Centenary Stage Company ceelbrates jazz and puppetry in January
HACKETTSTOWN — Centenary Stage Company’s annual Jazz Fest takes an international spin with one of the world’s leading jazz musicians coming in from Moscow, a performance with a Latin flair, and a group fusing together world rhythms and sounds in The Lackland Center. And it begins with a family show filled with puppetry and music.
Willow Girl
The Catskill Puppet Theatre returns as part of CSC’s Family Fun Series with a brand new show for Hackettstown audiences on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. Willow Girl is the story about a young Chinese girl who immigrates to the American frontier and faces discrimination in a swirl of other immigrants and cultures. But she possesses special gifts. She has been taught the healing power of plants and has a secret friend, the mysterious spirit who inhabits a beautiful Willow Tree. This rod puppet show features a larger-than-life, gracefully animated Willow Tree and is a wonderful blend of humor, mystery, drama and magical effects. It is illustrated with a combination of original and traditional fiddle music. Catskill Puppet Theatre will also host an optional workshop after the show where children can build their own puppets and play along on stage.
Moscow Jazz Orchestra
Kicking off this season’s Jazz Fest is Igor Butman’s Moscow Jazz Orchestra on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. Igor Butman, now Russia's top jazz personality, is not only the artistic director of the country's best jazz club, he also leads a jazz orchestra in Russia. The band has evolved into Russia's best touring hardcore jazz unit. Butman's marvelous coalescence of soul, sound and technique drew praise from President Bill Clinton, one time tenor man, at a state dinner hosted by Vladimir Putin at the Moscow Kremlin. Clinton stated, that Igor Butman "may be the greatest living jazz saxophone player, who happens to be a Russian."
Tizer Jazz Band
Tizer Jazz Band brings Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. Over the past few years, Tizer — a 2011 nominee for "Jazz Group of the Year" — has taken their multi-faceted world fusion vibe around the globe, galvanizing thousands. Tizer has a multi-genre, multi-national appeal that expands beyond just jazz enthusiasts. Their diverse resume includes performance slots alongside musicians like Jethro Tull, Isaac Hayes, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Babyface, Bruce Hornsby and Robin Thicke. They bring an intensity with expansive arrangements and exciting soloing to each concert.
Sammy Figueroa
And wrapping up this year’s Jazz Fest is the legendary Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. Sammy Figueroa has long been regarded as one of the world's great musicians. Well-known for his versatility and professionalism, he is one of the few percussionists equally comfortable in a multitude of styles, from R & B to rock and pop to bebop, Latin to Brazilian, and New Age.
Tickets
Catskill Puppet Theatre tickets are $20 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12, when purchased in advance. The post-show workshop is $18.50 for participants.
Igor Butman Moscow Jazz Band tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children under 12, when purchased in advance.
Tizer Jazz Band tickets are $22.50 for adults and $15 for children under 12, when purchased in advance Sammy Figueroa tickets are $22.50 for adults and $15 for children under 12, when purchased in advance.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.centenarystageco.org, at the CSC Box Office in The Lackland Center at 715 Grand Ave in Hackettstown, or by calling 908-979-0900. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday 1 to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays in December only), and two hours prior to performance times. CSC also operates a second Box Office during the season at 217 Main Street in Hackettstown open Monday through Friday 3 to 6 p.m.