Summer Jamfest returns with a variety of musical guests
HACKETTSTOWN — Centenary Stage Company’s Summer Jamfest will “raise the roof” of the Sitnik Theater during the summer months with a variety of high-energy musical guests. Running July 11 through Aug. 8, CSC will host an array of talented musicians paying tribute to some of America’s greatest musical artists.
July 11The name “Ray Charles” designates a superstar worldwide and CSC is kicking off the annual Summer Jamfest on Saturday, July 11 at 8 p.m. with Kenny Brawner in "Ray Charles on my Mind." This brand new hybrid concert/theatre work brings the music and story of the great Ray Charles to life. Portraying Ray, master pianist/vocalist Kenny Brawner leads his 12-piece orchestra and three vocalists (a la Raelettes) performing this American legend's most popular hits.
The songs are interwoven by "Ray" depicting how Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Country music influenced his style — and reflecting on American social history, his epic battle with drugs, and his triumphant return home to Georgia.
July 18On Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m., CSC kicks up the energy with Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk. With the resurgence of “funk” music made popular by Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk”; Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk have devoted themselves to the reinvention of the big band sound, changing up classic rock, soul, jazz and standard music to a unique and powerful sound.
Al Chez, well known for playing more than 25 years on Late Night and The Late Show with David Letterman, joined forces with Jon Bon Jovi in 1979 to create the band the Atlantic City Expressway, which played New Jersey shore clubs for years.
Chez went on to tour with Tower of Power, Robert Cray Band, Spyro Gyra, Sting, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, Cee lo Greene, Snoop dog, James Brown as well of many others. Along with unique musical arrangements of Rock-Soul-Jazz-Blues-Standards and original tunes, frontman Al Chez stratospheric trumpet playing and soulful vocals.
July 25The jamming continues on Saturday, July 25 at 8 p.m. with the music of “the King of Pop”. The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience starring Joby Rogers. As the only Michael Jackson Tribute artist personally endorsed in a signed statement by Jackson himself as an “official substitute” he is the mirror image of Michael Jackson and is both electrifying and entertaining.
Joby is the only Tribute Artist to ever appear on the Cover of “Rolling Stone Magazine”. This Multi Media “Concert Tribute” production is a celebration of the music and dancing of the World Famous “King of Pop”. The “UMX” Show embraces the audience in a wave of visual and musical excitement.
Joby Rogers resemblance to Jackson combined with the intricate dance moves of the genius himself presents an exhilarating performance preserving the legacy and spirit of this Entertainment Icon. Everything from the signature Moonwalk, unbelievable dance moves, World class choreographed and talented back-up dancers and customized wardrobe is recreated on stage.
Aug. 1Rock and Roll legends come to life on the Sitnik Stage Saturday, Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. with A Musical Tribute to the Million Dollar Legends. The Million Dollar Quartet is the new smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.
On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Million Dollar Legends brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That's All Right, Sixteen Tons, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, Who Do You Love, Matchbox, Folsom Prison Blues, Hound Dog, and more.
Aug. 8"The Only National CSN&Y Tribute Show of its Kind" wraps up CSC’s Summer Jamfest on Saturday, Au. 8 at 8 p.m. with CSN Songs: Celebrating the Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. The music was born in the summer of 1969 at the famous “Woodstock Music Festival” in New York.
It was when David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash hit the stage, that the face of folk/rock music would be changed forever. Their legacy continued throughout the 70's, 80's, 90's and today. All of Crosby, Stills Nash & Young's musical compositions are highly respected by "CSNsongs" and are reproduced as closely as possible to how they were originally written, recorded and performed throughout "Crosby Stills Nash & Young's" musical legacy.
Tickets for Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk are $25 in advance. Tickets for all other 2015 Summer Jamfest events are $30 in advance. As with all concerts, jazz and special events ticket prices increase $5 day of the event. For more information or to purchase tickets visit centenarystageco.org or call the box office at 908-979–0900. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the CSC box office located in the David and Carol Lackland Center on the campus of Centenary College, 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and two hours prior to every performance.