Published: Thursday, November 06, 2008
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Email StoryJazz & Karaoke Shea brings quartet to Point
By REBECCA GRITES For At The Shore, 609-272-7017
Somers Point has something special for you on Saturday, Nov. 8, as another fabulous installment of the Somers Point Jazz Society Blue Moon Concert Series arrives. Enjoy the sounds of the Evan Shea Quartet, which is headed by none other than New Jersey native Evan Shea.
Shea, who teaches music at the Ventnor Middle School, finds his influences in musicians and musical instructors such as Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, Oscar Peterson and Tony DiNicola. Shea has been bringing vibraphone, drums and piano music across the Garden State (and beyond) for more than 15 years, but he'll only be stopping at Stumpo's for one night. Playing with Shea will be Bill McGrady on piano, Jim Kurtz on bass and Brian Yatauro on percussion. The show starts at 8 p.m. Stumpo's is located on Longport Boulevard, and you can call them for other info on this show, as well as their weekly entertainment schedule, at 609-926-9400.
But Stumpo's isn't the only place you can get in on all that jazz; Gregory's Restaurant, also in Somers Point, is taking part in this Jazz Society Concert Series celebration as they host the Joe Rotella Quintet at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Rotella is a Philladelphia-based jazzman who has backed some of the big names in the biz such as Vic Damone, Buddy Greco and Mel Torme. Rotella even got to play alongside Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin while working a Las Vegas stint many years ago. With experience like that and George Genna on piano, Jack Hegyi on bass, Harry Himles on drums and Lou Cioco on trombone and flugelhorn filling out his quintet, what do you have to lose? Absolutely nothing. Gregory's Restaurant is located at 900 Shore Road in Somers Point, and you can call them for further info at 609-926-6665.
Admission is free for Somers Point Jazz Society members and non-members can attend both shows for $10.
If you aren't in the mood to view the entertainment, but to BE the entertainment, then karaoke sounds like your weekend cup of tea. Local partygoers know the Liquid Bar inside the Trump Plaza Hotel Casino in Atlantic City is a great place for live music. Take this weekend for instance: Brian and Deb perform Friday, Nov. 6, at 9 p.m., and The Action takes the stage on Saturday, also at 9 p.m. But this week marks the beginning of Liquid's latest fun-filled night - Wednesday's Show Time Karaoke. You're the star each and every Wednesday at 8 p.m. with special host Michael James. For more details, or maybe a preview of the song list, dial 609-441-6000.
There are several other places for a night of great karaoke, including DiDonato's Bowling Center and Cocktail Lounge, which is located at 1151 White Horse Pike in Hammonton. DiDonato's hosts karaoke every Saturday at 9 p.m.; you can call them at 609-561-3040 for more info.
Or, if you're more in the Sea Isle City way, Kix McNutley's hosts Karaoke with The Hot Soundz on Saturday at 10 p.m. Kix is located on 63rd Street and Landis Avenue, and you can call them at 609-263-7286 for other details.
As if the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa hasn't wowed you enough, it's bringing in Kevin Rudolf to do it for them. This Saturday, Rudolf will host a party at mixx and perform his hit song, "Let It Rock." And there's no reason not to start things on Friday, as mixx brings back its Cosmo Fridays with DJ Devera, free admission for ladies and fun all night long. Both nights start at 10 p.m. Want more details? Dial 609-317-1000.The Pearl in Somers Point
Only at The Pearl in Somers Point can you find deardarkhead, left, shows for free, time and time again. Yes, that's right ladies and gents, you're getting another chance to catch one of most experimental musical acts for free in southern New Jersey. The music kicks off at 9 p.m. For further info, dial 609-653-1155.Ego Lounge at
Trump Taj Mahal in A.C.The Ego Lounge wants you to rock like the Rolling Stones this Friday with another installment of Trbute Night with one of the leading Stones tribute acts, Shattered, right. Get your 40 licks at 10 and 11:30 p.m. and 1:10 a.m. In between sets, DJ Charlie Bliss has got you covered with your favorite dance tracks and tunes. Call 609-449-5138 for more info.Bogart's Books in Millville
The boys are back in town this week at Bogart's in Millville. Friday night staple Tom Moran plays at 5 p.m., followed by Gary Cimino at 7 p.m. Another local favorite folk artist, Robert White, takes Bogart's stage on Saturday at 7 p.m. That's a lot of leading male musicians for one weekend. Can you handle it? Only one way to find out; come to Borgart's on Friday and Saturday. Call 856-327-3714 for more info.The Wave at Trump Marina in A.C.
DJ Jim Stritch is integral to the Trump Marina's nightlife scene, and he's kicking it old school on Friday nights with his latest DJ endeavor, the "Back In The Day" dance party, where some nostalgic dance music will certainly make for a great night. Listen and groove to your favorite tunes of old every Friday at 10 p.m. And this weekend, you can also catch Stritch along with Don't Call Me Francis on Saturday at 10 p.m. For more info on The Wave, dial 609-441-8511.