Westfield Announcements

 

The “Sweet Sounds Downtown” Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), kicks off their 14^th annual season in downtown Westfield, NJ.  The performances will take place on sidewalks and street corners, for nine consecutive weeks, every Tuesday, starting on July 6^th and going through August 31 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Rain dates will be the following Wednesday evenings at the same time. Bands will be located on Central Avenue next to Banana Republic, the lawn in front of the North Avenue Train Station, the corner of East Broad and Prospect Streets, and Elm Street in front of the Baptist Church. 

 

“Sweet Sounds Downtown is extremely popular for all ages. From contemporary or traditional jazz to blues to big band, there are live performances to please everyone.” said Sherry Cronin, DWC Executive Director.  “The event is great for businesses downtown on Tuesday night.”  According to Beth Brenner, Assistant Executive Director, “We have a mix of great bands which played in past festivals as well as new bands this year.  Sweet Sounds has become so popular that we have to turn away many talented groups.”

 

The Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival schedule of performers is as follows:

 

Tuesday, July 6:

-          The Full Count Big Band - Central Ave

-          Karl Latham Group - E. Broad St. & North Ave.

-          Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Ensemble - Elm Street

-          Filthy Rich and the Poor Boys - North Ave.

 

Tuesday, July 13: 

-          David Aaron Quintet - Central Ave.

-          Michael Packer Blues Band - E. Broad St. & North Ave.

-          Carrie Jackson - Elm Street

-          Mike Kaplan Nonet - North Ave.

Tuesday, July 20:

-          Taino - Central Ave.

-          B.D. Lenz - E. Broad St. & North Ave.

-          Patty Cronheim Ensemble - Elm St.

-          Chris Colaneri Quintet - North Ave.

 

Tuesday, July 27:

-          Marlene VerPlanck - Central Ave.

-          Glenn Alexander Trio - E. Broad St. & North Ave.

-          Gordon James - Elm St.

-          Richard Reiter Swing Band - North Ave.

 

Tuesday, August 3:

-          Jazz Lobsters - Central Ave.

-          Justin Derman Jazz Trio - E. Broad St. & North Ave.

-          La Balteuband - Elm St.

-          Scarlett Lee Moore - North Ave.

 

Tuesday, August 10: 

-          Dr. Dubious and the Agnostics - Central Ave.

-          Too Blue Lou and the Groove - E. Broad St. & North Ave.

-          Lauren Shub Trio - Elm St.

-          Radam Schwartz - North Ave.

 

Tuesday, August 17: 

-          Nicole Hart - Central Ave.

-          Eric Mintel Quartet - E. Broad St. & Central Ave.

-          Bradford Hayes - Elm St.

-          Roxy Perry - North Ave.

 

Tuesday, August 24:

-          Jimmy Jazz - Central Ave.

-          Jerry Topinka - E. Broad St. & North Ave.

-          Les Jumelles Jazz - Elm St.

-          Sandy Mack Band - North Ave.

 

Tuesday, August 31:

-          Pam Purvis and the Blues Skies Band - Central Ave.

-          Pat Cuttitta Quintet - E. Broad St. & North Ave.

-          Dave Leonhardt Trio - Elm St.

-          Grupo Yuri - North Ave.

 

 

While enjoying the musical performances of “Sweet Sounds Downtown”, enjoy dining at one of Westfield’s fine restaurants or shop and stroll through downtown.  For more information about Westfield and other downtown events taking place, call the DWC at (908) 789-9444 for free a Destination Westfield brochure including a shopping, dining and service directory as well as an events calendar or visit their web site at www.WestfieldToday.com for further details. 

 

 

Photo caption:  The Full Count Big Band will be performing at the opening night of the14^th Annual Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival on July 6.  Four different band performances take place each Tuesday evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Raindate Wednesdays) from July 6 through August 31. For a full schedule, visit www.WestfieldToday.com.  Photo credit: Cheri Rogowsky.