Paterson, NJ Student Receives Musician of Distinction Christian McBride-Fodera ...

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Vasquez was presented with a Fodera NYC Deluxe electric bass guitar at the culmination of Inside the Jazz Note®, an all-day Jazz House Kids program of teaching, talking and performance led by special guest NEA Jazz Master and 16-time Grammy® winner Chick Corea. The event was hosted by Grammy-winning virtuoso of the electric and acoustic bass, Christian McBride at the South Orange Performing Arts Center on June 2. The young Paterson resident was nominated for the Christian McBride-Fodera Guitars award by demonstrating superior leadership, musicianship, creativity and dedication to excellence. The new award is designed to assist serious-minded young jazz bass guitarists in the pursuit of their music. As a dedicated musician at his church, high school and Jazz House Kids evening classes, Vasquez has proven he is committed to making music a large part of his life. Vasquez's primary teacher at the Rosa L. Parks School describes the young bassist as "someone who demonstrates the potential to achieve what we as musicians would all like to achieve, that ultimate connection with the spiritual force of music." Vasquez is an extraordinary student holding a 4.22 GPA. He also studies acoustic bass as part of the Montclair State University Preparatory Orchestra. In his role of artistic chair at Jazz House Kids, Christian McBride has mentored hundreds of students. "Jazz House Kids has always helped young musicians find their voice, and part of finding that voice is the basic tool of a working instrument," said McBride. "With this award, we can literally change someone's life. An already promising future for a young musician looks even better with a quality instrument." World-class Brooklyn-based Fodera has been making hand-built electric guitars and basses since 1983.

A Night Out: Fun for Union County Grown-Ups - Scotch Plains ...

 Those are two of the scariest words in a parents' vocabulary. Gone are the days when you could drop them off at school, head for the gym, meets friends for breakfast or just take some time for yourself. So as you wait for the kids to finish one activity and drive them to the next, scour these options for live theater, movies and other weekend diversions.

BONUS:  Check out Patch later today, when we'll begin running the first installment of a weekly chart that highlights local bars and nightclubs where live music is played.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown

THIS WEEKEND:  No shows this week.

NEXT WEEK : Tuesday night Steve Martin performs with the Steep Canyon Rangers. Yes, that Steve Martin. Some of you may remember Martin's standup and his banjo; all of you will be surprised at his real bluegrass chops (he was nominated for a Grammy award for his music). 

BOOK IT NOW : Fans of southern-fried rock can check out Dickey Betts and Great Southern, Wednesday, July 6. The former Allman Brothers Band guitarist leads his band through some screamin' rock tunes.

Check out  njpac.org  for details about these and other shows.

NJPAC, Newark

THIS WEEKEND:  Disney's  Beauty and the Beast  , sets up a soundstage on its Theater Square and hosts shows from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Next week, on Thursday, the eclectic collection of artists includes DJ Joey Mazza, a fixture on the NJ house-music scene; Newark native Badia Farha, specializes in her own hybrid of soul and R&B; NYC-based flutist, vocalist and songwriter Ragan Whiteside, and Spanglish Fly, and 11-piece band that mixes latin R&B with a Stax/Motown vibe.

Check out  njpac.org  for details about these and other shows.

PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel

THIS WEEKEND:  No shows this weekend.

BOOK IT NOW:  In the continuing trend of Baby Boomer favorites hitting the stage after a protracted absence, Yes and Styx will share a bill of arty '70s hitmakers on Tuesday, July 5, filling the air with sound while the crowd reminisces about days gone by. A week later, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow will treat the crowd with their summer party tunes.

Check out  centerholmdel.com  for information.