Jazzville, NJ

Jazz In Lincoln Park – Friday, July 30th

// July 27th, 2010 // No Comments » // Amiri Baraka, Jazz Events, News

Poet and activist Amiri Baraka will host the jazz portion of the Lincoln Park Music Festival in Newark this Friday. PHOTO CREDIT: DePauw University

For those who didn’t know, Newark has always played a big part in the New Jersey jazz scene, rich in history and cultural traditions. So it’s only natural to learn that a major jazz event will be taking place there this Friday in Lincoln Park.

The 5^th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival is set to kick off on July 30^th at noon. Hosted by famed poet and activist Amiri Baraka, the Jazz All-Star Newark Arkestra will pay tribute to Newark composers, covering James Moody’s “Moody’s Mood for Love,” Babs Gonzalez & Dizzy Gillespie’s “Oo Pappa Da” and Sarah Vaughan’s (the “Divine One”) “Lullaby of Birdland.” Homage will also be paid to Newark icons Woody Shaw and Larry Young.

(more…)

Incredible Tap Jam Marks 21st Anniversary Of National Tap Dance Day

// May 26th, 2010 // No Comments » // Amiri Baraka, Frank Clemente, Hillary-Marie, Jazz Events, Jeffry Foote, Justin Ballasy, Kyle Wilder, Lucas Ballasy, Skippers, Newark, NJ, Tap Events, Yvette Glover

We here at Jazzville love any occasion to celebrate. So what better way to observe National Tap Dance Day than to have a Tap Jam at Skippers? Hosted by Yvette Glover, mother of famed tapper, Savion Glover, last night’s festivities honored American tap legend Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, whose birthday was chosen for the holiday. Best known for dancing with Shirley Temple in several 1930s films, Mr. Bojangles has since inspired many generations to take the stage and show off their own skills. (more…)

Recap Of Amiri Baraka’s 75th Birthday Jazz Concert

// October 5th, 2009 // No Comments » // Amiri Baraka, Bethany Baptist Church, Newark, NJ, Recaps & Reviews

The hall of Newark’s Bethany Baptist Church buzzed with excitement on Saturday, October 3, 2009, as we awaited the start of a Jazz Vespers program honoring legendary poet, playwright and activist, Amiri Baraka.

Like the tiled mosaic of a storm-tossed boat decorating the front of the altar, this controversial artist is thought by many to be a troubled man instead of a celebrated trailblazer. However the members of his lifelong church endeavored to alter this negative image. Truth be told, they succeeded. (more…)

Newark Celebrates Amiri Baraka’s 75th Birthday With A Week’s Worth of Festivities

// October 2nd, 2009 // No Comments » // Amiri Baraka, Jazz Events, Poetry Events

Last week while we were attending Frank Noviello’s show at Skippers, we were overwhelmed & surprised to have the opportunity to watch legendary poet, Amiri Baraka recite “The Lullaby of Avon Avenue”, a poetic tribute to jazz great and Newark native, Sarah Vaughan. See video above.

In celebration of Mr. Baraka’s 75th birthday, Newark residents are kicking off a week’s worth of celebrations beginning with a jazz concert at Bethany Baptist Church. (more…)