WBGO Holds Birthday Block Party

Newark, N.J.’s WBGO-FM, a major force in jazz radio, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and will host a birthday block party featuring free performances by trumpeter-bandleader Gerald Wilson (pictured), pianist Mulgrew Miller and others on April 29. The station, which broadcasts at 88.3 on the FM dial and over the Web from www.wbgo.org, will close the street in front of its studios from 4 to 8 p.m. for the party.

Wilson’s 18-piece big band, which is making a rare NYC-area performance, is the party’s main event. Miller’s solo piano performance is not to be missed, however. And neither are performances by If Trane Wuz Here (featuring tap dancer Savion Glover, spoken word poet e. gaines and saxophonist Mantana Roberts) and the NPJAC/WBGO Jazz for Teens ensemble.

In addition to the music, WBGO will host “Jazz in Newark,” a panel discussion sponsored by the N.J. Historical Society, plus arts and crafts booths, food vendors, face painting and a poetry slam.

For more information, call (973) 624-8880 or visit the Web site mentioned above.

Originally Published April 19, 2004