BOILERMAKERS RETURN TO WATCHUNG WITH HOT JAZZ

Pittsburgh's 7-piece Traditional Jazz Band Makes Third Visit

Preservation Hall is the "name brand" band that can command concert hall prices when they come by on tour. The Boilermakers play the same style of jazz (with more gusto and passion, to be sure), but because they are just being discovered by jazz fans on the festival circuit, the tab can be somewhat more reasonable.

The Boilermakers have filled the house at the Watchung Arts Center on two previous visits, and they'll be returning for the third year in a row on Saturday Evening, June 3. Tickets are only $12 for the 8 PM performance, and intermission refreshments are included in that price.

Reviewers of concerts and recordings seem to love The Boilermakers, a seven-piece jazz ensemble from Pittsburgh. Good reason too, since they capture the authentic New Orleans sound with youthful spirit and vitality. 

"You will think you've gone to jazz heaven when you hear these guys!" say the people at the Sacramento Jazz Society. "What a marvelous, rough, righteous and wonderful sound they have," adds the Potomac River Jazz Club. And, according to Cadence magazine "when they get going, you can almost feel the heat and smell the sweat." 

Not surprisingly, the band is in heavy demand at prestigious jazz festivals throughout the nation, and abroad: New Orleans, Sacramento, Fresno, Buffalo, Arizona, Las Vegas, Edinburgh, Toronto, Vancouver, Germany and Switzerland, to name a few. They've played with the Pittsburgh Symphony (with Marvin Hamlisch) and for jazz societies up and down both coasts. With four recordings now available, fans can also take the music home, and 
many do.

Leader Paul Cosentino plays an authentic Albert system clarinet, reminding many of George Lewis. The band behind him has the traditional instruments though: trumpet and trombone complete the front line, backed by a rhythm section of banjo,  drums, bass and piano. In the intimacy of the Arts Center's gallery, amplification is needed only for the vocals.

Given the limited capacity and the uniqueness of this event, reservations are suggested. They may be made by phone, calling (908) 753-0190 and leaving a message outside the 1 to 4 PM office hours. Tickets will be held for pickup and payment at the door.

The non-profit Watchung Arts Center is on the Watchung Circle, easily reached from throughout the region via Route 22 (Plainfield overpass) or Interstate 78 (exit 40). Parking is free at adjacent municipal lots. 

The Center also hosts a companion vocal jazz series, plus a growing folk series and other musical and theatrical events. Ask for a brochure and sample newsletter when calling for a reservation.

CONTACTS:

Watchung Arts Center (1 to 4 PM best) (908) 753-0190

Bruce M. Gast, Jazz Series Coordinator (908) 755-2483

The Boilermakers (Paul Cosentino) (412) 361-6610







LISTING SUMMARY

The Boilermakers, a 7-piece traditional jazz band from Pittsburgh, 
will make their third consecutive annual visit
(they must be filling the seats!)
to the non-profit Watchung Arts Center
"on the Watchung Circle" in Watchung (NJ)
Saturday evening, June 3, starting at 8 PM.
Seats are only $12, with intermission snacks included.
Call (908) 753-0190 for reservations, leaving a message 
if necessary, or buy tickets at the door. 
Capacity limited, so reservations are strongly encouraged.

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