Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation Kicks Off Summer at the MAC

Thousands are anticipated to turn out for the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation’s (JSJBF) Jazz and Blues Summer Series Festivals, 2011 winner of the Discover Jersey Arts’ People’s Choice Award for “Best Music Festival.

The Summer Series kicks off with the Middletown Jazz and Blues Festival, sponsored by Investors Bank, on Saturday, July 7 from noon until 8 p.m. on the grounds of the (MAC). The day’s headliner is Sonny Kenn and The Upstage Jam Band.

"The volunteer staff and board of the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation have been honored to present jazz and blues fans of all ages with our award-winning Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festivals for 20 years. The events are widely-anticipated by thousands of residents and visitors to the Jersey Shore," said Dennis Eschbach, Event Director, Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festivals. "Thanks to the dedication of our sponsors, musicians and host towns, we anticipate this year's festivals to be bigger and better than ever!”

Each date in the series will feature crowd-pleasing jazz and blues musicians, along with food, crafters and activities for the entire family. Please bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating and dogs are allowed on leash. Beer and wine gardens are present at the Middletown and Point Pleasant venues. The festivals are free to the public and all ages are welcome to attend.  Each year, sponsor donations from the events raise essential funds for the nonprofit Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation’s operational expenses. 

Middletown Lineup
12:00-1:00 p.m. Dan Wilensky Quartet (Jazz)
1:20-2:20 p.m. Red Bank Blues Band (Smooth and Jazzy Blues)
2:35-3:35 p.m. Gordon James Band (Jazz meets MoTown and R&B)
3:00-4:00 p.m. Miss Sherri Cool Kids Concert in the Middletown Arts Center Theater (Kindie Rock)
3:50-4:50 p.m. Dean Shot (Hard-rocking, High-energy Blues)
5:10-6:10 p.m. Stormin’ Norman Seldin and His Allstar Band (Jersey-style Rock and Blues)
6:30-8:00 p.m. Headliner Sonny Kenn and the Upstage Jam Band (Blues and Fast Rock)

For more information on the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festivals Summer Series, visit www.jsjbf.org or find them on Facebook at Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festivals and on Twitter @JSJazzBluesFest.