Calendar of Events

Shea Center
for Performing Arts

The Jazz Room Series

Inaugurated in 1978, the Jazz Room has emerged as one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious university-sponsored jazz series, encompassing the complete spectrum of the genre. George Kanzler, veteran jazz critic who, for more than three decades, covered the New Jersey jazz scene for The Star-Ledger, writes, “The Jazz Room occupies a very special place in jazz in New Jersey...It is first and foremost a listening room, where you can hear jazz in optimum conditions...Even a casual jazz fan...who attended Jazz Room events regularly...could boast of having seen and heard many of the best jazz musicians of his or her time.”

Clark Terry performs with students

The series also includes performances by large groups including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and has presented the bands of Mel Lewis and Toshiko Akiyoshi, along with smaller ensembles such as the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet and the Eliane Elias Trio. Outstanding William Paterson University student jazz ensembles are featured prominently by opening each Sunday’s concert.

The Jazz Room has received numerous grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. The series has been featured on national and metropolitan-area media, including recorded broadcasts.

*Click here for Jazz Room Series spring 2008 events

Chico Mendoza