New Harmonies Travelin Exhibition Culminates With Moonlight Dinner Dance

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- A six-week celebration of American roots music in Asbury Park will conclude with a big-band event at Tim McLoone's Supper Club on the Asbury Boardwalk.  Aptly titled "A Moonlight Dinner Dance," the event will kick off at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 with a cocktail reception and a live performance from The Jazz Lobsters.

The Jazz Lobsters' performance will bring a big-band sound to Tim McLoone's Supper Club, entertaining guests with the timeless music of Count Basie, Frank Sinatra and more.  Led by keyboardist and arranger James "King Salmon" Lafferty, The Jazz Lobsters are celebrated for their broad range, which includes everything from big band, swing, salsa and Latino.  Their highly anticipated performance promises to showcase the diverse music genres ingrained in Asbury Park's past and present.    


"In so many ways, The Jazz Lobsters represent a range of genres that have been integral in shaping the city of Asbury Park's musical heritage," said Tom Gilmour, Asbury Park's director of commerce and economic development.  "As we bid farewell to New Harmonies, this incredible evening of music at the Supper Club will usher in an ongoing celebration of Asbury Park's music history that will continue throughout 2011."

Prior to A Moonlight Dinner Dance, dance enthusiasts are welcomed to celebrate the rhythms of Swing with a warm-up dance class taught by renowned Lindy Hop Dance couple from New York City.  At 3:30 p.m., a "Beginner Swing and Lindy Dance" class will be offered free of charge.  Immediately following, the intermediate-level "Fun Moves in Swing" class will be offered at 4:30 p.m.  Admission to "Fun Moves" is $10; both dance classes will be hosted at the Yoga Basin, located at 603 Mattison Avenue in Asbury Park.  "Beginner Swing and Lindy Dance" and "Fun Moves in Swing" are presented by the Shake, Rhythm and Roll Music and Dance Festival.

"A Moonlight Dinner Dance" will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Tickets for the event are $100.00 and include a copy of the city's music anthology, "Asbury Park: Where Music Lives."

To reserve tickets for Moonlight Dinner Dance, interested parties should contact Tom Gilmour at 732-502-5749 or via email at Tom.Gilmour@CityofAsburypark.com.  Cocktail attire is suggested.  A portion of all proceeds from the event will benefit the Asbury Park Musical Heritage initiative.

For more information about Asbury Park Musical Heritage, please visit www.AsburyParkMusic.org. 

To learn more about the New Harmonies exhibit, please visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.


For additional information on the New Jersey tour of New Harmonies, please visit New Jersey Council for the Humanities' website at www.njch.org.