(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- New Jersey’s own Rio Clemente, the Bishop of Jazz, will be joined by world class jazz violinist Vitali Imereli in concert at the Bickford Theatre on Monday, May 15, at 7:30pm. Following the great tradition of his friend and mentor Stephane Grappelli, Imereli performs around the world with many of the jazz greats. Rio Clemente performs annually at the Bickford Theatre but this concert is the first for Vitali Imereli, who tours mainly in Europe and Asia.
Hailing from Morristown, Rio Clemente is one of the most popular jazz pianists in the region. He studied at Julliard and his classical training comes through in his virtuosic style of jazz. He has appeared at the JVC Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and many other venues across the country. He has been invited to play at the White House and at the United Nations and his honors include Musician of the Year from the New Jersey Jazz Society, Professional Artist of the Year from Morris Arts, and induction into the Morristown Hall of Fame.
Vitali Imereli grew up in the Republic of Georgia, an ancient country located on the Black Sea nestled in the mountains between Europe and Asia. He studied violin at the National Music Academy of Georgia in Tbilisi and turned to jazz in 2003, inspired by the legendary Stephane Grappelli. Since the release of his album “Tribute to Stephane Grappelli” Imereli has been in demand for his jazz violin and has performed with many of the world’s greats including the Rosenberg Trio, Joe Morello, Stanley Jordan, Regina Carter, Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Larry Coryell, and Benny Golson.
“Í have performed many times with Vitali Imereli,” said Rio Clemente, “and he is an exceptional musician. Not only will we draw on popular tunes from the Great American Songbook, including some Gypsy jazz, but we may even treat the audience to a classical duet. After all, we both have extensive classical training.”
This concert will be the first at the Bickford Theatre for the duo who have partnered for performances in the past. “We love working together,” commented Imereli. “I hope that this partnership can continue for a long time. We have so much fun and our audiences share in our delight.”
Tickets for Vitali Imereli and Rio Clementi on May 15 are $17 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at morrismuseum.org, by phone at (973) 971-3706, or in person at the Bickford Theatre Box Office. The Morris Museum’s Bickford Theatre is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown, NJ, and offers free parking and full accessibility. Box office hours for phone sales are Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Walk-up hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Photo: Jazz Pianist Rio Clemente to headline concert at the Bickford Theatre on May 15. Photo courtesy of Richard A. Stopa.
