A Special Night of Jazz with Norman Mann and Radfaki

Join us to enjoy this stellar cast of musicians coming to South Orange Summer Saturdays Aug 21,st in Spiotta Park South Orange. These seasoned veterans combine over 150 years in the business, a wealth of experience from numerous performances in the US and the World. Performing a host of Jazz originals and standards guaranteed to have you tapping your feet while dancing and swinging in your seats. Read on and learn more and please grab your chair and join us to experience this very unique group of musicians. This even is free and open to the public.

Norman Mann, an alumni and Football Hall of Famer of Weequahic High School is well known for his past partnership at Skippers Plane Street Pub, a very popular spot in Newark located on University Ave. Skippers featured many of the Tri-states musicians and singers. Norman Mann as a musician plays congas, percussion and is also a singer. He has performed at a number of venues around Northern New Jersey such as Montclair’s Trumpets Jazz Club, Newark’s Priory Jazz Club, Oranges, City of Orange’s Mr. Jays, inclusive of multiple past performances at the upcoming Jazz in the Park in South Orange, N. J. He has appeared with drummers Greg Buford, Alvester Garnett, and singers Ty Stephens. Joy Topping Mann, Dwight West along with one of Jersey's top organists and keyboardists, Mel Davis to name a few.

Widely respected within the community, Norman was honored to perform at the East Orange Library’s tribute to Amiri Baraka. Norman along with Greg Salandis also widely known for opening Skippers Jazz Club in November 2007 which was a welcome addition to Newark's nightlife. It was a place where music, food, drink, and conversation were the rage and occurred in a comfortable, friendly environment. As the CEO of G Mann Productions, Norman has also produced jazz shows at many of the Tri-State area clubs. https://www.facebook.com/norman.mann.355

James Austin Jr - The soulful stylings of James Austin Jr., reveal his jazz pedigree and gospel roots. James, originally from Chicago, is an accomplished pianist and bandleader. He honed his craft under the tutelage of a number of legendary musicians, including extensive study with renowned jazz educator, Barry Harris. In recognition of his highly skilled musicianship, James has received numerous accolades and awards, including the honor of being selected as a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano competition.

James has performed alongside an illustrious list of singers and musicians in diverse settings throughout the world, including numerous celebrity functions and televised shows. He recently served as pianist and arranger for two star-studded concerts at Carnegie Hall under the baton of esteemed musical director, Ray Chew. James is regularly featured in the New York City area as a pianist and bandleader for various live concerts, theatrical performances, and civic and charitable events. He has curated and led the NJPAC Jazz Jam series since its inception all the way through to the wildly popular and successful Clements Place Jazz Jams.. For the past couple of years, he has also served as musical director for jazz phenom Miss Alexis Morrast.

Songs in the Key of Wonder, James’ debut album, showcases his tasteful instrumental arrangements of a selection of classic compositions from the songbook of the great Stevie Wonder. James regards Stevie Wonder as one of the greatest composers of our time. Others have covered Stevie’s songs, however, James’ arrangements have a particularly appealing flavor and infectious groove. http://www.jamesaustinjr.com/b...

Alvester Garnett - Joy and spirited musical communication are what characterize the artistry of Alvester Garnett’s drumming. Singers such as the living legend Abbey Lincoln, and instrumentalists Wynton Marsalis, James Carter, Regina Carter, and Cyrus Chestnut have all called on Alvester for the energy and fire that he brings to the bandstand.."

Mr. Garnett earned his Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Performance/ Jazz Studies in 1993 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Three months after graduation, Mr. Garnett received a call coincidentally on the same day from both Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln to come to New York for auditions. After moving to New York, he worked with Betty Carter’s trio in the Fall of 1993 and Winter of 1994 while at the same time becoming a member of Abbey Lincoln’s quartet for over 2 years. He was also a member of Cyrus Chestnut’s trio for over two years from 1996 until May of 1998. In November 1997 Mr. Garnett rejoined Abbey Lincoln’s Quartet at a legendary concert held at Columbia University.

Mr. Garnett has also worked in the bands of many other great artists. The list includes, Roy Hargrove’s Quintet, Benny Golson, Al Grey, Stefon Harris, Wynton Marsalis and Lincoln Center’s Jazz For Young People Concerts, James Carter’s Quartet and Quintet, Lou Donaldson’s Quartet along with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jackie Terrason’s Trio, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Rodney Jones, Kevin Mahogany, Clark Terry, Eric Reed, Wycliffe Gordon, Sherman Irby, Pharaoh Sanders, Jimmy Witherspoon, Milt Hinton, Marcus Printup, Greg Osby, John Hicks, Wes Anderson, Teddy Edwards, Ellis Marsalis, Ron Affif, Jeff Clayton, Ronald Westray, Fabio Morgera, Werner "Vana" Gierig, Dr. Michael White and the Richmond Symphony. Currently Mr. Garnett resides in Brooklyn, New York where he continues to grow musically and performs throughout the country and internationally
https://www.facebook.com/Alvester-C-Garnett-109867413773461/?ref=page_internal

Gene Ghee - (saxophone, flute, clarinet) is a long-time performer and educator. He graduated from NYU with a music education undergrad degree, from the Manhattan School of Music with an MA for music performance and from Columbia University Teachers College with a Master of Education degree. He has appeared as a sideman with an array of performers from Art Blakey to Stevie Wonder and is also a recipient of the Daily News Music Teacher Recognition Award.

Gene Ghee is a highly in-demand saxophonist and has performed with numerous professionals such as Art Blakey Jr., Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Teddy Pendergrass, Anita Baker, B.T.Express, Arthur Prysock, Little Anthony and The Imperials. Add to that Etta Jones, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Benny Powell, Eddie Palmieri, Machito, and Barry Harris plus the list goes on. He's a performer on recordings of Stevie Wonder (Do I Do), played tenor saxophone and contracted the horn section for the session which included Frank Wess, Virgil Jones, Ron Tooley, Britt Woodman, Clifton Anderson, Victor Paz and others. Recordings / performances with the likes of Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Village People, Candi Staton. T.S.Monk plus many more national and international performers.

Peter Lin - Taiwanese-American trombonist Peter Lin is a young and creative musician active on the New Jersey and New York scene. A graduate of the jazz programs of William Paterson University (undergraduate) and the graduate program of Rutgers University, Peter studied with jazz trombone legends such as Slide Hampton, Steve Turre, Conrad Herwig, Robin Eubanks, Steve Davis, & Frank Lacy. He has performed with many notable artists including Slide Hampton, Winard Harper, Charli Persip, Valerie Ponomarev, JD Allen, & Radam Schwartz. Peter is also an established educator, holding a prestigious faculty position at Melissa Walker & Christian McBride’s non-profit organization, Jazz House Kids.

His first record, With Respect, featured arrangements of classic Chinese and Taiwanese songs, which peaked at #3 on the NACC Charts and #4 on the RMR Charts. His second album, New Age Old Ways, features eight of his original compositions along with an original comic book with illustrations by Kelly Lin. https://www.yardbirdent.com/post/peterlin

Joy Topping Mann (aka Ife Basim) - In her early days as a Contemporary Christian artist, songwriter and arranger, Joy Topping-Mann co-produced three CD projects of original music which she performed nationally and internationally with her band ‘Gifts.’ She has opened for other well-known Christian artists, was signed with Jamm Records, a Los Angeles, California record company, and has had her music played on radio stations throughout the U.S.

As a producer and promoter of special events, Joy has received local acclaim for the Annual Women’s History Month Celebrations held each March at the St. Joseph’s Plaza (formerly known as the Priory) located in Newark, New Jersey. These uniquely memorable experiences have focused on honoring extraordinary women for their outstanding accomplishments, Audiences have been treated to virtuoso performances by the Tri-state’s most talented artists.

As a jazz vocalist, Joy’s rich melodic voice and unique phrasing take the listener back to the days of classic jazz, invoking shades of Sarah Vaughan and hints at the daring of Billie Holiday. Warmly embraced by enthusiastic audiences, she has appeared at several venues throughout the Tri-state area.
https://www.jerseyindie.com/blog/whm2021-womens-history-month-celebration-by-ife-basim-masterpieces

Christopher Dean Sullivan - a bassist who is authoritative and bluesy while bending notes that honor his affection for legends such as Slam Stewart as well as Ray Brown.” ~ Steve Monroe, Jazz Journalists Association
The critically acclaimed Chicago Ill born, Pittsburgh PA raised bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan is well traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad. Christopher started his career in Pittsburgh , PA. After a few years in Germany he returned to Pittsburgh and honed his craft as a bassist during his time with the Jazz Workshop Inc., located in the Homewood district, under the direction of Harold Young Sr, and the Archives, located in the Hill district, developed by Errol “Mobutu” Reynolds (Grant Green, Johnny Lytle), where Chris in his words stated …“I got the honor to perform with guitarist Grant Green on three different occasions, through my association with the Archives.”

Chris quickly became known for his own unique approach to playing the bass. He formed local commercial groups that would go on to open up concerts for such bands of notoriety as the Ohio Players, The Bar-Kays, New Birth, The Tavares, and others. Chris decided to expand his musical horizons and started performing with the jazz notables of the Pittsburgh, PA region; Joe Harris (Dizzy Gillispe), Roger Humphries (Horace Silver), Nathan Davis (Pitt University), arranger Arthur Powell, Pete Henderson, Larry Mcgee, Nelson Harrison (Count Basie), J. C. Moses (Eric Dolphy), Geri Allen, Carl Arter, Jothan Callins (Sun Rah), and others. Soon he achieved the opportunity to perform and travel with music notables Lou Soloff, Jimmy Owens, Johnny Lytle, and others for a number of years before locating to New York City.

While residing in the New York region Christopher Dean Sullivan has had the opportunity to share the stage in performance and/or record with Archie Shepp, Sheila Jordan, Carter Jefferson, Yusef Lateef, Odean Pope, Stanley Jordan, Freddie Hubbard, Billy Hart, Christian McBride, Stanley Jordan,
Sonny Fortune, Horace Parlan, Carl Grubbs, Irene Reid, Richie Cole, Jon Faddis, Vanessa Rubin, Eddie Henderson, Bob Gluck, Charli Persip, Henry Grimes, Pete Seeger, Roy Campbell, Della Griffin, Barbara Sfraga, Joe Lovano, Cotton Club All Star Band, Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers,
Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Stanley Turrentine, just to name a few.
http://www.christopherdeansullivan.com/

About South Orange Downtown - Originally founded in 1991 as a Main Street Organization, South Orange Downtown is a 501(c)3 non profit dedicated to making the downtown business district a vibrant place to live, work, and enjoy through events, beautification and advocacy for the downtown businesses. South Orange Downtown is the longest-operating Main Street Community in New Jersey. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the vitality of the downtown business district by supporting existing businesses and attracting new ones to improve the Village’s retail mix; raising funds for improvement and public art projects; producing events that complement existing stores and services; maintaining a clean, safe, and pedestrian-friendly downtown; and helping the governing body manage new development while preserving the attractive architectural legacy of the downtown area. The organization is run by an Executive Director and a volunteer board of directors made up of property owners, business owners, residents and other stakeholders. The organization produces key downtown events, including the Under Cover Music Fest, Summer Saturdays, Farmers Market, Hometown Holiday, and more. For more information, visit southorangedowntown.org.

Gregory Burrus curates the bands and manages South Orange Summer Saturdays Live Music Concerts. Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians and local art exhibitions. On a regular basis he promotes art, music, business, government and documents local community events through videoography, photography, social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photo journalism. Having fun living life while helping others. Learn more at http://gregoryburrusproduction...