Sounds of a Summer Night - September 11
Affirmation of Life is Theme for the Final
SOUNDS OF A SUMMER NIGHT concert series with
NJPAC Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens Alumni
Wednesday, September 11, 7 to 8 pm
Summit, NJ: What an extraordinary year this is! 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King's memorable "I Have A Dream" speech, and it's also the 12th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Both were compelling calls to action and changed history for all of us. So it's appropriate that both be recognized at the final concert of the Sounds of a Summer Night series at Reeves-Reed Arboretum.
The very first sounds heard early on that fateful day in Washington DC fifty years ago were the voices of the marchers raised in song. Music has a unique way of focusing and transforming people and events, and it is through music that the Arboretum and its partners, the very talented NJPAC Jazz for Teens Alumni, will honor, celebrate, and affirm life, both for those who have come before us as well as for the fleeting moments we share together. Joining in this celebration will be City of Summit's Mayor, Ellen Dickson, who will offer a few words of acknowledgment, recognition and appreciation for those Summit residents who were personally touched by the events of September 11th.
The Arboretum and NJPAC believe in education as a transformational tool for empowerment, growth, and community stewardship. Created with NJ's own jazz radio station, WBGO-Jazz 88.3 FM, NJPAC"S Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens introduces teenage musicians to the excitement of jazz through full-day classes and concerts. Under the direction of legendary jazz artist Don Braden, they work with professional jazz musicians to explore history, techniques, and styles of jazz through class work and especially performance. The young professionals who make up the alumni program have gone on to perform, both as soloists and in combos, around the country.
This final concert of Sounds of a Summer Night is scheduled for Wednesday evening, September 11. The grounds will close to the general public at 5 pm and reopen to concertgoers at 6 pm for picnicking. The concert will begin at 7 pm. There is a minimum $10 donation at the door. Thanks to underwriting by Investors Savings Bank, this series is free to all RRA members. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Sounds of a Summer Night is made possible, in part, by support from Nick and Tracy McKee, and by the Grand Summit Hotel. For more information about other programs and events at Reeves-Reed Arboretum, please visit our website, www.reeves-reedarboretum.org, or call, 908-273-8787.
About Reeves-Reed Arboretum: Celebrating 40 years as a historic public garden and education resource, Reeves-Reed Arboretum seeks to engage, educate and enrich the public through horticulture and environmental education, and the care and utilization of the gardens and estate. Open 7days a week from dawn til dusk, the Arboretum is listed on both the National and New Jersey State Historic Registers.
(photo credits: alumni musicians from NJPAC Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens program)
