Hoboken Public Library presents Garden State Jazz Greats – Tom Varner Zoom Listening Session – August 9th at 6:30pm.

Come and join Jazz scholar Ben Young on Zoom as he explores the majesty, style, and genius of New Jersey’s own jazz greats. Many of these names you may already know and all of them you should know as each of these innovators have left their indelible imprint on world culture through the great African American creation of Jazz.

Ben Young will discuss the lives and contributions of each of these home state heroes along with the musical and historical context to help illustrate what made each of their unique and singular artistic visions have such an impact.

Our featured artist for August is a master on an instrument not often associated with Jazz, the French horn! Tom Varner is a native of Millburn, NJ.  In the 1980s he established himself as an improviser through playing with Steve Lacy, John Zorn, and Anthony Braxton. You can even hear him on the last orchestra project of Miles Davis! For most of four decades, Varner has crafted and recorded his own ensemble music. He also teaches at the Cornish School in Seattle--and teaches people like us about the possibilities past and present for the neglected French horn. 

Registration closes an hour before the start time. Zoom links will sent to the registants about 30 minutes before the start of the event.