MUSIC & EVENTS
The jam sessions are informal gatherings in a "jazz club" environment where musicians can interact with each other playing jazz standards, focusing on improvisation, collaboration and networking. They offer opportunities for musicians to learn from each other and expand their skills and is a way to broaden jazz's appeal to a broader audience.
The following equipment will be provided:
Drummers should bring only brushes or rods (no sticks) in order to keep the volume level acceptable. |
Monthly Jazz Jam!
Hosted by Jeff Pecca Every 3rd Thursday of the Month 7 - 9:30 PM (Doors open 6:30) $5 Donation at the door for Musicians & Guests July 16 The Jazz Jam sessions will take place at the BAC every third Thursday of the month From 7 - 9:30 PM and will include a Featured Artist. Please email Jeff at [email protected] if you are interested in joining the jam in order to be put on a list prior to the jam. You will receive an email before each jam and if planning to attend, should respond with your name and instrument. This event is open to all players and guests. A $5 donation is requested at the door. Players should have some jazz background and will receive a play list of tunes they should be familiar with prior to the jam. Jeff Pecca was a student of the late jazz guitarist Harry Leahy in the 1970’s and has been playing and studying jazz ever since. Inspired by guitar legends Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Joe Pass, George Benson, and Pat Metheny, Jeff has played in working jazz and rock bands in the New Jersey area for almost five decades. He currently leads the group SeaNote Jazz and plays in the local classic rock band Ronnie & the Engineers. “Featured Artist” in July, Bill Bang (Drummer). Bill is a veteran of the R&B music scene in Philadelphia, having played numerous venues with former members of the Platters, the Tymes, Jerry Butler, the Coasters, the Drifters and many more – most recently with Nat Adderley Jr., Marel Hidalgo, Chuck Lambert and the late Jerry Topinka. He has worked as a Disc Jockey at more than a dozen radio stations along the East Coast as well as a “booth announcer” for the NJ Public Television Stations. Bill currently performs a few times a week with a number of Jazz Quartets at various venues in New Hope, New Brunswick, Frenchtown, South Orange, Wayne, Montclair, Freehold, Staten Island and Somerville to name a few. He also works with a Funk/Rock ensemble – as well as a Soul/Blues group - having performed a number of shows at the Hamilton Stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center and the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park. Bill has regional theater Pit Band experience as well as Big Band performing and enjoys lecturing and demonstrating hand drum and percussion to local schools – most recently at the Ridge and Valley Charter School in Blairstown and currently teaches at Hunterdon Academy of the Arts. |
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The Benny Hagerty Band
Friday, July 31 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Tickets $25.00 The Benny Hagerty Band is a Greenville, South Carolina-based Americana group blending folk and blues-inspired songwriting with the sound of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fronted by singer-songwriter and rhythm guitarist Benny Hagerty, the band features Riley Myer on lead guitar, AJ Barrett on banjo/harmonica, and Fanny Wonder on percussion. Following the February 2026 release of Hagerty’s debut album, Hills & Highways, the band has continued to develop a sound rooted in folk, country, bluegrass, and blues traditions while delivering a fresh, energetic approach to modern Americana music. The Benny Hagerty Band has performed throughout the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, earning a reputation for authentic storytelling and engaging live performances. Catch this very special "New Jersey exclusive" appearance only at the Belmar Arts Center, with special guest Will Pable and with Jack Romano opening up. |
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Nashville-style Songwriter's Circle
Tuesday, August 11th 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Doors 6:30 Tickets $20.00 Join us for a special Nashville-style Songwriter's Circle at the Belmar Arts Center on Tuesday, August 11th, featuring three of New Jersey's most promising original artists: Dan Apy (Mercury Brothers), Autumn Elizabeth, and Sam Tunkel. In the tradition of the legendary songwriter rounds of Nashville, the artists will take turns sharing songs and stories, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the music. This intimate evening will showcase compelling songwriting via the unique voices of these three local talents. Whether you're a fan of Folk, Americana and/or Indie Rock, this promises to be a night of homegrown songs, heartfelt performances, and the kind of musical connection that can only happen in a true listening room. |
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