Designation: Board of Trustees

Jay Sweet

Jay Sweet

Jay Sweet is on the board of the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation.

Jay has built a diverse and accomplished career in the music industry as a musician, educator, author, and historian.

As a bassist and guitarist, Sweet has performed and recorded with numerous notable artists. He is also the host of the monthly JSJBF Monday Jazz Jam at the Chubby Pickle, where he fosters a vibrant local jazz community.

In his role as an educator, Sweet serves as both an adjunct professor and a private music teacher. He has taught courses on jazz history, rock & roll history, and American music history at Monmouth University, Rutgers-Newark University, and Middlesex College. As the owner of Sweet Music Academy in Howell, he leads a team offering private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and more to students of all ages. Lessons are available in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, ensuring accessibility to a diverse student base.

Jay Sweet is also a respected researcher, historian, and biographer. He has interviewed jazz icons and explored significant musical themes. He is the author of several books, including A History of American Music: An Origin Story 1750-1950 and Ray Brown: His Life and Music. And he is a contributing editor for Jersey Jazz Magazine,

In addition, Sweet is a podcaster and hosts two popular podcasts: 30 Albums for 30 Years and The Jazz Real Book , where he shares his deep knowledge and passion for music.

For more information, visit:
* Personal Website: JaySweetMusic.com
* Sweet Music Academy: SweetMusicAcademy.com
* Books on Amazon: A History of American Music: An Origin Story 1750-1950 https://www.amazon.com/History-American-Music-1750-1950-Origin/dp/1792490992, Ray Brown: His Life and Music https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Jay-Sweet/dp/1800505353
* Podcasts: https://www.30albumsfor30years.com/ and The Jazz Real Book on Spotify

Allen de la Cruz

Allen de la Cruz is on the board of the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation and is the Chair of the Technology Committee.

Allen is an avid guitarist, and his passion for technology is matched by his love for jazz and blues. As a board member of the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation, he hopes to bring a unique perspective that merges his tech expertise with a deep appreciation for music. His vision is to leverage technological innovations to enhance the reach and impact of jazz and blues, ensuring these timeless genres continue to thrive and resonate with audiences worldwide.

He is a seasoned technology executive who has been at the forefront of digital media innovation for over 20 years including prior roles as Sr. Director of Engineering at Activision, SVP Engineering at Major League Gaming, and Architect for Yahoo’s Video Platform. Currently, Allen is at the helm of Tigre Tech, a NYC-based technology consultancy offering strategic guidance and development support for clients ranging from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Joseph V. Riggio

Joseph V. Riggio

Joseph Vincent Riggio is a Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation Board of Trustees member and proudly hosts and heads the Mark LaRochelle Youth Open Mic event monthly. He is sole proprietor of J v ARCHER ENTERTAINMENT as well as President & Founder of Psycho Factor Records. The former promotes quality musical acts focusing on all ages showcases, Jazz, Blues and atypical/unique performers. The latter provides a much-needed home for his own Musical Projects that lean away from mainstream appeal. Primarily a Singer and Cornet player and a 30 year plus East Coast USA tour veteran. All 6 of his releases from his 4 main projects are available worldwide on all digital platforms exclusively distributed by Atomic Music.

Follow everything here:

https://linktr.ee/josephvincentriggio

Gary Neuwirth

Gary Neuwirth

Gary recently joined the Board of Trustees for the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation. He also serves on the board for Peter Cooper Village, West Long Branch. He holds a SCRREA (State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser) license 1992-Present.