Mountain Creek announces Smoke’N Blues Jazz & Food Festival

VERNON — Mountain Creek and ASi Music Group announce the inaugural Smoke’N Blues Jazz & Food Festival set for Sunday, May 25.

The Smoke’N Blues Jazz & Food Festival will bring several of the Northeast’s top Jazz and Blues talents to Mountain Creek’s Great Lawn for a fun-filled afternoon. The event promises to bring a day of lively music, upscale barbeque, craft beer and fine wine to those looking for a twist on the traditional Memorial Day Weekend BBQ.

Performances include:
The Bob Lanza Blues Band — Led by Blues Hall of Fame artist, Bob Lanza, The Bob Lanza Blues Band is a tight-knit, Northern New Jersey blues unit with Texas influence and true Chicago/Kansas City style. Bob Lanza is known as one of the most passionate blues guitarists on the scene. Lanza’s all-star cast features Sandy Joren on Bass, Dave “Snakeman” Runyan on harmonica and Noel Sagerman on drums.

Unit 1 — A “jazz-funk power trio” featuring Grammy award-winning electric bassist Mark Egan, Drummer World’s “Top 500” Drummer Karl Latham, and jazz guitarist John Hart. Embracing jazz, rock, Brazilian, funk and world music sensibilities, Unit 1 creates modern interpretations of nine jazz Standards reminiscent of The Police, Tony Williams Lifetime, and Miles Davis’ Live Evil.

Big Fun(k) — This energetic groove/soul/funk group will have festival goers moving and grooving as they listen to the band’s original compositions and arrangements of classics ranging from The Beatles to Beyoncé. Led by internationally renowned saxophonist/composer Don Braden and drummer Karl Latham, Big Fun(k) features acclaimed keyboardist/vocalist and actor Nick Rolfe and bassist Gary Foote of the band Blood, Sweat, and Tears.

The Chuck Lambert Band — Drawing upon the influences of several Blues genres, such as Chicago and Texas-style blues and Kansas City Jump, this powerhouse blues band injects an original perspective into their performances. Playing the blues for more than 40 years, Chuck Lambert complements his fiery guitar playing with compelling vocals, making every performance spellbinding.

Amber Rae and The Swinging Foxes — A genre-blending collective of vintage blues, 30’s and 40’s Swing, R&B, Soul and early Rock & Roll.

Festival tickets are $35 through May 24 and $40 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free. Limited VIP parking is available for $30 at the Red Tail Lodge.

For more information and ticket sales, visit www.mountaincreek.com or call 973-827-2000.