NJ’s Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival Returns to the Green on Saturday, September 18

The annual Jazz & Blues Festival, in nearby Morristown, NJ, returns to the Green on Saturday, September 18, from noon until 10:00 PM. This year’s festival begins with Swingadelic, a 11-piece “little big band” led by bassist Dave Post. In addition to the bandleader on bass, the group features pianist and vocalist John Bauers, vocalist Vanessa Perea, alto saxophonist Audrey Weber, tenor saxophonist Michael Weisberger, baritone player John DiSanto, trumpeters Carlos Francis and John Martin, trombonists Rob Edwards and Jimmy O’Connell, guitarist Andy Riedel, and drummer Colby Inzer.

At 2:00, the festival pays tribute to the late Bucky Pizzarelli, the award-winning guitarist who played the festival for many years, as well as Festival founder and co-producer Linda Smith. The Frank Vignola Trio, led by the guitar virtuoso, includes his guitar partner Vinny Raniolo and bassist Gary Mazzaroppi. Special guests will be guitarists Ed Laub and Gene Bertoncini, and violinist Aaron Weinstein.

At 4:00, Winard Harper & Jeli Posse take the stage. Harper, who won the Hot House Jazz Magazine Award for Best Drummer, will be joined by saxophonist Anthony Ware, pianist Tadataka Unno, trumpeter Ted Chubb, guitarist Charlie Sigler, bassist Dishan Harper, tap dancer Josh Johnson and singer Kameelah Harper.

Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses perform at 6:00. The only son of singer, songwriter and entertainer Louis Prima, Junior leads an ensemble that exudes energy and fun whether it is performing their own material or putting a new spin on some of his dad’s greatest hits including “Sing Sing Sing.”

The festival concludes with Rob Paparozzi’s Juke Joint in a line-up that includes guitarist George Naha, bassist Sue Williams, pianist John Korba and drummer Frank Pagano, plus a special guest from the Original Blues Brothers Band—Blue Lou Marini on sax.

Admission is free and many local restaurants will be offering specials for festival attendees. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, visit www.morristownjazzandblues.org.