 510) at the corner of Normandy Heights Road, east of downtown Morristown, NJ.  It is easily reached from either Interstate 287 or Route 24.  The facility has ample parking in its lot and deck.  The hall is accessible to those in wheelchairs.