CONCERT: Friday, July 10 8 PM

Louis Armstrong’s Birthday Celebrated in Watchung
Trumpeter Peter Ecklund Leads Tribute for Arts Center

Louis Armstrong changed the course of jazz, American popular music and trumpet playing in general. When the Postal Service finally issued a commemorative stamp in 1995, the Watchung Arts Center sponsored a SATCHMO! tribute, with Peter Ecklund in the starring role. This year, for Louis's traditional birthday, Ecklund has been invited back to reprise his part.

SATCHMO!, a Louis Armstrong birthday tribute, will take place at the Watchung Arts Center on Friday evening, July 10, starting at 8 PM. Trumpeter Peter Ecklund has assembled an all-star aggregation to recapture the magic of the music that grabbed the attention of the jazz-mad public and catapulted Armstrong to fame. Tickets are only $10. The concert opens the summer season for the Jazz Series there, now in its tenth year.

Joining Peter Ecklund will be reed master Dan Block, banjoist Cynthia Sayer and bassist Kelly Friesen. All have been enthusiastically received by Jazz Series audiences at previous appearances. Cynthia Sayer, a Scotch Plains native, is a particular favorite with local audiences.

Given the limited seating in the Center's gallery, places should be reserved in advance by calling (908) 753-0190, leaving a message outside of office hours. Tickets will be waiting at the door. Intermission refreshments are included in the price, and the gallery is air-conditioned. Peter Ecklund has written a book on the great Louis Armstrong solos, including transcriptions taken from the famous early recordings. Both his cornet and trumpet work have been featured in major film sound tracks, including such classics as King of the Gypsies and the PBS series The Civil War. His is the compelling horn heard in the Showboat Casino commercials, as well as on dozens of recordings issued under his name or with others.

He's popular in Europe and Japan too, where jazz is greatly appreciated and closely followed by young people. In fact, he leads Trumpet Spectacular, a group that includes three other trumpet virtuosos, which tours throughout France.

Juilliard graduate Dan Block is equally adept in classical and traditional jazz settings. His instrument of choice is the rarely-heard Albert system clarinet, prominent in early jazz recordings but more difficult to play than the modern instrument.

Dan has also mastered the saxophone in its various sizes. Cynthia Sayer "has a great tone and touch, and a scorching solo style" according to Frets magazine, excelling in a field that is dominated by men. She's been featured on soundtracks ranging from Sophie's Choice to The Cosby Mysteries, including some Woody Allen movies. The acclaimed banjoist tours with many of the top names in jazz today, visiting clubs and festivals worldwide. Her work has been recorded widely.

Kelly Friesen's string bass playing is energetic and innovative, to say the least, and not beholden to amplification either. When not playing or touring with Woody Allen's band, he leads small groups of his own at various Manhattan night spots. The Watchung audience thus avoids the substantial cover charge at many of his NYC haunts.

The Jazz Series averages two concerts a month, adding to the frequent offerings of the (Mostly) Diva Series and a growing Folk Series. Many visitors choose to support these activities by becoming members, receiving a monthly newsletter as well as other benefits. Membership materials and a sample newsletter may be requested by calling (908) 753-0190.