The Chicken Fat Ball becomes a jazz tradition
On Saturday afternoon, May 19 a gathering of well respected classic jazz players will perform at Prospect Presbyterian Church (Tuscan Road at Prospect Street). The event, The Chicken fat Ball is open to the public ($25 per person). The program, from 2 to 5 PM features Dave Bennett, a dynamic young, Goodman influenced Clarinetist in one of his rare appearances on the east coast. Other players are Paul Midiri, Derek Smith, Gary Mazzaroppi and Chuck Riggs .
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The CFB, generally occurs the first Sunday in the new year….every new year. The event always sells out, prompting the producers to present a second event this year.
Find out what's happening in Maplewoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Neither Don Greenfield or Al Kuehn who graduated from Columbia High school a long time ago…1957 to be exact….can remember the first year they first produced a jazz event. They do remember trying to think of a unique name and somehow came up with the Chicken Fat Ball….might have been around Passover time. It was, at least 40 years ago…..probably longer.
At the time both admired the South Hampton Dixie Racing and Clam Baking Society Jazz Band; and so the first 2 years they featured that band. Over the years both have become friendly with some of the finest classical jazz musicians playing today. When they are between tours, they love playing for the serious jazz fans who never miss a Chicken Fat Ball.
To purchase tickets send a check to CFB % Al Kuehn, 12 Lenox Place, Maplewood, 07040…..inc a self addressed envelope. There are sometime a few tickets left for sale the concert day.
