The Asbury Park Jazzfest – June 30 & July 1 “Where JAZZ Music Lives”

June 14, 2012 - PRLog -- Asbury Park NJ – The City of Asbury Park, along with the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation (JSJBF), are excited to present the 24th Annual Asbury Park Jazzfest on June 30th and July 1st. A deep rooted community tradition that started in 1989 by gathering local jazz musicians together once a year has expanded into a two day, 15 band, nationally recognized festival that is keeping true to its community roots by providing top Jazz & Blues acts under the Shade Trees of Sunset Park for absolutely free.

To keep in line with the rich history of amazing talent, the JSJBF has booked the Asbury Park High School Jazz Band to open up Saturday’s music line-up followed by Rod Williams, Bell Bottom Blues, Slim Chance & The Gamblers, JazzFunction, Deb Callahan and the Gas House Gorillas as the headlining act. "This primo jump blues band has it all: an amazing rhythm section, awesome sax playing, fabulous guitar, a killer front man, and fantastic songs. And more than all that, these guys have the ability to cross over from jump blues to swing to rock and back again, often within the same track.", said Michael Macomber of Retro Music Review.

Although Saturday’s line-up will be tough to beat, Sunday’s line-up will be just as amazing. Be sure to bring your beach blankets, lawn chairs and dancing shoes as the Rock N Roll Chorus will open up with their amazing “no instruments, just voices” singing, followed by Dennis Gruenling , Jerry Topinka , The Voodudes , Roger Girke Band  and our final headlining act of the weekend, Ray Rodriguez Y Swing Sabroso. Ray was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn and New York City's Spanish Harlem; home grounds to Tito Puente, Ray Barretto and many other salsa icons. There is no way anyone will be sitting down during the group's performance in their distinctive Salsa Dura style.

In addition to amazing Jazz, Blues and Latin sounds filling the air, the aroma of incredible food vendors and the ice cold beer & wine will add to the outdoor festival atmosphere.  There will also be artists and crafters on hand if you wish to do a little shopping while at the festival.

Move for Hunger will be hosting a food donation at the Jazzfest, collecting donations for the local foodbank.  A donation enters you to win tickets to the upcoming wRatfest. Shake the Lake or a Skybox to a Lakewood Blueclaws home game!
The JSJBF gives special thanks to our great sponsors; the City of Asbury Park “where music lives”, Land Rover of Monmouth, Coors Light, Barefoot wine, World Volkswagen, Wells Fargo, The Lakewood Blue Claws, The Asbury Park Press, The Garden State Menu, The Berkeley Oceanfront hotel and The Breeze.

Turn-key event production is being handled by the Passion Group of downtown Asbury Park.  Limited sponsorship and vendor spaces are available.  Please call 732-897-1111 or visit www.apjazzfest.com for more details.

The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation (JSJBF) is a non-profit 501.c.3 corporation whose mission is to Preserve, Promote, and Perpetuate Jazz and Blues in the northern New Jersey shore region through PERFORMANCE and EDUCATION.