(Newton, NJ) -- New York Yankees all-star and musician Bernie Williams returns to The Newton Theatre on Friday, October 9th at 8:00 pm. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Bernie discovered his passion for baseball and music around the same time, when at the age of eight he fell in love with the sounds of a flamenco guitar his merchant-marine father brought home from Spain, and felt the same exhilaration when he first picked up a baseball bat.
As a young student-athlete, Bernie quickly excelled in both pursuits, going on to attend a special performance arts school at the age of thirteen and becoming one of the most noted young athletes on the island, in track and field and as one of Puerto Rico’s most sought after young baseball prospects. Bernie signed a contract with the New York Yankees in 1991 at seventeen, bringing his love of music with him – to the Bronx and the most famous field in sports.
In his 16 year career as a centerfielder for the Yankees, Bernie was a four-time World Series Champion and a five-time All-Star. He is among the Yankees all-time leaders in every major batting category, with his performance statistics often standing alongside such legends as Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio.
Throughout Bernie’s years with The Yankees, his passion for music never waned, and the sound of a guitar would often be heard emanating from the clubhouse or during team flights. Whether acoustic or electric, a guitar was a constant presence in the star’s locker or equipment bag, and it was no surprise in 2003 when he demonstrated how serious his musical pursuit was with the release of his first album, The Journey Within. The record featured fusions of jazz, rock and the tropical rhythms of Williams’ heritage and was met with both strong critical praise and instant chart success - reaching #3 on Billboard’s “Contemporary Jazz Chart.”
Bernie Williams raised his musical game even further with the release of his second album Moving Forward. Featuring guest appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Secada, Dave Koz, and an All-Star cast of renowned studio musicians, the album debuted as Billboard’s #2 Contemporary Jazz album in the country, with two #1 singles, Go For It, and Ritmo de Otono and a nomination for a Latin Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Album in 2009.
Bernie also co-authored a book in 2011 published by Hal Leonard Books titled, Rhythms of the Game: The Link Between Music and Athletic Performance. The book examines the symbiotic relationship between musical artistry and athletic performance through the eyes of a man who has mastered both.
Tickets for Bernie Williams range from $49.00 to $69.00. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the Box Office at 973-383-3700.
The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, was founded in 1924. Revitalized and fully renovated, Sussex County’s premier entertainment venue reopened in 2011 as a 605 seat capacity live performing arts center. With it’s rich history and diverse programming The Newton Theatre is essential to the buoyancy of New Jersey’s Skylands region.
