The Department of Parks & Rec. is pleased to present big band music.
By: Amy Filippone, Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Moorestown Parks and Recreation Department’s is pleased to present Adult Café featuring the Midiri Brothers Orchestra. They are back by popular demand and will round out the last of the summer concert series. Don’t miss this exciting performance on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Church Street Recreation Center.
The Midiri Brothers Orchestra plays Big Band music featuring music by Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Fletcher Henderson, the Dorsey Brothers, Glenn Miller and many more. The Midiri Brothers (twin brothers Joe and Paul) have had a long and celebrated career performing jazz, big band, swing and classical music all over the country. They are known for their virtuosity and energy and their performances have been described as “intoxicating” and “exhilarating.”
The Midiri Brothers and their bandmates seem to be ambi-instrumental, each able to play a multitude of instruments. Paul plays drums, vibraphone and trombone and Joe is a gifted clarinet and saxophone player.
Backing the the Midiri brothers is a very talented and accomplished group of musicians. In short form, they are: Dan Tobias, a trumpet player who has performed with many jazz luminaries. He performs with numerous jazz bands in the area and in New York City. Pat Mercuri plays guitar, mandolin and banjo. He has a wide range of genres also including jazz, pop and classical music. He has played guitar, mandolin and banjo for The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Princeton Symphony, Opera Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Ballet.
Jim Lawlor plays drums and performed with many world-class musicians in Atlantic City like Billy Eckstein and Jonah Jones. Jack Hegyi performed as the traveling bassist for Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. A veteran showroom bassist in Atlantic City, Jack has played for hundreds of stars, from Bob Hope to Patti Lupone. Bob Leary has a multi-facet career, from “Banjo King” on Main Street at Disney World to recording artist with Woody Allen’s musical director, Dick Hyman. He has played in jazz festivals around the world. Jeff Phillips plays the piano and is well versed in many styles from Dixieland and Traditional Jazz to funk. He is currently a staff musician for Walt Disney World, performing as pianist with The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.
While this music may not be from your generation, it is certainly accessible for any age group. This concert is an opportunity to really experience big band music and possibly expose the novice to a truly great musical genre. And for those that know and love it — you’re in for a treat.
