PRINCETON, NJ Stores and Shopping Guide Announcement
Arts Council of Princeton presents the Summer Courtyard Concert Series Starting Thursday, June 17th from 6:30-8:30PM
The Arts Council of Princeton, in partnership with the Princeton Shopping Center, presents the Summer Courtyard Concert Series every Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm at the Princeton Shopping Center at 301 North Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ. Concerts start on Thursday, June 17 and run every week through Thursday, August 12, 2010. This summer’s performers include Swingadelic, The Klez Dispensers, The Blawenburg Band, Alex Mitnick and the Kaleidoscope Band, Celtic Crossroad, Eco Del Sur, Alfred James Band, Thursday Jazz, and Sarah Donner. These concerts are free to the public. Ample parking is available at the Princeton Shopping Center. For more information, visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org or call 609-924-8777.
Swingadelic (June 17) is the New York City Metropolitan Area’s greatest “little big band” that delivers the traditional big band music of Ellington, Basie and Sinatra, mixed with the soulful sounds of Ray Charles. They add swingin’ Sixties grooves to come up with the most listenable and danceable music for any occasion. Swingadelic has released 4 CDs and has provided music for film soundtracks and appeared on regional TV and radio shows worldwide.
The Klez Dispensers (June 24) offer impeccable arrangements, inspiring improvisations, and engaging repertoire from the early years of klezmer, as well as exciting original compositions. The Klez Dispensers, an 8-piece ensemble comprising of clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, violin, piano, bass, drums and vocals, was formed in 1998 and performs throughout the year. The band has played at Satalla, Makor and CBGBs in New York. In 2000 the ensemble recorded its first CD, Indispensable, and in 2004 released its latest album, New Jersey Freylekhs.
The Blawenburg Band (July 1) was founded in 1890 in Blawenburg, NJ. It is one of the oldest community bands in the state. The 75 members of the Blawenburg Band range in age from their teens to their nineties, and include teachers and students, research scientists and computer specialists, and homemakers and active retirees. Some players have years of musical training and professional experience, others learned to play as children and are dedicated amateurs.
Alex Mitnick and the Kaleidoscope Band (July 8) perform on drums, percussion, and bass, with special guest Natalie Merritt singing and leading dances for the children. Concerts are lively and engaging and always include music from Africa and South America, fun sing-a-longs and all of your favorite Kaleidoscope Songs. Alex’s sensitivity, humor, and ability to connect with adults and children alike make these shows unforgettable!
Celtic Crossroad (July 15) has been performing for over 30 years playing traditional music from Ireland, England, and Scotland. Great musicianship and beautiful harmonies sums up this band headed up by Mark Arrington.
Eco Del Sur (July 22), which means “Echoes of the South”, was founded in 2000 and performs ancient Andean music and contemporary music from different Latin American regions. The group’s members are from Chile, Colombia and Ecuador and have each mastered several indigenous and contemporary instruments. Some of the instruments used will be pan-pipes and wooden flutes created by Pre-Columbian civilizations. The group also utilizes string and percussion instruments introduced to Latin America by Spanish and African heritage cultures.
Alfred James Band (July 29) – Alfred James is the only cellist in the world playing a black, 5 string carbon fiber cello standing up! Satellite Radio's XMU named Alfred James one of their Elite 27 of 2007. They won a Grammy songwriting contest in May 2007 and performed at 2 Grammy showcases. They have opened for Rufus Wainwright, Bruce Hornsby, Dave Mason, Marc Cohn, They Might Be Giants, and Suzanne Vega.
Thursday Jazz (August 5) is a trio of young musicians: Joel Nygren (keyboards), Tommy Heutmaker (drums), and Tom Zmuda (saxophonist). While only 12 and 13 years old when they formed the band, within months they were performing throughout Mercer and Bucks counties. The trio performs a blend of jazz styles, from the traditional sounds of Duke Ellington and George Gershwin to contemporary jazz by artists such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Koz, Grover Washington, Jr., and Marion Meadows as well as original music.
Sarah Donner and Friends (August 12) – Sarah Donner is a rockstar catlady kind of girl. She works the stage with a rhythmic guitar style, a fresh melodic line, and a candid stage presence. She is working on her third album Typing Is Dangerous, which is due out this fall on Cat Lady Records. In 2009, Sarah was a New Folk finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival. The songs 'Whalers and Sailors' and 'Knocks on a Door' were chosen from over 800 entries. Sarah has invited a few guests to play for this performance; they will be announced as the show nears.
The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP), founded in 1967, is a non-profit organization with a mission of Building Community through the Arts. Housed in the landmark Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, the ACP fulfills its mission by presenting a wide range of programs including exhibitions, performances, free community cultural events, and studio-based classes and workshops in the visual, performing and literary arts. Arts Council of Princeton programs are designed to be high-quality, engaging, affordable and accessible for the diverse population in the greater Princeton region.
