Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 12/08/2024
Karen Morris, Chuck Granata, Dana Polan and Zack Alexander holding Christopher Riddle collage of photos
(AVON BY THE SEA, NJ) -- A swingin' Saturday afternoon event, filled with musical memories of Frank Sinatra, kicked off the holiday season on the right sentimental note, as Mr. Sinatra's heavenly 109th birthday approaches.
Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications presented the special event on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Avon Municipal Marina Building, 2 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey.
The program showcased a heartfelt tribute to the untimely passing of accomplished music director Christopher Riddle, son of legendary arranger Nelson Riddle, and a compelling interview with Sinatra Scholar Charles L. (Chuck) Granata.
Christopher Riddle, an esteemed trombonist and acclaimed conductor of the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, was remembered with a heart-warming homage to his artistic performances and engaging personal storytelling.
Chuck Granata, a leading authority on Frank Sinatra and a dear friend of the Riddle family, shared personal insights about both Christopher and his father, Nelson, highlighting their contributions to the music industry.
Mr. Granata was interviewed 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 also the creative on-air anchor of the broadcast program, Sinatra Standard Time, airing every Sunday, on KSDS-FM Jazz 88.3 Radio.
Another prominent Sinatra Scholar, Dana Polan, the Martin Scorsese Professor of Cinema Studies, was host of the interview spotlighting Chuck Granata. 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 Dreams of Flight, The Great Escape in American Film and Culture, and The Lego Movie.
Jazz Vocalist and sensational crooner Zack Alexander raised the holiday spirit mood by performing a variety of festive songs, including a few favorite Riddle/Sinatra classics.
Karen Morris, a contributing writer for The Dean Martin Association (DMA), will pen a special article about the event. She has written articles featuring Marilyn Michaels, Tom Dreesen, Mel Brooks, Barbara Feldon, Christopher Riddle, Nelson Riddle, and Charles Pignone of Frank Sinatra Enterprises.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.
Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.
Prudential Center presents Mexican superstar Carín León on June 7th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mexican superstar Carín León entered a bold new chapter of his acclaimed career with the release of Muda - his new studio album and one of the most eclectic of his catalog. See for yourself when he performs at the Prudential Center on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra presents "Music in Bloom" on June 7th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) will present its Spring Concert, Music in Bloom, on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus. The performance will feature GPYO's top ensembles in a dynamic program of orchestral works by Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and John Philip Sousa. Showtime is 3:00pm.
The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on June 7th
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 7:00pm. NOTE: This show was originally scheduled for May 14. All tickets will be honored on the new date.
Orion Weiss Returns to South Jersey on June 7th
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes pianist Orion Weiss in his third appearance on their series on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00pm. Weiss is a "brilliant pianist" (The New York Times) with "powerful technique and exceptional insight" (The Washington Post).
Mahwah Museum to host Les Paul 111th Birthday Celebration: "The Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute Show with Tom & Sandy Doyle" on June 7th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Raise a toast to a legend. Celebrate Les Paul's 111th birthday with an unforgettable Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute at The Mahwah Museum performed by Tom & Sandy Doyle on Saturday, June 7, 2026 at 2:00pm. Cake will be served as they toast the birthday.
Anderson Brothers to Play 'Best of Berlin' at June Jersey Jazz LIVE! Concert in Madison
(MADISON, NJ) -- In March 2025, multireedists (and twin brothers) Will and Peter Anderson released an album on the Arbors Records label entitled The Best of Berlin, performing 13 tunes composed by Irving Berlin.
Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
