Summer Jazz Café returns to Red Bank

RED BANK — The Jazz Arts Project will present an exciting array of world-class jazz artists in a summer-long festival that begins at one of Red Bank's premier performing arts venues, The Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave.

The Summer Jazz Café annual series has presented more than 60 events over the past three years and has hosted some of the world's most celebrated jazz musicians.

This year the summer series will include a broad range of jazz artists & styles from traditional early jazz, blues and ragtime through more contemporary Latin jazz and world music.

Joe Muccioli, artistic director, said this year the series will continue into July and August, beginning at the Two River Theater on Bridge Avenue and move to the River's Edge Café on Broad Street.

At Two River Theater, each Friday and Saturday evening at 8 p.m. through June 27, the Marion Huber performing space will be transformed into an intimate café setting with tables, candlelight, coffee, tea, delectable treats and great jazz.

Champian Fulton will appear with her trio on June 19 and 20. Besides leading her own appearances, she has been featured with some world-class musicians and has been a mainstay at Birdland, the Jazz Corner of the World.

Appearing June 26 and 27 will be "Triple Play" featuring Latin jazz legend Dave Valentin with Bill O'Connell and Richie Flores. For almost two decades Valentin has practically defined the role of the flute in Latin jazz. A musician, composer, arranger and bandleader, this bestselling Latin instrumental artist is a Grammy Award winner.

Tickets are $20 ($10 for students with valid ID) and are available at the Two River Theater Box Office: 21 Bridge Ave. or by calling 732-345-1400.

In July the festival will continue at River's Edge Café. The lineup will include recording artist singer/songwriter Tony De- Sare, Bucky Pizzarelli and many others to be announced. For more information visit www.jazzartsproject.org or call the jazz line at 732-746-2244.