Jazz on the Portico Concert, July 2010

On a hot July afternoon in downtown Newark … Broad Street was jamming! We visited “Jazz on the Portico” and were treated to a great concert with rising stars in Newark’s music scene.

Jazz on the Portico is a mentoring project where young musicians learn and play jazz alongside industry professionals, jamming for the public at the portico of historic Trinity & St. Philip’s Episcopal Cathedral.

Now in its second year, Jazz On The Portico gives young musicians the opportunity to study in master classes with world-renowned teaching artists while also providing them with on-the-job training.

The program takes place at Trinity & St. Philip’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Newark. In 2010, master classes were taught by Newark jazz legend Billy Phipps, percussionist Steve DeLuca, keyboardist Phil Field, and vocalist Dee Jackson Field. After each class, students performed a free live concert alongside their mentors at the historic Cathedral’s portico.

Newark Mosaic caught up with program director Dee Jackson Field on a hot summer afternoon in July. She shared the project’s goals and the pride she takes in seeing the apprentices evolve and shine. We also witnessed the energy of the master classes led by Billy Phipps and Jazz on the Portico’s musical director Phil Fields.

It was truly amazing to see first hand the musical talents of the masters and young apprentices alike, as they worked their way through jazz standards and new compositions and then jammed on the portico right in the heart of downtown Newark.

Aliah Sheffield sings her composition "High Hopes"

Don’t miss the incredible voice of Newark’s own Aliah Sheffield as she closes the video with her own composition “High Hopes.”

Jazz on the Portico is a part of the Youth Arts Conservatory at Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral. Youth Arts was established to provide affordable, quality arts education and enrichment programs to New Jersey’s youth.

Senior Apprenticeships are open to current or recently graduated college students and high school seniors. Junior Apprenticeships are available for 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Highly recommended younger students may also apply.

For more information about Jazz On The Portico or other Youth Arts programs, contact Dee Jackson Field by E-mail at youthartsatthecathedral[at]gmail.com or call (862) 371-5167. You can also visit www.southvalleysound.com