Letter to the Editor: Jazz at Sopac a Giant Hit!

This past Saturday, SOPAC hosted its first Giants of Jazz Concert to an enthusiastic audience.   From up and coming artists  to seasoned musicians, the performances were well received by the appreciate packed house.

On behalf of the Village of South Orange, I want to publicly thank John Lee and Lee May who worked tirelessly this year (as they do every year) to make this event happen.  Without them there would be no Giants of Jazz!

Also thanks to the following--

Michael Bollinger, Executive Director of Sopac, and Tony Leitner and Sopac's entire Board, for taking on this event and working with the Village to assure a smooth transition to SOPAC.   

Cathy Schneider-Lewis for coordinating the many volunteers, and the volunteers --too many to name-- who helped make the event a success. 

SOPAC staff Laura Bessey for her work on the post "thank you" reception, and Brian Isaacs, John Newman and the rest of the SOPAC crew for their work on the show.

Kate Schmidt and Sandy Martiny at the Baird for their help coordinating the move to SOPAC.

And of course the many musicians who dedicate their time, energy and talent to this unique performance.

Again to everyone who helped make Giants of Jazz a reality, thank you!


Nancy Gould

Trustee, Village of South Orange, Chairperson of Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee

For a photo gallery of the concert, courtesy of Patrick Hilaire, click here.