Music This Weekend

Between being in a family of musicians and working at a music store, music is inevitably a big part of my everyday life.  After work today, for example, I have plans to go see one of our guitar teachers perform at the Hat Tavern in Summit.  On Saturday morning, I will take my daughter, Rose, to her Broadway Baby class at Elefante Music, where she and other 3 and 4 year-olds sing and dance (there is also a 5 and 6 year-old class).  She loves the class so much that she talks about it all week, including her lovely teacher, Karen Cantor — Rose smiles from ear to ear whenever she talks about Miss Karen.  

On Saturday night, my husband and I have a wedding to go to.  If we didn’t, I would make reservations at Assaggini di Roma, the Italian restaurant in the Ironbound section of Newark where my father and his trio, Elefante, Greene and Galo, perform every weekend.  I try to go every few months, and I have already spoken to people who told me they are going.  The food is good, and I love the music, which is mostly popular standards. I will never get tired of my father’s ability to entertain a crowd.  

As for Sunday, I don’t know yet what, if any, musical experiences I will encounter, although I do plan to sing "Happy Birthday" to my friend’s son at his party, so maybe that counts for something.  I won’t be singing loudly, though, because unfortunately I really don’t sing in tune, and “Happy Birthday to You” is particularly challenging for me — especially when I’m trying to blend in with a group of five year-olds.  

What about you... any plans that include music this weekend?

— Michele Stivalo