Bickford, Midiri Brothers to Celebrate Historic Jazz Concert

Jan. 15 event to celebrate 75th anniversary of Benny Goodman's 1938 Carnegie Hall performance.

The Community Theatre is not the only one to be celebrating its diamond anniversary. Across town, at Morris Museum's Bickford Theatre in Morris Township, another celebration of 75 years is set for January. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, the theater will celebrate the 75th anniversary of "King of Swing" Benny Goodman's legendary Carnegie Hall concert—which some have said helped legitmize Jazz music—with a showcase of both his work and the work of other legends by the Midiri Brothers Band, at 8 p.m. "lt was a snowy Sunday evening in January 1938 when Benny Goodman had the audacity to present a concert of Jazz and Swing music at Carnegie Hall," according to a Bickford Theatre press release. "This was youthful dance music, after all, not usually …

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Jazz & Blues Festival Takes Second Turn Saturday

Free event set for noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; MorristownGreen.com film festival on Friday.

Internationally-known performers and at least one local legend are teaming up for 10 hours of free live music on Saturday as Morristown presents the second-annual Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The weekend celebration begins Friday night with another free event on the Green, the fifth-annual MorristownGreen.com Film Festival. Then starting at noon Saturday, the Green will host five bands that include members with direct ties to Blood, Sweat and Tears, Bruce Springsteen, B.B. King, Miles Davis, George Harrison and Les Paul, among others. “Last year’s festival was such a success that we are making this an annual event for the town," Mayor Tim Dougherty said. "I am pleased that we can present a great day of music at no cost to our …

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Paris Washboard Brings Clever Percussion to Bickford Tuesday

Music fans are jazzed to see the famous quartet return to the Bickford Theatre on Tuesday, August 2 at 8 p.m.

The mulit-award winning traditional jazz band Paris Washboard will make its only stop east of the Rockies on Tuesday, August 2 at 8 p.m.at the Bickford Theatre. The lively quartet's past performances at the 300-seat venue have sold out thanks to the group's vast repertoire that includes the music of Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, Duke Ellington as well as original compositions. The band, known for its originality and creativity, had been a fixture at the Great Connecticut Jazz Festival for many years. Paris Washboard has also toured Europe and Australia since forming in 1988. What makes this perfomance extra special is that world class stride player Louis Mazetier, who normally cannot tour with the band, will be at the piano. In addition, …

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Jazz Series Launches at Tea Room

See who was out and about at the Cosy Cupboard in Morris Township.

The Cosy Cupboard Tea Room in Morris Township is holding a series of Friday night Jazz performances this summer. The series was launched on June 17 with a performance by Carol Hamersma. For more information on future concerts, call 973 998-6677. 

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JazzFest at College of St. Elizabeth Saturday

Event presented by New Jersey Jazz Society.

The New Jersey Jazz Society's JazzFest, condensed to one day for 2011, will be held at the College of Saint Elizabeth campus this year. Information is available at www.njjs.org, or by calling (800) 303-NJJS.  This is the press release that was issued by the New Jersey Jazz Society: Each year since 1976, the New Jersey Jazz Society has presented Jazzfest, one of the best mainstream jazz festivals in the entire metropolitan area.  This year is no exception as this popular jazz festival presents nine hours of great music in the air conditioned comfort of two concert halls plus outdoor entertainment, a food court and vendors selling everything from hard-to-find CDs to crafts and interesting merchandise. Jazzfest will take place on the campus …

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