Archive for Greg Bufford

“Hoofers” Triumphantly Return To Skippers For Thursday Night Tap Jam

// April 25th, 2010 // No Comments » // Alicia Smith, Frank Clemente, Frank Noviello, Greg Bufford, Hillary-Marie, Jazz Events, Jeffry Foote, Justin Ballasy, Kyle Wilder, Radam Schwartz, Recaps & Reviews, Skippers, Newark, NJ, Tap Events, Yvette Glover

14-year-old Tap phenom, Justin Ballasy commands admiration when he takes to the stage.

Hoofers, vocalists and jazz enthusiasts alike flocked to Skippers in droves this past Thursday for the Tap Jam extravaganza. After an unbearably long three-month hiatus, the night’s event more than met our need for rhythm and soul that’s been missing all this time.

As soon as you entered the popular pub, you could feel the electricity in the air. While the band set up, performers and their supporters bustled about in great anticipation for the exciting evening ahead. Serenading the crowd were music masterminds Radam Schwartz on the piano, bassist Michael Logan and Gregory Bufford playing drums. The lively set also included feel-good, rousing performances from jazz vocalists Frank Noviello and Joy Foster, getting hearts pumping for what was to follow.

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First Tap Jam Of 2010 Sizzles @ Skippers

// January 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Dai Oyama, Greg Bufford, Hillary-Marie, Jazz Events, Jeffry Foote, Justin Ballasy, Kyle Wilder, Lisle Atkinson, Lucas Ballasy, Radam Schwartz, Recaps & Reviews, Robin Young, Skippers, Newark, NJ, Tap Events, Yvette Glover

It certainly has been brutally cold these last few weeks, but the stage at Skippers Plane Street Pub was ablaze with talent during this past Thursday’s Tap Jam.

A tradition started by Yvette Glover, mother of renowned tap superstar Savion Glover, Thursday night Tap Jams are designed to showcase the tap community’s rising stars as well as professional dancers. Those in attendance that night were definitely not left disappointed by the show. (more…)

“Crazy” Jazz Jam Rocks Skippers Monday Night

// November 11th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Angel Williams, Bobby Curtis, Dr. Cliff Howell, Eugene "Goldie" Goldston, Greg Bufford, Joy Foster, Radam Schwartz, Recaps & Reviews, Skippers, Newark, NJ

Pb090086I’ve only recently begun to immerse myself in New Jersey’s lively jazz scene thanks to Jazzville, NJ founder, D.A. Gutierrez. But if this past Monday’s Jazz Jam is an indication of only some of the talent found in this community, then the musical genius of these artists and performers will keep you coming back.

The Monday Night Jazz Jam at Skippers is hosted each week by the very charismatic Eugene “Goldie” Goldston. On this evening, he welcomed everyone to the festivities and guaranteed the crowd would not be disappointed by the end of the night. Boy did he deliver on that promise!

The main band consisted of Gregory Bufford on drums, Dr. Cliff Howell on guitar and Radam Schwartz, who played the Hammond B3 organ.

The three set the mood for a very laid-back atmosphere. It seemed as if the band was jamming in the comfort of home, encouraging each other to take liberties with solos and allowing one another to shine without breaking away from the trio. Each was in his own element, hands gliding across their respective instruments, energizing the crowd with every beat.

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Rising Tap Stars (and some Pros) Heat Things Up At Skippers

// November 2nd, 2009 // No Comments » // Alicia Smith, Dai Oyama, Frank Clemente, Frank Noviello, Greg Bufford, Hillary-Marie, Jazz Events, Jeffry Foote, Justin Ballasy, Recaps & Reviews, Skippers, Newark, NJ, Tap Events, Yvette Glover

Ms. Yvette Glover & Justin

"Tap Mom" Yvette Glover with 13-year-old tap sensation, Justin Ballasy

Tucked away on a street corner in Newark, you certainly don’t expect much when first setting foot in Skippers Plane Street Pub. As you walk in, it’s impossible to believe there will be enough room for the patrons, let alone the tap dancers scheduled to perform in this past Thursday’s Tap Jam. Even the upright bass was bigger than the stage that had been set up.

Taking a seat at the cozy wooden tables, though, you instantly felt at home. The sense of community in the room quickly put you at ease, but with no less anticipation of what good times laid ahead.

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