Young Trumpeter Will Jazz Up OCC

The masters of jazz need not be our seniors. In fact, one performance scheduled at this week proves they can be your junior. We're not talking about playing the staples, but original solos.

The young Geoff Gallante will belt out some original jazz in the Midweek Jazz at Ocean County College, continuing Wednesday.

It's the second of two remaining Midweek events, which have been held throughout the colder months with 90-minute performances.

February 8: Geoff Gallante

Gallante is a young trumpet and cornet player who would be considered exceptional at twice his age. With a repertoire featuring classic jazz, Gallante plays well-crafted and original solos, with energy and enthusiasm. For this show, he’ll come up from Virginia with a trio joining him.

March 7: Dan Levinson’s Fête Manouche Returns with Django Reinhardt Sound

Fête Manouche focuses on ‘Gypsy Jazz,’ The genre is popular in Europe, known for its electrifying, fast-paced instruments. Originally, violin joined the rapid-fire guitar work that is central to this style, but Dan Levinson substitutes clarinet, reflecting later versions of Django’s groups. "The combination produces breathtaking jazz with distinctive instrumentation,” says OCC.

Shows run on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on OCC’s Main Campus, College Drive, Toms River. Parking is in Lot #2. Tickets are on sale now at the OCC Box Office.

Tickets: $18 adults and $15 seniors. For information, call the Ocean County College Box Office at 732.255.0500 (TTY: 732-255-0424). Purchase tickets online at tickets.ocean.edu.  Visit us on the web at www.ocean.edu.