By Steffen Klenk
Just weeks ago, I found myself tapping my toes and bobbing my head to the sounds of Tom Angello and his All-Star Jazz group as they performed for a rousing audience at Gregory’s in Somers Point. The show featured some of the regions most renowned jazz musicians, with Michael Pedicin leading on tenor sax. It was an evening full of improvisation, melodies created on the spot. The feeling and ambiance in the room was akin to being in a New York jazz club.
Now in its sixth season, the All Star Jazz Series is brought to the stage courtesy of the South Jersey Jazz Society and its generous donors. The 501c3 organization was founded in 2004, known previously as the Somers Point Jazz Society. Over the years, they have hosted a variety of stand-alone concerts and fundraisers, along with educational events.
To this day, the Jazz Society has over 200 sustaining members and a growing list of sponsors and donors that keep the organization going. Nick Regine is a former recreation director for the City of Somers Point, board member of the Jazz Society, and founder of the city’s Unique Experiences Club. He says the outpouring of community support has been outstanding. “When we started this, I didn’t know what kind of response we were going to get. The audience has amazed me.”
There are plenty of reasons for local jazz aficionados to be excited. South Jersey Jazz Society is hosting one of its largest annual events, Jazz at the Point, November 3 through 6. This year’s festival celebrates the life and legacy of the great jazz guitarist Pat Martino. Born in Philadelphia, Martino released over two dozen albums and collaborated with jazz greats Eric Alexander, Jack McDuff, and Charles McPherson. He passed away last November at the age of 77.
Over 40 artists are slated to perform during the four-day event, with Bill Milkowski scheduled to present a keynote presentation on opening night Thursday. With scheduled tributes from names like Howard Paul, Sheryl Bailey, Pat Bianchi, Peter Bernstein, and Charlie Apicetta, among others, Jazz at the Point is sure to be on everyone’s concert calendar.
While admission is free for all attendees, tickets will be required. Those who wish to attend performances at Gateway Playhouse can go to gatewaybythebay.org to claim their seat. A special livestream of each tribute show is available the low price of $10. For jazz fans, it is an opportunity to watch this special tribute from anywhere around the world.
You can enjoy Tom Angello’s All Star Jazz Series on select Wednesday nights from “Walt’s Original Blue Note Jazz Emporium” (a.k.a. the dining room) at Gregory’s. While performances are free to attend, reservations are highly recommended. Upcoming shows are scheduled for Wednesday, November 16 and 30. You can learn more about upcoming performances, news, and membership information online at southjerseyjazz.org. Good will donations are accepted at all Jazz Society events and online.
Here in South Jersey, we are fortunate to live along a corridor of art and culture. The Jazz Society continues to provide South Jersey with access to a rare, yet eclectic, form of music not found in many other places. “You can’t find another small community such as Somers Point, probably in the continental United States, that has a thriving jazz scene,” Nick Regine said.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
