NJWA Hosts Family Mardi Gras To Benefit Music Connection
The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts will host a Family Mardi Gras and Gala Concert and Dinner on Sunday March 6 at 5:00 pm. The event will take place at Snuffy’s Pantagis, 250 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains.
The evening will feature performances by the band Watson and the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo. In addition to the professional music performances, the evening will showcase selected NJWA Music Studio students and ensembles, and will also feature a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Music Connection, a program designed for students who are neurologically, developmentally and/or physically handicapped. The Music Connection focuses on acquiring musical skills, enhancing self-esteem, developing pride in achievement and providing families with an activity to share.
Watson, directed by “Cadillac” Phil Rinaldi, reflects the jazz, rock and funk genres, and is well known for its appearances at the Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival, as well as performances at numerous venues throughout the area.
A highlight of the evening will be the music provided by the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo. Florian, now 13 years old, started as a student in the Music Connection in 2009, went on to form his own professional jazz band and has performed all over the greater New York City area. His band has played at various fund raising events for the Music Connection, so that other children may benefit from the opportunity given to him.
This arts program is made possible in part by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Tickets for the event are $100 for adults and $50 for children. Please call 908-789-9696 or visit the NJWA studios at 150-152 East Broad Street, Westfield, for additional information. If you cannot attend, but would like to make a donation to The Music Connection, please call the office for further details. To learn more about the NJWA, log on to our web site at www.njworkshopforthearts.com , and visit us on Facebook and Twitter.
(above) The Florian Schantz Combo ( L-R Margaret Schantz, Lowell Schantz, Florian Schantz, Jeff Little, Rup Chattopadhyay) will perform at the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts Family Mardi Gras Gala Concert and Dinner, which is a fundraising event for The Music Connection.
