The Vintage Jazz Band performs “From Ragtime to Swingtime” at the Ocean City Free Public Library from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19.
Admission is free.
This musical tour of American popular song from 1900 to 1940 includes such classic tunes as “If I Didn’t Care,” “Bye Bye Blackbird,” “Heartaches,” “Hello My Baby,” “Goody Goody,” “Toot Toot Tootsie,” “All of Me,” “Jeepers Creepers,” and “Some of These Days.”
Between songs, a short history or background of the next tune is given, providing an interesting and entertaining musical presentation.
Listeners will learn how the 1931 song "Heartaches" accidentally became a big hit in 1938 and will also find out how and why the 1929 jazz standard "I'm Confessing" was created.
Band instruments include guitars, banjos, clarinet, alto saxophone, upright bass and drums, as well as male and female vocalists.
Since forming in 2012, the seven-piece Vintage Jazz Band has performed concerts at public libraries located in Ventnor, Margate, Ocean City and Egg Harbor Township.
They have also played at the New Jersey Veterans Home in Vineland, the Port-O-Call Hotel in Ocean City, the Margate City Senior Citizens Pavilion, Kennedy Park and Sal’s Cafe in Somers Point, rec centers in Hammonton and Galloway Township, assisted living facilities such as Wesley Manor and Seashore Gardens, and over-55 communities in Egg Harbor Township.
The band members are Seth Briliant (plectrum banjo and tenor guitar); Ed Willis (lead guitar and banjo); Andrew Ehrhardt (alto sax and clarinet); Rick DeMarzio (rhythm guitar and vocals); Mark Anderson (upright bass), John Ragan (drums); and Janney Murtha (vocals and percussion).
The Ocean City Free Public Library is located at 1735 Simpson Avenue in Ocean City. For more information call 609-399-2434.
