Swing Music "Dance Party" at Arts Center Vocalist Nancy Nelson Guests with 15-Piece King's Road Band

CONCERT: Friday, May 10, 2002 8 PM $15

      The King's Road Swing Band's dance parties have drawn, over the years, 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 10.  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). 

     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 of the era. 

     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 around the corner at Best Lake.