Archive for Justin Ballasy

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…)

“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…)

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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