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Nice and Easy Chat with Frank Sinatra Scholars in Avon-By-The-Sea

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 03/24/2022

(AVON-BY-THE-SEA, NJ) -- A swingin’ nice and easy special event, featuring the music of Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications on Sunday, May 1, 2022, beginning promptly at 12:30pm until 3:00pm, at The Avon Marina Building, 2 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea. The theme of the event is Nice 'n’ Easy, which is also the title of a 1960 album and song made popular by Frank Sinatra. 

There will be a mix of live entertainment, a tasty buffet lunch and an informative, easygoing chat by two notable Frank Sinatra scholars, Charles “Chuck” Granata and Dana Polan. All happening alongside a delightful picturesque view of the marina.

This is the third event, in a special series produced by Ms. Morris, where Mr. Granata and Mr. Polan together have shared their fascinating insights and personal stories about Mr. Sinatra.

Charles L. “Chuck” Granata, a leading expert on Frank Sinatra, is a writer, record producer, music historian and archivist. Mr. Granata is the author of 4 books, including the award-winning book Sessions with Sinatra: Frank Sinatra and the Art of Recording, which has been identified as one of the most important studies of Sinatra the recording artist. He is also the producer of Nancy Sinatra’s weekly radio program “Nancy for Frank” on Sirius-XM radio.

Dana Polan is Professor of Cinema Studies at New York University. He has taught about Frank Sinatra at NYU and has lectured about him at Ohio State University and Notre Dame. He is the author of 10 books in film and media, including Dreams of Flight, The Great Escape in American Film and Culture, The Lego Movie, The Sopranos, and Scenes of Instruction: The Beginnings of the U.S. Study of Film. He is the former President of the Society for Cinema Studies, and in 2003 was selected as one of that year’s Academy Foundation Scholars by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 




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The Nice and Easy afternoon event also includes a performance by Jazz vocalist Zack Alexander, who specializes in the style of Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack. As the winner of the 2016 ‘Sinatra Idol’ competition in Hoboken, he is dedicated to bringing the Great American Songbook to life for current and future generations. Zack performs throughout the Tri-State area at a variety of venues, as well as with the 20-piece Swingtime Big Band ensemble, which Newsday hailed as “Long Island's leading professional big band...dedicated to the Great American Songbook.”

Event guests will have the option to sit outdoors as well as indoors, and listen to the music and discussion.

Free parking is available at 2 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ or if lot is filled, free parking at 43 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ.

Advance tickets are required to attend. Tickets will go on sale on April 2nd, 2022.  A code number will be required to enter the ticket site to purchase. For more info, contact Karen Morris at  [email protected]




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm. 

Starland Ballroom presents The Cab

(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents The Cab on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm.  Paradise Fears and CARR will open the night.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

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(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
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(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival

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(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This intimate concert promises an evening of soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and a legendary lineup of musicians bringing each song to life.
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th

Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Eric Johanson

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Mysterious Ways -The U2 Experience

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Straight No Chaser Beach Bash

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Katerina McCrimmon: Naked

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:00pm
DMK Black Box Theatre at Union Arts Center
1980 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Three American Troubadours: Celebrating Taylor, Simon & King

Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Kinderhook

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ



 

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