HAWORTH—Several hundred folks turned out to enjoy beautiful weather and great music on Memorial Field at the borough’s annual A Midsummer Night’s Jam, Aug. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m.
The event showcased the talents of more than a dozen residents in selections of classical music, R&B, show-tunes, rock, and more.
The audience included local families with young children, seniors, and teens, as well as visitors from other towns.
The jam, hosted by the Haworth Arts Committee — chairperson Claudia Gaard, Janet Cohen, Greg Holden, Dina Levinson and Magdalena Jordan — benefitted from Stephen Gaard as emcee.
The large stage and excellent acoustics provided by Sound Director David Lehner, assisted by Sandro Winand, gave the show a professional quality.
Carol Kenny, who has been playing and teaching piano and coaching voice for more than 30 years accompanied many of the performers, some of whom are her students.
Kenny told Northern Valley Press, “It’s a wonderful event because everyone feels free to express their talent.”
Kenny was accompanied by John Shea on drums, Michael Conti on keyboard, Brian Neville and Joe Hereghty on guitar and vocals, and guest musician Greg Livingston on electric guitar.
Councilman Howard Lau and Haworth Middle School students worked the hot dog cart. Concessions also included pizza, water, and glow sticks.
This was Lau’s first year participating in the Jam. He told us he loved it: “With all the anxiety in the world today, upbeat events like this are a great way to relax and enjoy our community. It also helps the young performers build confidence.”
Midsummer Night’s Jam is funded by the town of Haworth and donations from local families and businesses. Proceeds support the work of the Haworth Arts Committee — including its popular Coffee House Open Mic — throughout the year.
Fun for all
This year’s Jam featured a wide variety of acts. Several young performers made their debut at the jam, such as Morgan Dearing, a 9th grader at Northern Valley–Demarest High School. Dearing said she was excited but not at all nervous: “A lot of my friends are here!”
Also making her debut: rising star 10-year-old Francesca Scarpati, who starred as Little Bear in a Porchlight Production of “Shrek Jr.” and plays drums and studies dance. She sang Never Enough to rousing applause.
Jam newcomer Julia Longer Hurst, 11, sang Riptide.
Ayo Sowore, a vocalist and leader of Jazz Rock at Dwight Englewood School’s elite Contemporary Music Ensemble, came with her entire family. With poise and dramatic flair, she sang Creep by Radiohead.
There were seasoned vocalists, such as 13-year-old Lauren Szukics, who sang All Of Me. Szukics has been performing in musical theater for seven years and has starred in Porchlight Productions.
Other standout performers: Ava Bevilacqua, who sang Hallelujah; Wendy Bain; Gay Willis; Alexa Weiss; and Maddy Cohen.
Back by popular demand was the rock band Hay-Worth Neighbors, locals including Art Zo, Greg Holden, Greg Livingston, Fred Brignola, and Dr Ralph Napoli.
The program closed with a rousing group “Shoreline Anthem,” a medley of music styles, including original songs.
More photos: See this feature in the September 2023 Northern Valley Press via searchable PDF