Westside Jazz Series Salutes Count Basie August 10

The Count Basie 365 Cultural and Westside Jazz Series was conceived last winter to keep jazz alive in Red Bank—the home of Count Basie— one of the most notable figures in the world of jazz.

Westside Jazz Series

The vision committee, which was appointed by Mayor Pasquale Menna, will kick-off the first of three dates on Aug 10, 17 and 24, with live jazz featured on the Westside of Red Bank at the pocket park on Drs. James Parker Blvd. and Shrewsbury Ave., from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 10.

The Westside Jazz Series shifts into high gear and comes alive with live jazz, during the dog days of summer. The community is invited to come out and bring your lawn chairs and a friend or two to listen to the jazzy sound of The Gambone Project on Aug. 10, from 6-8 p.m. Be entertained by this versatile jazz trio playing everything from smooth to straight ahead jazz and funk. On Aug. 17, “The Pied Piper” of jazz, internationally known flutist, Keith Marks will bring a Latin flavor to the evening’s jazz menu from 7-9 p.m. And on Aug. 24, a salute to Ralph Gatta, otherwise known as Johnny Jazz, will take place. Over the generations, Johnny’s Jazz Market stood as a hub for good jazz music.

Count Basie

With an unprecedented collection of jazz music, including Count Basie, Ralph Gatta, served a heaping dose of jazz to all his customers, along with their culinary treats.

Red Bank’s own Al Wright Unit featuring Ruth Wright on vocals and bluesman, Chuck Lambert, will pay a musical tribute to Johnny Jazz from 7-9 p.m.

The Count Basie 365 Cultural Series is delighted to present this jazz showcase sponsored by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

Follow Jersey Voices on Twitter