Jazz virtuosos and composers Denis DiBlasio and Behn Gillece are presenting a memorable afternoon of songs and conversation on Sunday, November 1, 3 p.m., at Harrison Township Historical Society’s Richwood Academy Cultural Center. DiBlasio and Gillece are internationally acclaimed musicians, composers, recording artists and educators.
“We are going to perform and tell stories about the music and composers of the Great American Songbook and the Jazz World,” said DiBlasio. “The open, conversational atmosphere creates a fun and welcoming environment – we’re going to have a great time.”
Denis DiBlasio draws from a lifetime of experience as a performer, composer and educator. He is the Executive Director of the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz at Rowan University. An accomplished saxophonist, flautist, composer, and recording artist, DIBlasio is much in demand and known for his engaging and friendly presentations. His memorable performance in Richwood two years ago attracted a full and enthusiastic house.
Having spent many years deeply embedded in the vibrant jazz scenes of New York and Philadelphia, Behn Gillece has a distinguished reputation as both a brilliant vibraphonist and composer. He has dedicated himself to pushing the boundaries of vibraphone artistry while leaving an indelible mark as an innovative composer. He has performed in prestigious venues around the world including Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and the famous Montreux Jazz Festival in France.
Focusing on songs by such greats as Gershwin, Ellington, Mancini, Arlen and Basie, this will be an afternoon of great music not to be missed.
DiBlasio and Gillece’ program is part of the Harrison Township Historical Society’s Fall series of lectures and concerts at the Richwood Academy Cultural Center, located at 836 Lambs Road in Richwood, NJ. The 1871 schoolhouse’s historic classroom provides the perfect setting for this conversational performance. The concert is offered admission free through funding provided by the Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission at Rowan College of South Jersey in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State. All the Society’s programs are live-streamed and archived at the Society’s Facebook page. Information is available at harrisonhistorical.com, hthsmhnj@gmail.com and 856-478-4949.
