The Morris Museum continues its slate of engaging public programs and performances this August with a concert by Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses. The month also features the Annual Mineral Sale sponsored by the Morris Museum Mineralogical Society; a lecture on the history of diners in New Jersey by author Michael Gabriele; a performance by jazz vocalist Nicki Parrott; and an Indian Drumming Workshop with Taalim School.
Further program and ticket information is available by calling 973.971.3700 or online at morrismuseum.org.
WHERE: The Morris Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown, New Jersey.
Tea and Treasures: The History of Diners in New Jersey
Wednesday, August 17, 2:00PM
TICKETS: $10 per person
Join author and historian Michael Gabriele for a delicious history of New Jersey and its iconic diners. Mr. Gabriele will share why New Jersey is the diner capital of the world and indulge in individual histories of some of the most well-known eateries. His book, The History of Diners in New Jersey, will be available for purchase and signing.
This program continues Tea and Treasures, a popular monthly series that features engaging lectures, great conversation, and light refreshments. Advance registration required.
Jazz Showcase: Louis Prima Jr. & the Witnesses
Thursday, August 18, 8:00PM
TICKETS: $25
Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses are bringing that classic Prima music into the 21st century. Not content to sit on the legacy they so passionately protect, Louis and the band are taking a page from his father’s playbook, by wailing “Prima-style” like it’s 2016. Since their breakout performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, this exciting and energetic group has performed everywhere from Seattle to Palermo, from small clubs to performing arts centers, from casino showrooms to music festivals, and from Access Hollywood Live to PBS.
Jazz Showcase: Nicki Parrott & Friends
Wednesday, August 24, 8:00PM
TICKETS: $17 in advance; $20 at the door
The NY Times called Blossom Dearie, “the jazz pixie with a little-girl voice and pageboy haircut.” Blossom was born in 1924, in a little village, in the Catskill Mountains of New York state. Her older brothers heralded her arrival by filling the house with pear blossoms, so she was named Blossom Margrete Dearie. A classically trained pianist, Blossom switched to jazz after joining a high school band. After moving to New York City in the mid-1940s, she sang with the Blue Flames, a vocal group attached to the Woody Herman band, and with Alvino Rey’s band before embarking on a highly successful solo career. Dearie’s voice and songs have been featured on the soundtracks of several films, including Kissing Jessica Stein, My Life Without Me, The Squid and the Whale, and the Academy Award winning Best Picture, The Artist. Bassist extraordinaire, Nicki Parrott will pay tribute to this legendary international jazz performer along with Rossano Sportiello (piano).
Indian Drumming with Taalim School
Saturday, August 27, 1:00PM
All ages
ADMISSION: FREE with Museum Admission
The Indian hand drums tabla are one of the most recognizable Indian percussion instruments. Not only it is the main rhythmic instrument of Hindustani or North Indian classical music, today it can also be heard in pop and hip hop music. Tabla music involves skillfully composed rhythmic patterns, intriguing compositions, and complex beat structures. This interactive performance workshop featuring dancer and percussionist Jin Won explores the rhythm and language of Indian hand drums.
About the Morris Museum
Founded in 1913, the Morris Museum is an award-winning, community-based arts and cultural institution which serves the public through high caliber exhibitions in the arts, sciences and humanities. The Museum also offers educational programs, family events, and is home to the Bickford Theatre and its wide range of performing arts offerings. Continuously serving the public since 1913, the Morris Museum has been designated a Major Arts Institution and has received the New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ Citation of Excellence, among other awards. The first museum in New Jersey to be accredited, the Morris Museum was re-accredited in 2013 by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Morris Museum is a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Location & Hours
The Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road (at the corner of Columbia Turnpike) in Morristown, NJ, and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday, 12:00 to 5:00pm. In addition, the Museum is open evenings from 5:00 to 8:00pm on the second and third Thursday of the month. Admission to the Museum is $10 for adults and $7 for children, students and senior citizens. Admission is always free for Museum members. For more information, call (973) 971-3700, or visit www.morrismuseum.org.
