New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announced today that bassist, bandleader and composer Christian McBride has joined the Arts Center as its new Jazz Advisor. According to a press release from NJPAC, “With his oversight, the new season features the second annual TD James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival in November and concerts throughout the year curated by McBride, Grammy-nominated pianist Bill Charlap, ‘Newark’s First Lady of Jazz’ Dorthaan Kirk, and GRP Records co-founder and JAZZ ROOTS creator Larry Rosen.”
The Arts Center has also forged a season-long partnership with Newark jazz radio station WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM, co-presenter of the TD James Moody Democracy of Festival.
On November 7, McBride will host a concert honoring Newark native Lorraine Gordon, an NEA Jazz Master and longtime owner/manager of the legendary Village Vanguard jazz club. The concert features the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, pianist Barry Harris, and the Anat Cohen Quartet.
