WBGO Kids Jazz Fall 2013

WBGO Kids Jazz Concert Series - a free concert series brings jazz and performances to Newark and the area. These interactive, hour-long concerts give kids opportunities to learn about the distinct qualities of jazz, and why it's a reflection of our community, our nation, and our world! Q&A sessions with the artists, small gifts, and a chance to win a door prize are just some of the reasons to come out and join us! All concerts are Free and start at 12:30 and last about one hour, arrive 30 minutes early to ensure seating.

Oct. 5: The Firey String Sistas @ SOPAC

CHAMBER JAZZ CLASSICS
This 6-piece ensemble will take children on a journey through the history and legacy of African-American and urban culture. The program includes swingin' and singing with the Duke's song, It Don't Mean A Thing and discovering rhythms with Jitter-bug Waltz by Fats Waller. Interactive in nature, audiences participate by singing and clapping along while introduced to music fundamentals such as time, rhythm, melody and aspects of string instruments.

Oct. 12: Courtney Bryan Ensemble @ Montclair Art Museum

SPIRITUALS AND THE ROOTS OF JAZZ
This ensemble will lead an educational sing along of Negro Spirituals for the children and through musical examples will demonstrate the historical ties between the spirituals and jazz.

Oct. 19: New York Voices @ Newark Museum

AN INTRODUCTION TO VOCALESE: JAZZ VOCALS WITH EASE
This premier vocal ensemble has been singing tight 4-part harmony for 25 years. They will focus on the art of Vocalese (singing a witty story with lyrics to an improvised jazz solo) in this special debut program. Children will hear songs such as Cottontail; Sing, Sing, Sing; Bli-Blip; Caravan and more. They will engage audiences of all ages with their infectious passion for interesting melodies, diverse rhythms and sophisticated harmony.

Oct. 26: Ignacio Berroa @ Newark Symphony Hall

AFRO CUBAN JAZZ
Jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie referred to Berroa as, "the only Latin drummer in the world, in the history of American music that intimately knows both worlds, his native Afro-Cuban music as well as Jazz." Berroa will take children on a musical journey exploring the mix of Afro Cuban rhythms with Jazz by way of the drum set.

Nov. 2: Victor Jones Orchestrio @ Clinton Elementary, Maplewood

JAZZ ON AN AMERICAN INSTRUMENT
Using the African-American tradition of call and response, children will participate in this interactive and fun performance learning about the history of drums in jazz and American music with Newark native Victor Jones and his Orchestrio. A few lucky ones will even get the chance to get up on stage and play the drums, or their own instrument if they bring one. Rounding out the trio is Dylan Meek on piano, Alex Blake on string bass and vocalist Taiko.