Nyack Jazz Week 2013, Hopper House
Since 1985, the Rockland County Jazz & Blues Society (RCJBS) has brought “Jazz Week” to Nyack and surrounding communities. Organizer and performer Richard Sussman said the original RCJBS started more than 25 years ago by the late Tom Finegan and Mark Enterline, both jazz enthusiasts. When they retired in 2005, Sussman was among the group who took over, making the decision to keep the tradition going.
The new RCJBS raised the stakes by booking upscale headliners while expanding their territory into the Piermont and Tappan area. They hope to reach further into the county’s communities in the future. RCJBS also supports and works with local artists, multicultural events, women artists as well as student/educational events.While devoting time to Jazz Week, RCJBS also presents 12-15 jazz concerts a year as part of the Nyack Library Carnegie Concert Jazz Series. In 2013 they were awarded the Rockland County Executive Arts Award for “Best Arts Organization.”
Nyack Jazz Week 2013 Nyack Library
Starting soon, RCJBS will be starting a “Special Membership Drive” allowing people to get free tickets to special events by becoming a new member ($25) or renewing their membership. Each year, eight consecutive nights of great music (indoors & out, and some free to the public) feature a range of New York and world-renowned artists.
Highlights will include free outdoor concerts at local parks, a concert in the historic Carnegie-Farian Room at The Nyack Library, and Premier Concerts on Friday, July 25th with Local Legend Sam Waymon – Piano & Vocals plus Special Guests (Nyack Library), and Saturday, July 26th Bill O’Connell Latin Jazz All-stars with Conrad Herwig, Ralph Bowen, Harvie S, & Richie Morales (The Hudson House, Nyack).
Past headliners at Nyack Jazz Week have included Fred Hersch, John Patitucci, Lou Donaldson, Dave Valentin, John Tropea, Sonny Fortune, Kenny Barron, and Houston Person.
Nyack Jazz Week 2014 Schedule
Sunday, July 20, The Turning Point Café,- Opening Night
RCJBS All-stars featuring Scott Wendholt- trumpet, Richard Sussman- piano, Cameron Brown-bass, Steve Johns-drums + Special Guest Rich Perry-tenor sax. The Turning Point Café, Piermont, NY – 7:30-10:30pm, $20/15/10 (seniors/members).
Monday, July 21, The Turning Point Café – Jam Session
Jam Session with John Richmond- tenor sax, Rob Reich- guitar, David Kingsnorth- bass, Eliot Zigmund- drums. The Turning Point Café, Piermont, NY – 8-11pm, $5.
Tuesday, July 22, Free concert in Memorial Park
Outdoor Concert – Steve Bernstein & MTO – Nyack Memorial Park, 7:30-9:30pm, FREE.
Wednesday, July 23 at 76 House
Jam Session with Mark Hagan-bass, Duane Eubanks- trumpet, John David Simon- tenor sax, Danny Petrow- guitar, Ron Vincent- drums. 76 House, Tappan, 8-11pm, $5.
Thursday, July 24 Free Outdoor Concert at Hopper House
Scott Reeves Big Band – The Hopper House, Nyack, 7:30-9:30pm, FREE.
Friday, July 25 – Sam Wayom in the Carnegie Farian Room at the Nyack Library
Local Legend Sam Waymon-piano & vocals plus special guests – Nyack Library, 7:30-9:30, $25/20/15 (members/seniors/students).
Saturday, July 26/14- The Hudson House
Bill O’Connell-piano Latin Jazz Allstars with Conrad Herwig- trombone, Ralph Bowen-tenor sax, Harvie S- bass, Richie Morales- drums. The Hudson House, 8 & 10pm shows, $20/15.
Sunday, July 27, Closing night at the Turning Point
Closing Night Party with Guitarist Bob DeVos Organ Trio. The Turning Point, 7:30-10:30, $15/10 (members/seniors).
To purchase tickets please visit www.rcjbs.org.
Photos by Ray Wright
