Centenary Stage Company's Summer Jamfest Kicks Off 7/11

By: Jun. 01, 2015
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Centenary Stage Company's ever popular Summer Jamfest will "raise the roof" of the Sitnik Theater during the summer months with a variety of high-energy musical guests perfect for all tastes. Running July 11 through August 8, CSC will host an array of talented musicians paying tribute to some of America's greatest musical artists.

The name "Ray Charles" is on a Star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame. The name "Ray Charles" designates a superstar worldwide and CSC is kicking off the annual Summer Jamfest on Saturday, July 11 at 8pm with Kenny Brawner in 'Ray Charles on my Mind'. This brand new hybrid concert/theatre work brings the music and story of the great Ray Charles to vivid life! Portraying Ray, master pianist/vocalist Kenny Brawner leads his 12 - piece orchestra and 3 sultry vocalists (a la Raelettes) performing this American legend's most popular hits. The songs are interwoven by "Ray" depicting how Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Country music influenced his style - and reflecting on American social history, his epic battle with drugs, and his triumphant return home to Georgia.

On Saturday, July 18 at 8pm, CSC kicks up the energy with Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk. With the resurgence of "funk" music made popular by Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk"; Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk have devoted themselves to the reinvention of the BIG BAND sound, changing up classic rock, soul, jazz and standard music to a unique and powerful sound. Al Chez, well known for playing over 25 years on Late Night and The Late Show with David Letterman, joined forces with Jon Bon Jovi in 1979 to create the band the Atlantic City Expressway, which played New Jersey shore clubs for years. Chez went on to tour with Tower of Power, Robert Cray Band, Spyro Gyra, Sting, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, Cee lo Greene , Snoop dog, James Brown as well of many others. Along with unique musical arrangements of Rock-Soul-Jazz-Blues-Standards and original tunes, frontman Al Chez stratospheric trumpet playing and soulful vocals, make for a magical memorable show!

The jamming continues on Saturday, July 25 at 8pm with the music of "the King of Pop". The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience starring Joby Rogers. As the only Michael Jackson Tribute artist personally endorsed in a signed statement by Jackson himself as an "official substitute" he is the mirror image of Michael Jackson and is both electrifying and entertaining. Joby is the only Tribute Artist to ever appear on the Cover of "Rolling Stone Magazine". This Multi Media "Concert Tribute" production is a celebration of the music and dancing of the World Famous "King of Pop". The "UMX" Show embraces the audience in a wave of visual and musical excitement. Joby Rogers stunning resemblance to Jackson combined with the intricate dance moves of the genius himself presents an exhilarating performance preserving the legacy and spirit of this Entertainment Icon. Everything from the signature Moonwalk, unbelievable dance moves, World class choreographed and incredibly talented back-up dancers and customized wardrobe is recreated on stage. "The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience" has performed to sold out audiences all over the world!

Rock and Roll legends come to life on the Sitnik Stage Saturday, August 1 at 8pm with A Musical Tribute to the Million Dollar Legends. The Million Dollar Quartet is the new smash - hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Million Dollar Legends brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That's All Right, Sixteen Tons, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, Who Do You Love, Matchbox, Folsom Prison Blues, Hound Dog, and more! This thrilling musical tribute brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red - hot rock 'n' roll band for one unforgettable night. For an evening of rock 'n' roll hits of the 50's that will keep your heels a'kickin, you'll love "Million Dollar Legends"!

"The Only National CSN&Y Tribute Show of its Kind" wraps up CSC's Summer Jamfest on Saturday, August 8 at 8pm with CSN Songs: Celebrating the Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. The music was born in the summer of 1969 at the famous "Woodstock Music Festival" in New York. It was when David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash hit the stage, that the face of folk/rock music would be changed forever. Their legacy continued throughout the 70's, 80's, 90's and today. "CSNsongs" audiences are always amazed and delighted as they enjoy being encouraged to participate and sing along with their favorite "Crosby Stills Nash & Young" hit songs throughout the entire show. Beautiful flower children and exciting dialog adds expression to this musically dynamic performance, while taken you back to a time in history that will never be forgotten. All of Crosby, Stills Nash & Young's musical compositions are highly respected by "CSNsongs" and are reproduced as closely as possible to how they were originally written, recorded and performed throughout "Crosby Stills Nash & Young's" musical legacy.

Tickets for Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk are $25.00 in advance. Tickets for all other 2015 Summer Jamfest events are $30.00 in advance. As with all concerts, jazz and special events ticket prices increase $5.00 day of the event. For more information or to purchase tickets visit centenarystageco.org or call the box office at (908) 979 - 0900. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the CSC box office located in the David and Carol Lackland Center on the campus of Centenary College, 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1pm to 5pm and two hours prior to every performance.

The 2014-15 season of performing arts events at the Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and CSC sponsors, including Premier Sponsor Heath Village Retirement Community, Silver Sponsors Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, The Holiday Inn in Budd Lake, and Fulton Bank of New Jersey, and Centenary Stage Company members and supporters.



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