12th Annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival Set For Newark in November
PHOTO: Christian McBride
Legendary Montclair bassist-composer-arranger-educator Christian McBride, in his capacity as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Jazz Advisor, has announced the lineup for the 12th annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival, to be held in November at NJPAC and other Newark locations from the third to the 19th.
“Probably my favorite quote about performing is from Cannonball Adderley,” says McBride. “I give the audience 50% of what they want to hear and 50% of what I think they need to hear. As an artist, I think that’s a smart balance, and it’s part of how we approach the festival lineup. Whatever your favorite kind of music is, you’ll hear it at some point in this festival, but you’ll also hear variations on it, new approaches, maybe a take you hadn’t considered before. We’re always going to play the music you love, but we’re going to offer you a little something more, a new sound, a new artist to get excited about.”
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THE SCHEDULE
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. Dee Dee Bridgewater, vocals, and Bill Charlap, piano, Victoria Theater
Nov. 4, 3:00 p.m. WBGO Kid’s Concert Series/Elio Villafranca Quartet presents “Standing by the Crossroads,” Victoria Theater. (Free though advance reservation is required.)
Nov. 4, 8:00 pm. Grupo Niche and Héctor Acosta “El Torito,” Prudential Hall
Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. Ranky Tanky with Lisa Fischer, Victoria Theater
Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Omara Portuondo, Victoria Theater
Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. Take 6 with tap dancer Hillary-Marie and beatboxer Mark Martin, Victoria Theater
Nov. 12, 3:00 p.m. Abdullah Ibrahim Trio, Victoria Theater
Nov. 12, 7:00 p.m. Gladys Knight with Davell Crawford, Prudential Hall
Nov. 15, 7:00 p.m. Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues screening at Newark Museum of Art (free)
Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place (free)
Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. “The Sound of (Black) Music” featuring The Shakes and singers Vuyo Sotashe, Brianna Thomas, Charenée Wade, Alexis Lombre and Zhanna Reed (a “reimagining of the classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical through a utopian, afro-futuristic lens full of love,” Victoria Theater.
Nov. 17, 7:00 p.m. NJMEA/All State Jazz Band and Choir with guest vibraphonist Stefon Harris at NJPAC’s Chase Room.
Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. “When You Wish Upon a Star — A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney” with pianist and bandleader Sean Mason, the National Jazz Museum Band, singers Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson and others, Victoria Theater.
Nov. 17, 8:00 p.m. “Dave Grusin: A Life in Music” featuring pianist Grusin, guitarist Lee Ritenour, singers Will Downing and Jane Monheit, trumpeter Randy Brecker, saxophonist Ernie Watts, drummer Dave Weckl, bassist Tom Kennedy and New York Voices, Prudential Hall.
Nov. 18, 6:00 p.m. Pianist Cyrus Chestnut at Bethany Baptist Church (free)
Nov. 19, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. “Dorthaan’s Place: The Steve Turre Generations Sextet” at NJPAC’s NICO Kitchen + Bar.
Nov. 19, 3:00 p.m. 12th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition with host Pat Prescott, singer G. Thomas Allen and judges Jane Monheit, Christian McBride, Madeleine Peyroux, Al Pryor and Lizz Wright, Victoria Theater.
For more information, visit NJPAC.org/jazz.