New Orleans Band Heads Up Red Bank Concert to Benefit Gulf Musicians
Music is the lifeblood of New Orleans and Katrina has silenced many musicians. Here’s how to help them get back on their feet. Before or after you dine in a Red Bank restaurant on October 1st come on down to the historic Anthony Reckless Estate, on Broad Street, and catch some great live music. In support of musicians harmed by Hurricane Katrina, The Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation and the Woman’s Club of Red Bank build on the success of their collaborative live jazz and blues series, Reckless Steamy Nights. On Saturday, October 1, from 6-11 p.m., Reckless Steamy Nights serves up three bands that will have you movin’ and grinnin’.
6 p.m. SOUL PROJECT—Stranded in our neighborhood by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans based Soul Project offers New Orleans style funk, including brass. The seven-piece band was up here gigging when Katrina hit. They are “stuck” up here, as music venues in New Orleans are out of commission. They have toured the U.S. and performed for several years at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival. They have gigged at well-known NOLA nightspots such as Tipitina’s, The Banks Street Bar, The Maple Leaf, Le Bon Temps Roule and Club Coda. Check out www.soulproject.info.
7:50 p.m.— SNAPPERHEAD ZYDECO is a five -piece Central Jersey band with Louisiana heart. Always staying zydeco-centered, they draw on a variety of styles fusing a traditional Cajun, Creole and swamp-pop base with flavors of Latin, funk, and reggae. Check out www.snapperheadzydeco.com
9:30 p.m.—The Jazz Lobster Big Band swings hard, featuring the timeless music of The Count Basie Orchestra, arrangements from the 40’s to present, Sinatra to Tower of Power, led by keyboardist/ arranger James P. Lafferty. The full tilt big band is comprised of five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, and the Lobster rhythm section. Featured on trombone is Rick Stepton, a 23 year veteran with Buddy Rich, and Cliff Pecota, playing alto and contributing original compositions and arrangements. Sinatra stylist John Esposito helps recreate the magic of when Frank sang with Basie. Vocalist Mary McCrink lends her truly unique voice and style, and Chino Roberts with his dreads and white tails does a mean Cab Calloway tribute. Special guests include: alto virtuoso Danny Walsh and the fiery Jeff Rupert on tenor. Look for their coming shows and concerts on www.jazzlobsters.com
Minimum tax-deductible donations of $20 per person include snacks. Bring your own bottle of wine and lots of friends. The organizers will donate all proceeds to the MusiCares Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund. The Musicares Foundation is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Go to www.grammy.com/musicares for more information.
The Anthony Reckless Estate is located at 164 Broad Street, Red Bank, across from the Red Bank post office. For more information, please call The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation at 732 933-0541.
On October 1st, participating Red Bank restaurants will donate $5 from each dinner entrée to the American Red Cross Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund, in an effort coordinated by Red Bank RiverCenter. Go to www.redbankrivercenter.org for a list of these generous restaurants.
More information on the MusiCares Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund.
Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy, MusiCares has been helping people across the country cope with personal, medical and financial hardships. MusiCares provides totally confidential crisis intervention, health care referrals and financial assistance. The MusiCares Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund will distribute funds to musicians and other music industry people directly affected by this disaster. Hurricane relief assistance may include funds for basic living expenses such as shelter, food, utilities, cell phones and transportation; medical expenses including doctor, dentist, hospital bills and medication; clothing and toiletries; musical instrument and recording equipment replacement; relocation costs; school supplies for students; cell phone service; insurance payments and more. Applicants may also be referred to other resources, as needed.
Applicants for MusiCares Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund assistance must have five years professional experience in the music industry and loss of livelihood or housing due to effects of Hurricane Katrina. www.grammy.com/musicares