Greenwood Gardens Hosts "Jazz in the Garden"

(SHORT HILLS, NJ) -- Through an impressive stone entryway along Old Short Hills Road, and just beyond the parking area for Old Short Hills Park, is a 28-acre formal garden and historic site that was built at the height of the Jazz Age. Visitors to the gardens often comment that they feel as if they stepped back in time. 

Originally built as a private pleasure garden by multi-millionaire New York real estate auctioneer, Joseph P. Day, between 1911 and 1925, the gardens reflect the opulence and revelry of the Jazz Era. Inspired by his many trips to Europe, Day purchased statuary and pottery vessels to adorn the water features, walkways, and terraces. In keeping with trends during America’s Golden Age of Garden Design, the gardens were infused with whimsical touches from the Arts and Crafts Movement in a manner as American and interpretive as jazz music itself.  

The tiered gardens include a reflecting pool, whimsical fountains, grottoes embellished with custom Rookwood tiles, winding paths dotted with antique statuary, a helix-shaped staircase which wraps around the antique Cascade, and two stone garden follies: a two-story Teahouse and a Summerhouse. A major renovation of the Main Axis of the garden, completed in 2020, restored much of the garden to its former glory.  

Like other well-to-do New Yorkers of the time, the Days enjoyed entertaining at their country estate during the height of Prohibition. Photos and home movies from the Day archive show the family enjoying their time in the garden. Whether on horseback or playing a spirited game of croquet on the Croquet Lawn, recreation was the order of the day.  

As part of the expanded program offerings this season, Greenwood Gardens will host Jazz in the Garden, a series of jazz concerts held under the newly-installed tent on the West Terrace of the estate. The concerts are scheduled for May 20, June 24, and July 22, 2022, and will take place rain or shine.  

“People often tell us they feel as if they are transported back to the 1920’s when they visit Greenwood. We are elated to offer these jazz concerts in the Garden as guests have frequently asked about when we might do so over the years. We are also pleased to welcome Stone Mountain Properties, based in Short Hills, as the series sponsor,” says Abby O’Neill, Executive Director. 

Visitors won’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy jazz music in an authentic Jazz Age formal garden. The garden’s gates will open at 5:30pm, when registrants are welcome to stroll in the garden in the evening light, and then make their way to the Main Terrace around 6:00pm to enjoy a glass of wine before the music begins on the West Terrace at 6:30pm.  

Don Braden, a world-class saxophonist, flutist, and composer, takes the stage with his quartet on May 20th. Braden’s career has spanned four decades, and he has toured with some of the biggest names in jazz. He is an imaginative, technically excellent, soulful saxophonist, and his harmonic and rhythmic sophistication give him a unique approach to improvising as well as composing and arranging.  Most important of all: he has a beautiful sound, and he swings!

Hailed as one of the most promising jazz saxophonists of his generation in the New Jersey/New York area, Abel Mireles takes the stage at Greenwood on June 24th. Abel has developed a unique voice, both as a composer and arranger, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between Mexican-American folkloric music and jazz.

Jazz vocalist Vanessa Perea closes out the series on July 22nd with the Vanessa Perea Quintet featuring Robert Edwards on trombone. A regular on the New York jazz scene, Vanessa embodies the tradition of the masters. Her beautiful sound has a sweeping range and heavy swing feel. Vanessa has performed with jazz greats including George Cables, Dwayne Burno, Pasquale Grasso, Adam Birnbaum, and many others. 

“Early registration is recommended because seating is limited,” cautions O’Neill. “We are looking forward to welcoming guests as they step back in time and enjoy an hour and a half of some of the best jazz music in the area, 1920’s-style!” 

Jazz in the Garden is part of a broader program of concerts and events that will run from May 1 through November 5, 2022 at Greenwood Gardens. Classical concerts, festivals, en plein air painting, nature walks, journaling workshops, and more, round out the season. A full calendar of upcoming events is available on the website. To register for Jazz in the Garden, visit greenwoodgardens.org/jazz-in-the-garden/.  

Greenwood Gardens is a non-profit 28-acre public garden and historic site located at 274 Old Short Hills Road in Short Hills, New Jersey. A former private estate owned by the Day and Blanchard families, today Greenwood is a peaceful haven graced by terraced gardens, stately fountains, woodlands, grottoes, Arts and Crafts-style follies, and winding paths. To accomplish its mission of connecting people with nature in a historic garden oasis, Greenwood offers the visiting public self-guided tours and programs at the nexus of nature, beauty, and history. Greenwood’s volunteer program was recognized for three years in a row from 2018 to 2020 by the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards for Public Service. Greenwood Gardens is supported by gifts, volunteers, and Membership.  

Photos by Vicki Johnson