New Brunswick Jazz Project Interview
The origins of jazz come from a fusion of influences, including slave songs, gospel hymns and field chants. Yet today, many incredible performances require entrance to expensive New York City clubs.
New Brunswick Jazz Project is a non-profit dedicated to making world-class jazz performances accessible to all.
Find out how you can bring your community together through the joys of music.
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April 26, 2021
How New Brunswick Became a Hub for Jazz Music
#194 Great.com Talks With... New Brunswick Jazz Project
The city of New Brunswick boasts a rich theatre scene, as well as restaurants and galleries. However, for music lovers—especially jazz enthusiasts—there was nowhere to go to enjoy the delights of bebop or swing. That is, until the New Brunswick Jazz Project took matters into their own hands. In this episode, we spoke with Virginia DeBerry from New Brunswick Jazz Project (NBJP) about their passion in bringing the joys of jazz music to the local community.
Jazz Knows No Prejudice: A Gift to the Whole Community
NBJP have been hosting jazz performances in New Brunswick for 11 years now, starting with two nights per month and expanding to four nights every week. Leading jazz musicians from New Jersey, New York and further afield are actually travelling to perform in free shows in New Brunswick now. DeBerry explains how the whole community has embraced the jazz culture in New Brunswick; they see people of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities enjoying the music together. Especially through the pandemic, the ability to host outdoor jazz events has ensured some uplifting of community spirit, as people navigate this strange and isolating time.
There is no exact formula or strict rhythm to be followed in jazz, it is more of an improvisational collective work which requires people to tune in with each other. DeBerry has seen this freedom and fluidity mirrored in how it brings the local community together: “the music happens as it happens, and jazz is a thing that is never the same...and it’s that improvisation which makes jazz so special.”
Listen to the whole interview to find out how you could foster a stronger community spirit through the joys of music. You can also explore New Brunswick Jazz Project’s events calendar and support them by becoming a member. Help to make jazz music accessible to all.
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