SOMERS POINT, NJ — The South Jersey Jazz Society will return to William Morrow Beach on Friday, June 5, for what it described as its fifth year unofficially kicking off Somers Point's summer beach concerts. This year's featured group is the PJ Keiter Octet, scheduled to perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the beach on Bay Avenue at New Jersey Avenue.
According to the announcement, the concert is free and goodwill donations will be accepted. Organizers are encouraging people to bring a beach chair for the outdoor performance.
The PJ Keiter Octet is a South Jersey jazz group led by Somers Point trumpeter PJ Keiter, a past recipient of the South Jersey Jazz Society Jazz Scholarship award. The ensemble performs blues, classic and new wave jazz, funk, fusion and music from the Great American Songbook across South Jersey.
The octet lineup includes Will Keiter on alto saxophone, Rick Roehm on trombone, Bill Conn on tenor sax, Sam Harasink on bass, James Melton on guitar, Chris Scamby on drums and Alicen Ragonese on vocals.
“We’re so happy to bring this energetic group to the William Morrow Beach for everyone to enjoy,” said Nick Regine, president of SJJS. “The youthful exuberance they bring to their performances are sure to have toes tapping and people dancing throughout the event.”
SJJS has made the Somers Point beach performance an annual early-summer tradition, bringing a range of acts to the waterfront over the years. According to the announcement, previous performers have included the Tito Puente Jr. Latin Jazz Orchestra, Eduardo Cintron and his Sounds of the Caribbean, and the Andrew Neu Orchestra.
The June 5 concert continues that run with a local band led by a Somers Point musician. The event is open to the public and is set on the beach as part of the society's effort to present live jazz in the community.
For more information, the South Jersey Jazz Society listed 609-289-0326 and SouthJerseyJazz.org. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Friday, June 5, at William Morrow Beach in Somers Point.
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