MIDWEEK JAZZ FANTASTIC IN FALL

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College’s Arts and Community Center continues the MidWeek Jazz Series off-campus on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. at Mancini Hall, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Street, Toms River.  Come hear acclaimed artists play classic jazz and swing in a single 90-minute set!

September 22: Allan Vaché Returns – Acclaimed, inventive clarinetist Allan Vaché sold out the room last year for a spirited Benny Goodman centennial concert.  This year, he’ll bring the same intensity to a more general program.  Vaché’s clarinet can be downright blistering, as well as warm and inviting, and his graceful playing makes even complicated pieces seem easy.  Vaché will be joined by guitarist Vinnie Corrao, bassist Brian Nalepka, and drummer Kevin Dorn, all seasoned veterans of this series. 

October 20: Frank Vignola Trio – Master guitarist Frank Vignola “can play more musically at ridiculous tempos than just about anyone I’ve heard,” writes Jason Crane of the Tanglewood Jazz Festival.  His new trio is equally talented, earning rave reviews wherever they play.  Vinnie Raniolo keeps pace as a rhythm guitarist, while noted bassist Gary Mazzaroppi plays incredible solos that leave the audience cheering for more.  This is the trio’s first appearance for MidWeek Jazz, but surely not their last!

November 17: Jeff Barnhart at the Piano – Jeff Barnhart is considered the nation’s premier stride pianist, as evidenced by his appearance and popularity at many jazz festivals.  Fans love the exuberance, force, and speed he brings to each performance.  In Barnhart’s first solo visit to MidWeek Jazz, he will play in-the-round, bringing the audience close to the intense action.  Barnhart has the rapid fingering demanded of a world-class stride player, and logs thousands of miles each year to display his virtuosity.

December 15: Mona’s Hot Four – With a fresh, energetic sound, Mona’s Hot Four is one of the leaders among traditional jazz groups regaining a foothold in clubs throughout lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Bassist Cassidy Holden previously appeared at MidWeek Jazz with Fête Manouche, while clarinetist Dennis Lichtman, pianist Gordon Webster, and banjo/guitar player Nick Russo will be new to the venue.  Discover them for yourself on their first visit to downstate New Jersey.

Admission: $13 in advance and $15 at-the-door.  Advance tickets are only available through the Ocean County College Arts and Community Center Box Office.  For information or to charge tickets, call 732.255.0500.  Visit us on the web at www.ocean.edu.  (Tickets will be available at-the-door on the night of the performance, one hour before show time.)