BY TOM CAIAZZA
Staff Writer
Chiara Civello ABERDEEN – Myles Weinstein has given his life to jazz. The professional drummer and owner of a booking agency devoted to the quintessential American music genre has invited some friends to share the jazz experience with the Aberdeen community.
Weinstein, an Aberdeen resident and public school district alumnus, has booked a show at Matawan Regional High School on May 11 that will showcase six contemporary jazz musicians who have received accolades from the music community, with all the proceeds going to the Matawan Regional High School music department.
The band consists of violinist Regina Carter, pianist Kenny Barron, Italian vocalist Chiara Civello, Matthew Parrish on bass, Stefon Harris on vibraphone and marimba, and Weinstein keeping the beat.
The show marks the second time Weinstein has brought jazz to Aberdeen. The first concert was in 2004, when his band of musicians played to a crowd of 400 at the high school’s Anne Hannah Auditorium. This year, he is looking to top that.
Myles Weinstein “We would really like to do a sellout this time,” Weinstein said.
According to Weinstein, this year’s lineup would be a large draw at jazz clubs in the metropolitan area.
“If you put this lineup together in New York, people would pay good money to see it,” Weinstein said. “The simple fact is that to get them all on the same stage is a rarity.”
Weinstein said it was as if big-time athletes played a pickup game in Aberdeen.
“This will be the equivalent of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez coming to Toomer Field in Aberdeen to play baseball,” Weinstein said. “These are the kinds of artists we are talking about.”
All of the money collected will go to the music department, which Weinstein said was another good reason for people to attend.
“The creative arts is the last to get any kind of funding, if anything at all,” Weinstein said. “It’s a little extra money to help out in that regard.”
Regina Carter Weinstein said the high school music department sorely needs new instruments and has had a tough year trying to raise money.
The music department has a marching band tournament every year in the fall to raise money, but this year they were not able to do it, which put them even deeper in the hole, according to Weinstein.
The Matawan Regional High School Jazz Band is scheduled to open the show with a 20-minute set, Weinstein said. Weinstein plans to present an 80-minute set that will run the gamut from jazz standards to original compositions and pop tunes. Civello will sing in both Italian and English, and Grammy-nominated duo Barron and Carter will perform together.
The show is scheduled for May 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school’s Anne Hannah Auditorium. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door, and $10 for students. Those interested in purchasing in advance are urged to visit Matawan Regional High School, 450 Atlantic Ave., between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Stefon Harris
 Kenny Barron |