Learning about the Jazz scene in New Brunswick

In this episode, we will be learning about the jazz scene and traditions in downtown New Brunswick and Rutgers. Growing up, I had a lot of exposure to jazz, through my school and some programs such as the Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens program in Newark. But when I got to college a lot changed, and it felt like it was hard to do jazz and classical music. Neither of the departments at Rutgers really talk to each other, and are extremely daunting to go in without guidance. What doesn’t help it, is that if you venture outside of your department, you will very quickly realize that the people who you normally ask for help about ensembles cannot help you, which deters a lot of people from branching outside of their comfort zone, myself included.
You’ll see some interviews by myself to Rutgers students who are involved in both the jazz and classical departments at Mason Gross School of the Arts, both of which are actively working at bridging the two worlds together. You will also hear about some local organizations who are working with the town such as the New Brunswick Jazz Project and The Tavern on George, who are working together to help bring jazz to the local community of New Brunswick. The school itself and the town really feel like they are almost codependent, like one would not exist without the other. The jazz students go and work on their skills in a real life setting at the Tavern. Without the students, the Tavern wouldn’t have as many people, and without the Tavern, the students wouldn’t have a place where they could perform and jam weekly for the public to hear.

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Daddy Paterno