Jazz drummer Lewis Nash to be honored at Giants of Jazz 25th Anniversary of Jazz event in South Orange

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Giants of Jazz event by honoring Grammy Award-winning drummer and bandleader Lewis Nash on November 30 at 8 p.m. Known as “Jazz’s Most Valuable Player” by Modern Drummer magazine, Nash’s career spans four decades, collaborating with jazz legends such as Betty Carter, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie and many others.

Curated by Grammy Award-winning bassist and South Orange resident John Lee, Giants of Jazz “brings audiences of all ages together to enjoy a variety of jazz styles.” Lee, who started the event in 1999 to serve the local community, says that for 25 years, world-class musicians have generously donated their time and talent to make it a regional institution.

This year’s lineup includes Eric Alexander, Don Braden, Cyrus Chestnut and Roberta Gambarini. SOPAC Executive Director Lana Rogachevskaya expressed excitement about honoring Nash and honoring a jazz legend dedicated to supporting new generations of artists.

Past recipients of the Giants of Jazz Award include Jackie McLean, Clark Terry, McCoy Tyner and Kenny Barron. Nash, a Phoenix native, came to New York in 1981 at age 22 and gained international recognition as a member of the Betty Carter Trio. He went on to perform and record with countless jazz icons on over 500 recordings, including 10 Grammy winners.

Nash teaches in institutions around the world and is a professor of jazz practice at Arizona State University, which recently established a fellowship in his name. Tickets for the Nov. 30 event start at $55 for general admission, with a $120 VIP package that includes prime seats, a reception and other perks. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance SOPACnow.org/events.

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Generative AI was used to create the original version of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.