Jazz On Sloan Presents NJPAC Jazz Jam feat Pianist James Austin Jr Downtown After Sundown

NJPAC Free Live Concerts in the Heart of South Orange Village Come join us in downtown after sundown in the heart of South Orange Village when New Jersey Performing Arts Center – NJPAC in partnership with South Orange Village Center Alliance presents a night of Jazz jamming with Bandleader, pianist James Austin, Jr.

Popular series hosted by New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Department of Community Engagement is an annual series of performances featuring some of New Jersey’s finest jazz musicians, under the direction of pianist and bandleader James Austin, Jr. The sessions are a major hit with new jazz listeners as well as musicians, and enhance NJPAC’s role as the state’s principal, year-round presenter of jazz. At the wildly popular Clements Place Jazz sessions, Austin leads quartets composed of New Jersey musicians and two guest performers affiliated with Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens and the James Moody Jazz Orchestra, acclaimed jazz programs of NJPAC’s Department of Arts Education.

About James Austin, Jr.
James Austin, Jr., a member of NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee, is an accomplished pianist, keyboardist, producer and bandleader with broad experience in the music industry. A native of Chicago, Austin has worked with many renowned artists and musicians across numerous genres and in diverse settings throughout the world. Austin has received numerous accolades and awards, including the honor of being selected as a semifinalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano competition. He has honed his craft under the tutelage of a number of legendary musicians, including extensive study with Barry Harris, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz educators. Austin’s professional experience includes work as a keyboardist and musical director for several high-profile theatrical productions, churches, corporate events and live concerts. From time to time, he worked in the band of legendary musical director Ray Chew. In recent years, Austin’s keyboard work has been featured onstage along such artists as Brian McKnight, Lalah Hathaway, Michael Bolton, Michelle Williams, BeBe Winans, Kim Burrell and Beverly Crawford. His musical accompaniment has also been showcased on numerous live telecasts and taped episodes, including the NAACP Image Awards, The Dr. Oz Show and Styled by June.

About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States and is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 9 million visitors (including over 1.5 million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit www.njpac.org or call 888.GO.NJPAC for more information.

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Join us under the Gazebo on Fridays for Jazz on Sloan and in Spiotta Park on Saturdays where every style of music from acoustic to zydeco, jazz to flamenco will be represented. Concerts kick off Memorial weekend through Labor Day, every Friday and Saturday evening from 7:00pm to 10pm.

Downtown After Sundown is produced by the South Orange Village Center Alliance and graciously sponsored by the Township of South Orange. Special thanks to SOVCA volunteer Gregory Burrus for managing the series.Discover updates and more at https://www.sovillagecenter.org/pub/news/story/594/

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