James Moody Scholars Celebration at Blanchard House South Orange

You are invited to the James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration on Nov 17, 2021 6-9 PM. . This free very special event will have light refreshments, limited seating and access will be provided via Eventbrite Registration only. Please join us.

Gregory Burrus Productions is extremely proud to produce the James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration for The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey. This event honors the Jazz Scholarship recipients from 2015 to present. This event is supported by the Patterson Foundation / Blanchard Conservatory and will be hosted at their beautiful, historic Blanchard House in South Orange, NJ.

Saxophonist James Moody

Saxophonist, Flutist, Vocalist, Educator James Moody was awarded the distinction of being an NEA Jazz Master in 1998 by the National Endowment for the Arts. The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowships are the self-proclaimed highest honors that the United States bestows upon jazz musicians. In the jazz world, It just doesn't get better that that.

James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey

James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey, an award that honors the life of Newark native and saxophone giant James Moody. The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey is an award presented by Linda Moody that is offered annually to an outstanding high school senior. The recipient embodies the qualities expressed by the NEA Jazz Master throughout his life and works—musicianship, creativity, leadership and community involvement.

Jazz Scholars

In its 7th year, the winners of the James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey recipients will consist of the James Moody Jazz Scholars led by bandleader Birsa Chatterjee . Past winners are:

• 2015 Birsa Chatterjee
• 2016 Iyonna Herbert
• 2017 Andrew Wagner
• 2018 Caelan Cardello
• 2019 Jalin Shiver
• 2020 Rayner Perez
• 2021 Paul Reinhold

Jazz Scholars Band

The band will come together performing a number of standards and some originals.
Birsa Chatterjee – Tenor Saxophone, Iyonna Herbert – Drums, Andrew Wagner – Trumpet, Caelan Cardello – Piano, Jalin Shiver – Alto Saxophone, Rayner Perez – Trombone, joining us in Paul Reinhold's absence will be Gervin Myles on Bass.

Jazz Scholars Jazzy Nights Agenda

6:00 - 6:15 PM Opening Remarks
6:15 - 6:45 PM The Jazzy Nights activities will be comprised of standards and originals performed by the musicians
6:45 - 7:30 Presenters and Invited Speakers

• Linda Moody - James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey
• Wayne Winborne - ED of Institute of Jazz Studies Rutgers Newark
• John Lee - Jazz Legacy Productions & The Dizzy Gillespie Big Band

7:30 - 9:00 Jazz Scholars band continues. During this set an invited group of local Jazz vocalists will perform .

Venue/Location

The Blanchard House - 100 Blanchard Rd, South Orange, NJ 07079 - A 1920's Georgian Mansion in South Orange that transports visitors right back to the Gilded Age. The home draws inspiration in its design from the style of the Gilded Age Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, perhaps the most famous one being The Breakers. At 11,000 square feet the house features an ostentatious custom wood appointed ballroom with coffered ceilings and New York City skyline views, accessed via a grand foyer lined with Corinthian columns. Situated on two acres of English style lush garden landscaping, with walking paths throughout, the land offers residents opportunities for quiet reflection and meditation.

Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area. Gregory Burrus currently writes as the South Orange Patch Mayor the state wide JerseyIndie website.

Patterson Foundation/ Blanchard Conservatory

The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities by focusing on issues that address mutual aspirations, foster wide participation, and encourage learning and sharing. The Patterson Foundation's staff and consultants are ready to provide an engaging presentation about the foundation and its initiatives