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August 6, 2004

Latin ensemble Iguazu and vocalist Sandy Sasso highlight evening of free jazz concerts at Sewaren Peninsula Park, Barron Arts Center

Recipe for a movable jazz feast: start by the breezy shoreline with some tasty swing standards, then trek inland for a sampling of spicy Latin music under the stars.

On Thursday, August 12, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sandy Sasso and Friends perform a free show at the final offering of Sewaren Summerfest presented by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders at Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park in Sewaren.

At 8 p.m., a short hike to the west, the six-piece Latin-jazz ensemble Iguazu performs in a free lawn concert at the Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Avenue, sponsored by the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission with support from the Woodbridge Township Arts Council and Mayor Frank G. Pelzman.

Sandy Sasso is a nationally-renowned jazz vocalist who has performed with the Dorsey Brothers Band, Benny Goodman Orchestra, Nelson Riddle Orchestra and other legendary big bands. At Sewaren Summerfest she will be backed by Gladstone Trott on piano, Frank Canella on drums and Lou Califano on sax.

Iguazu creates original music from an exotic array of traditional and contemporary Latin American music styles using a diverse instrumental palette of guitar, vibes, marimba, keyboards, bass, sax and percussion. The band’s recordings have featured appearances by jazz stalwarts Paquito D’Rivera, Slide Hampton, Antonio Hart and Dakota MacLeod.

“We are thrilled to have these top-line groups showcase two of our most popular outdoor music venues,” said Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. “We hope music lovers from outside Woodbridge take advantage of this special night to experience some of the cultural attractions we enjoy year-round.”