By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — Despite a rainy start to the morning, the sun shined on students of all ages rocking downtown Hightstown Sunday afternoon.
“The Summer Jam Showcase was started to give my students the opportunity to play music with a full electric band in a live environment,” Bob Gilmartin, who is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, teacher, performer, producer and more. “Individual practice is certainly important, but playing with a group of musicians is an entirely different experience altogether.”
Like they’re participating in a sport, musicians have to learn to work together as a team or else things can fall apart.
“They get to experience the band cues, eye contact, and interaction, which are all essential parts of performing in front of an audience, as well as keeping the music together,” he said. “They also get to let loose, play a gig, and have fun in the process.”
This is the third year the concert has been held.
“Tavern on the Lake has been very supportive of this event, thanks to Henry and Joan,” he said, adding “a huge thank you to the band of musicians that make this happen every year” — Tony Capobianco on drums, Sarah Dunlap on vocals and Brian “Skip” Delaney on bass as well as both electric and acoustic guitars.
“They are talented players, my longtime friends and huge supporters of aspiring musicians,” he said.
About a dozen students participated this year ranging in ages from seven to 70 years of age.
“Some were siblings or fathers and sons that performed together,” he said.
Cole Toto, 15, of Cranbury, has been participating in the Summer Jam Showcase for the last three years and plays bass guitar.
“Being a part of the summer jam is a lot of fun, and a great experience for young musicians like myself,” said Cole. “I’ve played in the summer jam for three years now and each time is better than the last.”
He enjoys having the opportunity to show skill and growth and to be a rock star as well as listening to great music being performed by his peers.
“It’s a fun environment to have a gig and experience what it’s like to play with a band,” he said. “Some people, including myself, played with family members, which is also a highlight of the day.”
Cole considers Mr. Gilmartin a great teacher because he not only teaches what Cole wants to learn but finds him music that is good for his level of playing as well as music that is challenging to make him a better player, he said.
Maddy Laurash, 15, of Cranbury has also been participating in the jam for the last three years.
“It is a great time,” said Maddy. “It is so cool getting the opportunity to play and sing with a full rock band in front of an audience. I loved it.”
She said Mr. Gilmartin has been a “great musical influence” on her.
“He has really shown me what is possible with my playing and singing,“ she said.
Mr. Gilmartin said the Summer Jam Showcase is more of a live concert than a recital.
“All the students have worked very hard on their craft and the summer jam gives everyone the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of an audience and shine,” he said.
Students played “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King; “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison; “Take it Easy” by the Eagles; “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd; “Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes; “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick; “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield; “More Than Words” by Extreme; “Cars” by Gary Numan; “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd; “Wonderwall” by Oasis; “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down; “Ten Years Gone” by Led Zeppelin; “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughn; “Satisfaction” by Rolling Stones; “Summer ’69” by Bryan Adams; “Have a Cigar” by Pink Floyd; “Peace of Mind” by Boston; “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles; “No Matter Where You Are” by Us the Duo; “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstell; “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas; “Home Sweet Home” by Motley Crue; “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple; and “I Saw Her Standing There” by The Beatles.
The highlight of the night for the music teacher was seeing the reaction of the families and friends in attendance.
“I think people are used to seeing the students practicing their instrument at home and now they’re seeing them on stage performing with it and doing it well,” he said. “It’s amazing to see people evolve from playing an acoustic guitar one year, to rocking out with an electric the following year and commanding the stage with confidence.”
He said he also enjoys it when family members play together.
“This year I had some students I taught all the way through high school come back during college break to play with family members that are current students,” he said.
He would like to encourage others to pick up an instrument and not to worry.
“There’s never a wrong time to pick up an instrument and experience the joy of playing music,” he said.
Anyone interested in learning to play guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, beginner piano, vocal training, recording, music production and songwriting, can contact Bob Gilmartin at 732-754-5566 or RoyalBearMusic@gmail.com. For additional information, visit www.bobgilmartin.com.
