Jazz concert to benefit Princeton Senior Resource Center

   What do you get when you gather some of the area’s best known jazz musicians in a "Cotton Club" atmosphere to benefit a great cause? A wonderful evening, that’s what.
   The Princeton Senior Resource Center is pleased to present trumpeter Bill Lacy and his combo on Saturday, Jan. 15, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. in the Suzanne Patterson Building, located at 45 Stockton St. The evening is a benefit event for the PSRC’s social service programs. Tickets may be purchased at the Suzanne Patterson Building or by calling (609) 924-7108.
   Joining Mr. Lacy will be Jim Ridl, piano, Pete Colangelo, bass, and Al Jackson, drums.
   A native of Trenton, Mr. Lacy plays trumpet and flugelhorn with several jazz and concert bands, including the Moonlighters Swing Orchestra and the Philadelphia Legends of Jazz Orchestra. He is an original member of the Philadelphia African American Museum’s Triumphant Trumpet Jazz Band. He has played with many familiar names in the world of music, including trumpeters John Faddis, John Swana and the late Johnny Coles. He is noted for his solo jazz improvisations and accompanying many vocalists, including Miss Justine and Jeannie Brooks.
   One of Mr. Lacy’s proudest accomplishments is the success of his own straight-ahead jazz combo. He really "gets his groove on" when he’s hired to play "Jam Sessions" at the bi-annual Cape May Jazz Festival. He was a headliner there for the "Tribute to Louis Armstrong" in 2002. Since its inception, Lacy has been a regular performer at the festival, where his own compositions have been recognized and enjoyed.
   Following in the footsteps of his mentor, the late Willie Williams, Bill Lacy continues to contribute his talent to the musical life of the community. He was one of the original members of the Trenton Jazz Festival committee and was its 1997 honoree. He served on the Trenton Heritage Days Committee for many years. He was an instructor for Trenton’s Youth Jazz Ensemble, teaching and encouraging young musicians. He continues to serve on the advisory board of the Trenton Community Music School and performed on their jazz concert series for public and chartered schools. The Bill Lacy Scholarship Fund was established in his honor by the Trenton Community Music School.