The Watchung Arts Center Welcomes Rio Clemente And His Abbotts

Press release from the Watchung Arts Center:

Oct. 6, 2022

Critically acclaimed audience favorite Bishop of Jazz, Rio Clemente, will appear at the Watchung Arts Center on Sunday, October 9th at 3PM with the Abbotts, Gary Mazzaroppi and Vernon Mobley and a special guest appearance by Marty Eigen.

A native of Morristown, NJ, Clemente is New Jersey’s own jewel of the jazz world. He is a member of the Morristown Hall of Fame, has been named Outstanding Professional Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of the Morris Area, New Jersey Monthly Magazine has named him among its “Top 40 New Jersians” and the New Jersey Jazz Society has named him Musician of the Year.

Anyone who has listened to Rio Clemente play piano, comes away in awe. This master pianist mixes a strong classical background with a rich knowledge of jazz history, then adds an amazing sense of creativity and interpretation intertwined with classical themes.

Rio’s career began with a BMI scholarship for musical theatre and subsequent studies at Juilliard School of Music. A grant from Broadway Tomorrow for new composers followed. Along with his classical training, Rio developed a style embracing a diversity of music that makes him one of the most expressive and versatile pianists anywhere. After several television appearances, Rio advanced professionally to playing at many distinguished concert halls and festivals, including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Manhattan’s famous Birdland and the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, as well as the Newport and JVC Jazz Festivals. Rio also performed at the White House representing the United States Coast Guard and all Auxiliaries. He regularly appears with groups such as The Morris Choral Society and Orchestra and at jazz venues from Manhattan to Cape Code and from Florida to California.

Rio Clemente has recorded for well-known labels and has published twenty CDs under his own label, Etnemelc Music Productions. Rio in collaboration with Carmine Lombardo has written a number of pieces ranging from gospel to Latin, including orchestral arrangements. A children’s song was nominated for a Grammy and this past October his original musical “VIZHON” had its world premiere performance in Florida. As a music educator, and teacher, he has served as music director for the Generations of Jazz program of the New Jersey Jazz Society, and has presented customized programs in schools, including Viva La Musica Latina with the late percussionist Russ Moy.

Gary Mazzaroppi and Vernon Mobley will be accompanying Rio.

Tickets are $25 per person. Advance purchase is recommended. Limited tickets will be available at the door. All in-house events and performances will require proof of vaccination and masking.

For tickets - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/423538173077

The Watchung Arts Center, located at 18 Stirling Road in Watchung on the Watchung Circle, is a multi-disciplinary arts facility serving Watchung, the surrounding communities and the Tri-State Area. To obtain more information about upcoming performances, classes and workshops, and monthly art exhibitions, please visit WatchungArts.org or call 908-753-0190.

This press release was produced by the Watchung Arts Center. The views expressed here are the author's own.