The 15 piece King's Road Swing Band returns.  This is the band that has played here since the first season of jazz 14 years ago, so they must be pleasing people with their dance party format.  Limited seating for this one, because they've invited Nancy Nelson to sing for them, and she's a top draw in her own right.  And possibly some other guest soloists.  We don't have all the facts on the specific program, but they tend to mix the work of major Big Bands and dance bands, plus some obscure pieces they've dredged from the archives.

This one costs $15, while most other jazz events at Watchung are $12, but consider that this is only about a buck per performer and you'll see what a good deal it is.  Reserve early, because the seating is limited.

The revival of interest in swing music by younger fans justifies the return of the King's Road Swing Band for a dance party at the Watchung Arts Center.  An excuse is hardly necessary.  With about 20 appearances there to date, this band has drawn more people to Watchung's Jazz Series than any other group.  Combine that attraction with the Arts Center's most popular singer, and the combination should be irresistible.

The 15-piece King's Road Swing Band will give dancers (and passive listeners) a chance to enjoy live Big Band music at a "dance Party" concert on Friday evening, May 16th, 2003.  Nancy Nelson will be their guest vocalist.

This special event is part of the popular Jazz Series at the Watchung Arts Center.  The music starts at 8 PM, with tickets priced at only $15 ($10 for Arts Center members -- advance sales only).  This savings alone is a good reason to join.

Nancy Nelson is the sort of singer who can bring a special spark to the music of a Big Band.  With swing music being discovered by young people once again, there are still too few opportunities to dance and jump to the music of a live band.  The combination of Nancy and King's Road is too good to pass up, especially at such a modest price.

The "dance party" is a popular event, and is often oversubscribed.  To avoid disappointment, tickets should be purchased in advance by sending a check to the non-profit Watchung Arts Center, 18 Stirling Road, Watchung,  NJ  07069.  Tickets will be sent by return mail.  Phone inquiries can be made by calling (908) 753-0190, but reservations cannot be taken by phone.

Popular singer Nancy Nelson has agreed to be guest vocalist for the evening, a special treat for her many fans.  Earlier in her career she was given recognition by Playboy's Jazz and Pop Poll, as well as Downbeat's Critic's Poll.  She's filled the room at Watchung several times as a soloist, and is a featured attraction at several area jazz clubs, with a growing following. 

King's Road is a full-sized swing band, sporting four saxophones, three trumpets, and four trombones, plus a rhythm section consisting of guitar, string bass, piano and drums.  While a dance floor will be provided for those who enjoy "listening on their feet," there will be ample seating for those wishing to rest and listen. 

They play the jazz classics, of course.  Drawing from their "book" of 300 original arrangements, King's Road plays the early "swing" charts and commercial dance tunes from the great bands. 

There are numbers from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Artie Shaw and more, providing a varied yet balanced program.  They even play some rare charts from British bands, and pieces neglected by others.

The non-profit Watchung Arts Center's historic building is "on the Circle" in Watchung, easily reached from Route 22 (Plainfield overpass) or Interstate 78 (exit 40).  There is ample free parking adjacent to the building, or at nearby lots.

CONTACTS:

Watchung Arts Center (1 to 4 PM best)             (908) 753-0190
Bruce M. Gast, Jazz Series, Publicity             (908) 755-2483
King's Road Swing Band (Tom Scheffel)             (570) 588-3716
Nancy Nelson, Vocalist            (Bernardsville) (908) 221-9313