New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Swingin' Seaside Interview Event Spotlights Sinatra Scholar Chuck Granata

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 07/09/2024


(AVON-BY-THE-SEA, NJ) -- A swingin' insightful musical event featuring an interview with distinguished Sinatra Scholar Charles L. (Chuck) Granata, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and founder of The Rat Pack Music Alliance.  The entertaining program will take place indoors at the Avon Municipal Marina Building (2 Main Street) on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, beginning promptly at Noon.

Mr. Granata, a leading authority on Frank Sinatra and an esteemed Sinatra Scholar, has graciously accepted the invitation to be interviewed and will share about his eclectic career as a producer, music historian, archivist, and author of 4 books including the award-winning 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 well-known as the producer of Nancy Sinatra’s Nancy For Frank program on Siriusly Sinatra/SiriusXM, and most recently became the creative on-air anchor of a new broadcast program, Sinatra Standard Time, airing every Sunday, on KSDS-FM Jazz 88.3 Radio.

In anticipation of the September event, Chuck Granata expresses his long-cherished ideals and inspiring intentions: “One of my life’s missions is to share music with others. This philosophy extends to the stories about how the music was written, recorded and produced. I’m delighted to have this opportunity to share stories about the creative process and the classic recordings we love so much - and look forward to this wonderful event with my dear friend, Professor Dana Polan!”

Hosting the enlightening interview will be another prominent Sinatra Scholar, Dana Polan, the Martin Scorsese Professor of Cinema Studies, at Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. Mr. Polan and Mr. Granata have been guest speakers at a variety of programs presented by Ms. Morris. Professor Polan has taught about Frank Sinatra at NYU and lectured about him at Ohio State University and Notre Dame. He is the author of 10 books in film and media, including, among others, Dreams of Flight, The Great Escape in American Film and Culture, and The Lego Movie.

Dana Polan adds his thoughts on Chuck Granata’s professional contributions: “Through his radio shows, his remastering and restoration work on older albums, and his sharp and smart books, Chuck Granata has done so much to heighten our awareness of popular song — increasing thereby both our pleasure in it and our critical understanding of it. I am pleased and proud to be in dialogue with him about his consequential efforts to make the history of pop music resonate for today’s audiences.”




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



Ms. Morris, a contributing writer for The Dean Martin Association (DMA), will pen a special article about the event for the DMA’s Just Dino Magazine. She recently has written articles spotlighting a variety of artists including Marilyn Michaels, Tom Dreesen, Mel Brooks, Petula Clark and Nelson Riddle. Now in its seventh decade, the DMA is Dean Martin’s only independent flagship organization. It was founded in 1960 with his full authorization, and he was their chairperson until his death in 1995.

Live Music will also be on tap at the event, starring sensational crooner, Jazz Vocalist Zack Alexander. Zack will perform an upbeat medley of popular Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin songs, adding a delightful autumn melodic touch as the Fall season approaches.

Tickets for the September 29th event are on sale now. For ticket website and special code to purchase, email Karen, at [email protected].




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



EVENT PREVIEWS

(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."

Middletown Arts Center presents Reina Williams + The Remedy

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents a concert featuring Reina Williams + The Remedy on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Special guest performers Renee Maskin and Patrick Bamburak will open the show. Enjoy an evening of original music spanning reggae, hip-hop, soul, folk, Americana, and indie rock from some of New Jersey's most talented musicians. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd

Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd

(MADISON, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Harmonium Choral Society presents I Dreamed Last Night. Directed by Lennie Watts with music direction by John Fischer, I Dreamed Last Night is a one woman show with Gloria Bangiola. There are songs and stories about dreams, hopes, wishes, ambitions, fantasies, nightmares, impossibilities and that big ol' American one we are all still working to make real. Showtime is 7:00pm.
HOT 97

HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center

(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday

Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th

Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th

(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th

The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th

(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Two River Theater presents Tiny Room Concerts with Joe Iconis

Two River Theater presents Tiny Room Concerts with Joe Iconis

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents Tiny Room Concerts w/ Joe Iconis, a concert series offering audiences an up-close and personal experience with one of musical theater's most celebrated songwriters. The series takes place July 23-25, 2026 in the Victoria J. Mastrobuono Library at Two River Theater.
Centenary Stage Company

Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Reina Williams and The Remedy, Patrick Bamburak, and Renee Masking

Thursday, July 23, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


Brown Sugar - Rolling Stones Tribute

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Jamaican Me Dancehall Night (21+)

Friday, July 24, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


Kinderhook

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



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info