JAZZ IN THE STACKS Brings Live Performances By Young Talents Into Newark Public Libraries

"Jazz in the Stacks," a dynamic, free performance series that invites Newark audiences to celebrate the titans of jazz, takes a "concert tour" to the city's public libraries from Oct. 25 to May 23.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), in partnership with the Newark Public Library, showcases the gifted young musicians of Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens in the new performance series, which takes place on Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m.Admission is free and pre-registration is not required.

Alto saxophonist Mark Gross, Director of Jazz Instruction for NJPAC's Department of Arts Education, has programmed four diverse sessions that span classic jazz, Latin jazz, vocal jazz, and music by Newark artists such as Sarah Vaughan, James Moody and Wayne Shorter. Selections from jazz standards and the American Songbook range from "Take the A Train," "A Night in Tunisia" and "Oye Como Va" to "Misty," "Body and Soul" and "Moody's Mood for Love."

"'Jazz in the Stacks' provides students with an opportunity to perform, but also gives them a stronger command in creating a set of music and directing its flow," said Gross of the 12- to 18-year-olds being mentored this year in Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens. "They learn theory, composition and technique from the best faculty, take master classes with musicians who are famous around the globe, and visit the most prestigious jazz clubs to listen to performers."

"Our affiliation with the library provides the ideal setting for student musicians to meet city residents and speak to them face-to-face about the composers and performers they most want to emulate," said Alison Scott-Williams, NJPAC's Vice President of Arts Education. "Through 'Jazz in the Stacks,' the Arts Center establishes a new cultural dialogue beyond its walls and the teens establish self-confidence in public performance beyond the rehearsal studio."

Newark Public Library Director Jeffrey Trzeciak said the city's public libraries are centers of discovery and creativity that connect Newarkers to each other, to their home city and to shared culture. "The Newark Public Library is proud to partner with NJPAC on programs such as 'Jazz in the Stacks,' which educate, inform and, most importantly, help contribute to the strength of our community," he added.

The "Jazz in the Stacks" schedule follows:
Oct. 25
Vailsburg Branch
75 Alexander St., (973) 733-7755

Nov. 29
Weequahic Branch
355 Osborne Terrace, (973) 733-7751

Dec. 20
This performance features the advanced students of NJPAC's James Moody Jazz Orchestra
Main Branch of Newark Public Library
5 Washington St., (973) 733-7784

Jan. 24, 2018
Van Buren Branch
140 Van Buren St., (973) 733-7750

Feb. 28
Springfield Branch
50 Hayes St., (973) 733-7736

March 28
North End Branch
722 Summer Ave., (973) 733-7766

April 25
Branch Brook Branch
235 Clifton Ave., (973) 733-7760

May 23
Clinton Branch
739 Bergen St., (973) 733-7757

In addition, the ensembles of Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens continue to perform at two other Newark venues at no cost to the public: Second Sundays at the Newark Museum's courtyard, beginning Nov. 12 from noon to 2 p.m., and during "Jazz Jam Sessions,"presented in collaboration with Jazz House Kids and NJPAC's Department of Community Engagement at Clement's Place, the new jazz venue at 15 Washington St.

Sessions at Clement's Place are scheduled on Thursdays - Oct. 19, Nov. 9, Dec. 21, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 15, April 19 and May 17 - from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The jazz performances complement "Books on the Move," an initiative of NJPAC Community Engagement, which this year brings dramatic readings of children's books to 30 libraries and community centers throughout Greater Newark. For more information, visit njpac.org/community.

To post a comment, you must register and login.