'Count Basie 365' Series Kicks off in Red Bank with Jazz on the West Side

It's time for some jazz in Red Bank's West Side pocket park in ode to Count Basie, known as "the kid from Red Bank."

Red Bank Borough Council's Vision Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Juanita Lewis, has arranged the open air concert series, dubbed Count Basie 365, for the park on Shrewsbury Avenue Friday nights in August and September. It will kick off on Friday, Aug. 23, to commemorate the Basie's birthday month.

The idea, Lewis said in a release, is to honor Basie and and jazz music in the community in which the musical legend was born and thrived 365 days a year.

All concerts will be held on Fridays from 6:45 to 9 p.m., with the first on Friday featuring Bradford Hayes. The next, slated for Sept. 6, will feature the Darwin B. Oden Quartet, followed by Next Generation of Soul on Sept. 13.

Concert goers are only asked to bring a lawn chair and friends.

Councilwoman Lewis reminded everyone in a release that "it's not a day or an event, but 365!" 

Count Basie 365 is sponsored by Investors Bank, the Community YMCA, and McKenna, Dupont, Higgins and Stone. Lewis thanked the sponsors "for helping to fund this celebration of Count Basie’s contribution to music history not only in Red Bank, but all over the music world." 

In addition, the committee also thanks Powerhouse Signs, LunchBreak and ICB (Innovative Custom Brands, Intl.) for donating to help make the events possible. 

Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities for the annual event should contact Councilwoman Juanita Lewis by email at jlewis@redbanknj.org or by phone at 732-842-8673.