For the fifth year, the South Jersey Jazz Society (SJJS) will “unofficially” kick off the summer beach concerts on the William Morrow Beach in Somers Point with music by the PJ Keiter Octet on June 5.

The PJ Keiter Octet is a versatile jazz combo that performs everything from blues, classic and new wave jazz, funk, fusion, and the Great American Songbook all over South Jersey. Led by Somers Point trumpeter PJ Keiter, who is a past recipient of the SJJS Jazz Scholarship award, the octet also includes: Will Keiter, alto saxophone; Rick Roehm, trombone; Bill Conn, tenor sax; Sam Harasink, bass; James Melton, guitar; Chris Scamby, drums; Alicen Ragonese, vocals.

“We’re so happy to bring this energetic group to the William Morrow Beach for everyone to enjoy,” said Nick Regine, president of SJJS. “The youthful exuberance they bring to their performances are sure to have toes tapping and people dancing throughout the event.”

SJJS has brought a range of performers to the beach in Somers Point. Some examples of previous performers over the years have include the Tito Puente Jr. Latin Jazz Orchestra, Eduardo Cintron and his Sounds of the Caribbean, and the Andrew Neu Orchestra. 

Bring a beach chair and enjoy jazz presented by a high-energy ensemble 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 5. William Morrow Beach is located on Bay Avenue at New Jersey Avenue. The event is free, however goodwill donations will be accepted.

For more information call 609-289-0326 or go to SouthJerseyJazz.org.