Pleasantville Percussionist Ralph Peterson Performs for Jersey Shore Jazz Vespers
Thursday, May 31st, 2012
Ralph Peterson (photo by JC PhotoGraphics)
ATLANTIC CITY — Looking for a great way to spend Father’s Day this year?
Come spend it with Pleasantville’s own jazz drummer Ralph Peterson, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday. Peterson will be returning home to help Jersey Shore Jazz Vespers celebrate their first anniversary.
The celebration begins on Sunday, June 17, at 4pm with a free concert at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Atlantic City. Following the concert will be a CD signing, where fans can get signed copies of the new CD, The Duality Perspective. Fans will also have the opportunity to chat with the master drummer and his Fo’tet. And let’s not forget the chicken wings and other goodies that will be available to guests.
Members of the new Fo’tet featuring mentees from Berklee College of music, where Peterson holds a professorship are clarinetist Felix Peikli, vibraphonist Joseph Doubleday, and bassist Alexander L.J. Toth, along with original member marimbist Bryan Carrott.
And speaking of mentors, Peterson himself was mentored by Grammy Award-winning Jazz drummer Art Blakey, who resided in Northfield. In 1983, Peterson joined Blakey’s Jazz Messengers as the second drummer, and played with him for several years.
Sandy Warren, jazz publicist, author, and companion of Blakey, says she may just try to get Peterson to do his imitation of Blakey at the upcoming party.
“He has Art’s voice down so well, you’d think it really is Art talking,” she said.
The celebration is easy to get to. The Jitney stops at the corner and parking is free in the church lot. A free will offering will be taken.
So come and celebrate for not just one, but three great reasons. Just to remind you: Peterson’s homecoming, the Jazz Vespers’ first anniversary, and Father’s Day — What a party!
For more, check out Peterson’s Web site by clicking here.
— Vanessa Samson
