Greater Morristown Weekend Preview: Mozart, Gardens, and Jazz & Blues (all day long)

A Thomas Nast Drawing - Photo Courtesy of Stan Freeny
A Thomas Nast Drawing - Photo Courtesy of Stan Freeny
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By Barbara Snyder

Dog days of summer? Not around Morristown! The pace seems to pick up as the summer progresses, as our MG calendar attests. There are entertainment options a-plenty this weekend. Take a trip down musical memory lane to Woodstock with legendary deejay Pete Fornatale, make your own history on the open stage of the Minstrel, and then enjoy a day of free jazz and blues on the Morristown Green. The possibilities are endless!

THURSDAY, August 18

A Thomas Nast Drawing - Photo Courtesy of Stan Freeny
A Thomas Nast Drawing - Photo Courtesy of Stan Freeny

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum Acquires Nast Original! There’s been quite a bit of buzz lately about Macculloch Hall’s recently-acquired original pen and ink drawing by the famous nineteenth century political cartoonist (and Morristonian!) Thomas Nast. Nast drew this piece, “Where Shall we go this Summer?”, in 1882; the drawing was featured on the June 10 cover of Harper’s Bazaar, (spelled, intriguingly, Harper’s Bazar during that period!). The drawing will be on display at the museum, along with the engraved image (which the museum already owns), until October 30th of this year. Worth checking out; the museum’s open this afternoon from 1 – 4 pm. Admission to the museum is $6 Adults, $5 Seniors & Students, 12 and under and museum members are free. At 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown; call 973-538-2404 for more information.

Radio Personality Pete Fornatale hosts a Woodstock Anniversary at the Morris Museum tonight starting at 6:30 pm. Fornatale celebrates the anniversary of Woodstock, which took place August 15-18, 1969, by sharing first-hand personal accounts of Woodstock and rare audio clips and video footage of the festival. Pete Fornatale was a central figure in Progressive Rock FM in the ’60s, and has appeared on the New York dial for four decades. After the presentation, Mr. Fornatale will sign copies of his latest book, Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock. Free, at 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown; call 973-971-3700 to find out more.

FRIDAY, August 19

Tonight’s Open Stage at the Minstrel: “Your chance to make music on our stage.” Performers sign up for a 15-minute performance; it’s a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, we hear — check the website for more about that. Minstrel opening acts are sometimes selected from the open stage, too. At 8 pm, at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown.

SATURDAY, August 20

Come to the Urban Farm at Lafayette on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9:30 am – 12 noon. Take a tour, or help out with chores in the serene garden atmosphere. Located behind the Lafayette Learning Center, at 31 Hazel Street in Morristown.

Harmonium 2011-12 Audition Notice. Anne Matlack, artistic director of the 100-voice Harmonium Choral Society, will be auditioning experienced singers with excellent sight-reading skills for the 2011-2012 season August 20th through September 8th. Concerts in December, March and June plus optional Halloween concert in October. Season includes solo and small ensemble opportunities. Send email to director@harmonium.org for an appointment. Grace Episcopal Church, 4 Kings Road, Madison. Access www.harmonium.org or call 973-538-6969 for further information.

Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival

Mayor Tim Dougherty’s First Annual Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival will surely be a highlight of the weekend, happening rain or shine on the Green from noon to 10 pm. The music begins at noon with two sets by the Rusty Paul Band, a group led by the son of the legendary guitarist Les Paul. At 2 pm, the Duke Ellington Legacy Band, under the leadership of Duke’s grandson Edward Kennedy Ellington II, takes the stage. Pianist Norman Simmons and sax great Virginia Mayhew front a 9-piece ensemble dedicated to Duke’s music. The Winard Harper Sextet follows at 4; Harper’s a well-known jazz drummer who’s performed with Billy Taylor, Betty Carter, Dexter Gordon and Ray Bryant. At 6 pm, Baby Soda start their set; the band’s influences include 30s-era swing, New Orleans jazz and gospel. Finally, the Jerry Vezza Quartet wrap up the day; the group features pianist Jerry Vezza and singer/guitarist Grover Kemble. The festival is sponsored by a dozen local businesses, as well as radio station WBGO, the Star-Ledger and the New Jersey Jazz Society. And it’s free! Bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnic stuff (local restaurants will be on hand to offer specials, too), and enjoy what sounds like a fantastic day of music. Find out more at www.TownofMorristown.org.

After the jazz fest, head over to the Famished Frog to hear one of our favorite local bands, The Community. Myke Rivera and the boys take the stage at 10 pm for what promises to be a rousing finish to a musical day in Motown.

Myke Rivera of The Community, at the Frog on Saturday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Myke Rivera of The Community, at the Frog on Saturday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Tonight’s the Morris Township Fire Department’s annual 5K run and the last free Family Outdoor Movie Night this season. The 5K begins at 6 pm at the Woodland Avenue Firehouse next to Ginty Field; the film, The Karate Kid, follows the run. Bring your family — and blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks — to take in this free Big Screen presentation. Summit Soundz will take musical requests beginning at 7:30 pm. Movie time is at dusk, approximately 8:30 pm; the film is rated PG. Call 973-326-7371 or see the Township’s website for more information.

Dennis Diken with Bell Sound appears tonight at 8 at the Morris Museum. Drummer and founding member of The Smithereens, Diken offers a concert/discussion in the museum’s Bickford Theatre; he’ll share memories of growing up in New Jersey, and perform with Bell Sound. Check out a Dennis Diken with Bell Sound music video. Admission is $20/Members $25/Non-Members. 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown; call 973-971-3700 to find out more.

SUNDAY, August 21

The Sixth Annual Summer Music Festival,sponsored by The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey wraps up today from 3 – 5:45 pm at Dolan Hall, The College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, with a presentation of Mozart’s intensely wonderful opera, Don Giovanni. Tickets prices: $35 Adults; $25 Seniors; $5 Students under 22 with I.D. Call 973-366-8922 to find out more.

Join the Early Street Community Garden folks for a Community Potluck and general garden cleanup at 5 pm at 17 Early Street. Bring a dish to share and enjoy live music. All are welcome!

Grover Kemble, left, joins Jerry Vezza and his Quartet as headliners at the first annual Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival, on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Morristown Green. Admission is free. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Grover Kemble, left, joins Jerry Vezza and his Quartet as headliners at the first annual Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival, on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Morristown Green. Admission is free. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

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