Valentine Jazz Concert

This event will feature Audra Mariel (vocals), Greg Grispart (woodwinds), John Lenis (acoustic bass), Gavin Davies (drums) and Chris DeVito (piano). This quintet filled both the Watchung Arts Center in 2023 and Douglas Hall (at the annual Malawi Visions Fundraiser hosted by Liberty Corner Church) in 2023. Chris DeVito is a jazz pianist, composer, and band leader born in New York City into a family of avid jazz fans and musicians and has been playing regularly since age 3. He has been performing for many years both as leader and sideman at various jazz venues, restaurants, churches, and private events throughout the greater New York City metropolitan area with many of the area’s finest jazz artists. To learn more about Chris DeVito, visit www.ChrisDeVitoJazz.com. Audra Mariel (vocals) has been acclaimed for her unique sound, and sincere interpretations of timeless standards. Mariel frequently performs with A Real Human Jazz Band, but has also had the privilege of touring and recording with Frank Vignola, and in renowned NYC venues including Symphony Space and Birdland. She also plays around New Jersey and has toured the east coast with her solo looping project, Martin Howth. To learn more about Audra Mariel, visit www.AudraMariel.com Greg Grispart is one of the New York/ New Jersey metropolitan area’s most sought-after multi-instrumentalists, who regularly performs throughout the United States with a several notable bands and orchestras in a variety of different genres. He has a degree in classical clarinet performance and education from Rutgers and a master’s degree in jazz saxophone performance from Rowan. To learn more about Greg Grispart, visit www.GregGrispart.com. Bassist John Lenis has been active on the New York jazz scene for the past 20 years, performing and recording as a long-time member of ensembles led by such accomplished artists as Nobuki Takamen, Hyeseon Hong, Noshir Mody, and Julia Barry. In addition to appearances at many of the area’s renowned clubs and festivals, John has toured the US, Canada, the UK, and extensively in Japan. Most recently he performs with various groups lead by guitarist Sean Harkness, Joe Rizzolo, or Roy Futaba, in addition to writing for and leading his own projects. Gavin Davies has been an active drummer in the New Jersey music scene for the past 30 years. He holds a degree in Studio Music and Jazz from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, and later earned his NJ teaching certificate from New Jersey City University. He subsequently taught music in the NJ public schools for 25 years. The Watchung Arts Center (WAC) thrives in historic Watchung in Somerset County, NJ. The nonprofit, volunteer-run Center excels in cultivating an eclectic mix of professional and emerging artists in the performing and visual arts. Quality works in fine arts, exciting music, and comedy events are presented to enthusiastic audiences. To learn more about the Watchung Arts Center, visit WatchungArts.org Blue Truffle Music, LLC features fine jazz for any event: any instrumentation, and venue, anywhere. To learn more about Blue Truffle Music, visit bluetrufflemusic.com.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2172643-0

Booking: https://go.evvnt.com/2172643-3

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