(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty has announced the line-up for the eighth Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival to be held on the Green on Saturday, August 18, from noon until 10:00pm. The annual free concert will feature performances by Rhythm in Blue, Bria Skonberg, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, Bernard Allison Group, and Davy Knowles.
This year’s festival begins at noon with Rhythm in Blue, the dynamic new jazz ensemble from the United States Air Force. Comprised of 13 talented musicians, the jazz band draws on a classic well-known big band repertoire with an unparalleled level of excitement and versatility. Currently the band tours throughout the Eastern United States under the musical direction of Master Sgt. Jason Foster.
At two o’clock, the Canadian trumpeter, singer and songwriter Bria Skonberg returns to the Green for the first time in three years, having won more critical acclaim and awards. Since her debut at the Festival, she has traveled the world, had two new releases, won the prestigious JUNO Award, received the Swing! Award from Jazz at Lincoln Center, took home a Hot House Jazz Magazine Award last fall, and most recently won Vocal Jazz Album of the Year.
Then at four, New Jersey’s own LaBamba and the Hubcaps take the stage for their popular style of jazz, blues and funk. Led by long-time Conan O’Brien band member Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg, this explosive ensemble has been a fixtures on the Asbury Park music scene for many years. LaBamba got his start with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, but quickly became one of the most sought-after horn men around, leading Bruce Springsteen’s Miami Horns at the Super Bowl, and joining Jon Bon Jovi for his noted White House appearance. A Hubcaps reunion is always a big event, particularly when the exciting Mark Pender joins on trumpet.
At six o’clock, the music turns to the blues with the European-based Bernard Allison Group. Born in Chicago in 1965, Bernard Allison was first introduced to the blues by his father, the legendary guitarist Luther Allison. Bernard developed his chops with the Koko Taylor Blues Machine as well as the great Willie Dixon. A star abroad, Bernard is beginning to get a lot of notice here in America through appearances at Festivals and radio airplay.
Wrapping up the day is blues guitarist Davy Knowles who may just be in his early thirties, but has been turning heads with his mature playing. He has toured with Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, The Who, Warren Haynes, George Thorogood, Joe Bonamassa, and Peter Frampton and is popular at festivals such as Lollapalozza, Bonnaroo, and Austin City Limits. He is praised by guitar greats such as Joe Satriani who proclaimed Knowles his “favorite modern bluesman” and Peter Frampton called him “the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century.” Davy Knowles and his band take the stage at 8:00 PM.
Festival co-producer Linda Smith looks forward to the show this year. “It is great to feature some young artists, such as Bria Skonberg and Davy Knowles, along with established stars like LaBamba. We love the variety that this festival can provide.”
Mayor Tim Dougherty, who initiated the festival in 2011, commented, “With swinging jazz in the afternoon and hot blues in the evening, there is great music for everyone. The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival has become a much anticipated event and we thank our generous sponsors for making this day possible.”
The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival will take place on the Green in Morristown from noon until 10:00 p.m. Admission is free and many local restaurants will be offering specials for festival attendees. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, visit www.morristownjazzandblues.org.
