MUSIC. FOOD. FUN. PALMER SQUARE CELEBRATES 18TH ANNUAL JAZZFEAST
(Princeton, NJ) - On Saturday, September 12, 2009, Palmer Square will host their 18th annual JazzFeast. The open-air festival features performances by some of the industry's best jazz musicians and showcases cuisine from a selection of the area's finest restaurants.
The incredible musical line-up this year includes:
Noon-1:00pm Alan Dale & the New Legacy Jazz Band
1:15-2:15pm Princeton University Jazztet
2:30-3:30pm Marlene VerPlanck Group
3:45-4:45pm Roomful of Blues
5:00-6:00pm Smith Street Society
“We are so pleased to be able to continue this signature event, now in its 18the year. It has become a tradition for so many people because they know to expect a great day," explains Anita Fresolone, Marketing Director for Palmer Square. “We work with Jack Stine, a co-founder of the New Jersey Jazz Society, to book extraordinary talent and we are so thankful to the local restaurants who take part."
Food vendors at Jazzfeast are not serving average festival food. Instead, gourmet selections ranging from samosas and Paella to pulled pork and grilled clams are just some of the many things on the menu.
Confirmed restaurants
The event takes place from Noon-6pm, rain or shine, on the Palmer Square Green. Musical performances are free; food vendors charge accordingly. BUCKS LIFE magazine is the Media Sponsor of the event.
Noon-1:00pm
Alan Dale and the New Legacy Jazz Band
Celebrating their 18th consecutive appearance at Jazz Feast, the New Legacy Jazz Band is one of America's premier full-time professional ensembles. Led by the dynamic and relentlessly swinging drummer Alan Dale, the New Legacy Jazz Band performs at festivals, weddings, corporate and other private receptions, casinos, colleges and theatres throughout the mid-Atlantic states. Honoring a heritage of genius in American popular music, the New Legacy Jazz Band is dedicated to the highest standards of artistic elegance and professional excellence.
1:15pm-2:15pm
The Princeton University Jazztet, directed by Anthony D.J. Branker, is one of a number of outstanding groups that are part of the university's jazz program. Princeton's jazz students and ensembles have received national awards from Down Beat magazine; collaborated in performance with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and the Delaware Valley Philharmonic Orchestra; performed internationally in China and Estonia; appeared at the International Association for Jazz Education Conference, North Texas Jazz Festival, and the University of Notre Dame Intercollegiate Jazz Festival; and have performed in the IAJE Sisters-in-Jazz All Star Quintet in Toronto, Canada and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.The members of the University Jazztet include vibraphonist Jackson Greenberg, pianist Jason Weinreb, bassist Robert Sicurelli, and drummer Kevin Laskey.
2:30pm-3:30pm
Marlene VerPlanck
Marlene VerPlanck started singing when she was 19 years old. She met and married her trombonist/arranger husband, Billy, while in The Tommy/Jimmy Dorsey Band. Together they settled in New York City and became two of the busiest studio session musicians for over 25 years. Billy produced and arranged 20 solo cd's for Marlene utilizing all kinds of combinations; pop symphonies, big bands, small bands, trios, and the group you'll be hearing today, Marlene with the Saxes. The musicians are Tedd Firth, piano, Steve LaSpina, bass, Richard DeRosa, drums, and leader of the saxes, Al Regni. The NY Times claims, “she may be the most accomplished interpreter of American popular song performing today." Marlene currently sings all over the world which includes a month long tour of the UK every March.
3:45pm-4:45pm
Roomful of Blues
This joyful blues ensemble is currently led by guitarist Chris Vachon. In 2007, singer Dave Howard took over the vocal duties, bringing his gritty and soulful vocals and adding another bright new dimension to the jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor.
Along with new members, bassist Frankie Rizzuto, trumpeter Doug Woolverton and drummer Ephraim Lowell, and longer standing members keyboardist Travis Colby, baritone and tenor saxophonist Mark Earley, tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille, Raisin' a Ruckus swings with ferocity and rocks with urgency and purpose. Moving effortlessly from originals to carefully chosen covers, the expertly executed songs sizzle from start to finish.
5:00pm-6:00pm
The Smith Street Society Jazz Band has 5 record albums to their credit. They have appeared in two major motion pictures: King of the Gypsies for Dino DiLaurentiis and Hero at Large for MGM. Smith Street has headlined hundreds of concerts and shows throughout the USA and Europe. Past appearances include Super Bowl XXIX in Miami, Breda Jazz Festival in Holland, Bar Harbor Concert Series, United Technologies Anniversary Spectacular, and the 1998 Goodwill Games.
Palmer Square
40 Nassau Street
Princeton NJ 08542
(Princeton, NJ) - On Saturday, September 12, 2009, Palmer Square will host their 18th annual JazzFeast. The open-air festival features performances by some of the industry's best jazz musicians and showcases cuisine from a selection of the area's finest restaurants.
The incredible musical line-up this year includes:
Noon-1:00pm Alan Dale & the New Legacy Jazz Band
1:15-2:15pm Princeton University Jazztet
2:30-3:30pm Marlene VerPlanck Group
3:45-4:45pm Roomful of Blues
5:00-6:00pm Smith Street Society
“We are so pleased to be able to continue this signature event, now in its 18the year. It has become a tradition for so many people because they know to expect a great day," explains Anita Fresolone, Marketing Director for Palmer Square. “We work with Jack Stine, a co-founder of the New Jersey Jazz Society, to book extraordinary talent and we are so thankful to the local restaurants who take part."
Food vendors at Jazzfeast are not serving average festival food. Instead, gourmet selections ranging from samosas and Paella to pulled pork and grilled clams are just some of the many things on the menu.
Confirmed restaurants
- elements
- Mediterra
- Mehek
- Olives
- Teresa Caffe
- The Original Soupman
- Thomas Sweet Chocolate
- Tico's
- Tiger Noodles
- Tigers Tale
- Triumph Brewery Co.
- Underground Cafe
- Winberies
- Yankee Doodle Tap Room
The event takes place from Noon-6pm, rain or shine, on the Palmer Square Green. Musical performances are free; food vendors charge accordingly. BUCKS LIFE magazine is the Media Sponsor of the event.
Noon-1:00pm
Alan Dale and the New Legacy Jazz Band
Celebrating their 18th consecutive appearance at Jazz Feast, the New Legacy Jazz Band is one of America's premier full-time professional ensembles. Led by the dynamic and relentlessly swinging drummer Alan Dale, the New Legacy Jazz Band performs at festivals, weddings, corporate and other private receptions, casinos, colleges and theatres throughout the mid-Atlantic states. Honoring a heritage of genius in American popular music, the New Legacy Jazz Band is dedicated to the highest standards of artistic elegance and professional excellence.
1:15pm-2:15pm
The Princeton University Jazztet, directed by Anthony D.J. Branker, is one of a number of outstanding groups that are part of the university's jazz program. Princeton's jazz students and ensembles have received national awards from Down Beat magazine; collaborated in performance with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and the Delaware Valley Philharmonic Orchestra; performed internationally in China and Estonia; appeared at the International Association for Jazz Education Conference, North Texas Jazz Festival, and the University of Notre Dame Intercollegiate Jazz Festival; and have performed in the IAJE Sisters-in-Jazz All Star Quintet in Toronto, Canada and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.The members of the University Jazztet include vibraphonist Jackson Greenberg, pianist Jason Weinreb, bassist Robert Sicurelli, and drummer Kevin Laskey.
2:30pm-3:30pm
Marlene VerPlanck
Marlene VerPlanck started singing when she was 19 years old. She met and married her trombonist/arranger husband, Billy, while in The Tommy/Jimmy Dorsey Band. Together they settled in New York City and became two of the busiest studio session musicians for over 25 years. Billy produced and arranged 20 solo cd's for Marlene utilizing all kinds of combinations; pop symphonies, big bands, small bands, trios, and the group you'll be hearing today, Marlene with the Saxes. The musicians are Tedd Firth, piano, Steve LaSpina, bass, Richard DeRosa, drums, and leader of the saxes, Al Regni. The NY Times claims, “she may be the most accomplished interpreter of American popular song performing today." Marlene currently sings all over the world which includes a month long tour of the UK every March.
3:45pm-4:45pm
Roomful of Blues
This joyful blues ensemble is currently led by guitarist Chris Vachon. In 2007, singer Dave Howard took over the vocal duties, bringing his gritty and soulful vocals and adding another bright new dimension to the jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor.
Along with new members, bassist Frankie Rizzuto, trumpeter Doug Woolverton and drummer Ephraim Lowell, and longer standing members keyboardist Travis Colby, baritone and tenor saxophonist Mark Earley, tenor and alto saxophonist Rich Lataille, Raisin' a Ruckus swings with ferocity and rocks with urgency and purpose. Moving effortlessly from originals to carefully chosen covers, the expertly executed songs sizzle from start to finish.
5:00pm-6:00pm
The Smith Street Society Jazz Band has 5 record albums to their credit. They have appeared in two major motion pictures: King of the Gypsies for Dino DiLaurentiis and Hero at Large for MGM. Smith Street has headlined hundreds of concerts and shows throughout the USA and Europe. Past appearances include Super Bowl XXIX in Miami, Breda Jazz Festival in Holland, Bar Harbor Concert Series, United Technologies Anniversary Spectacular, and the 1998 Goodwill Games.
Palmer Square
40 Nassau Street
Princeton NJ 08542
For more information contact All About Jazz.
