January Thaw Festival to heat up area

HACKETTSTOWN — Centenary Stage Company’s annual January Thaw Music Festival heats things up through the month of January with three exciting musical guests in the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
The festival features Michael Davis and the New Wonder on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m.; the Harry James Orchestra on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m.; and finally Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. All performances will be held in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown.
Kicking off the January Thaw Music Festival on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. is Michael Davis and the New Wonders. At 26 years old, "eloquent trumpet prodigy" Mike Davis (Wall Street Journal) has a voice beyond his years on his instrument. His playing is imbued with the sounds of prohibition-era speakeasies, Hoovervilles of the depression, and glittering jazz palaces of the swing era, creating a timeless cocktail of American music. This is classic jazz from the 1920s and 30s, authentically performed by a New York group inspired by Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, and the California Ramblers.
Tickets for Michael Davis and the New Wonders on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. are $22.50 for all seats in advance. As with all concerts, jazz and special programs ticket prices increase $5.00 on the day of the event.
The January Thaw Music Festival continues on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. with the Harry James Orchestra. Since 1983, The Harry James Orchestra has continued the tradition of mellow arrangements and fine rhythmic playing that first made it famous, and is now under the direction of Harry James' lead trumpet virtuoso, Fred Radke. The Harry James Orchestra plays in the major venues of the United States, including many re-engagements in Las Vegas and Disneyland and tours extensively throughout the world. Tickets for the Harry James Orchestra are $30 for adults and $20 for children under 12 in advance.
As with all concerts, jazz and special programs ticket prices increase $5 on the day of the event.
Finally, the January Thaw Music Festival wraps up with Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. Considered one of the premier bluegrass fiddlers of his generation, Mike picked up a fiddle at age four, and his talent was recognized early. In 1993, he was chosen to be part of the Bluegrass Youth All Stars at the IBMA's award show. Later that year, Mike made his Grand Ole Opry debut as a guest of Alison Krauss. His list of guest appearances over the years is a who's who of bluegrass legends including Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse, Ralph Stanely, Mac Wiseman, Doc Watson, Larry Sparks, Doyle Lawson, and J.D. Crowe. At the 2001 IBMA awards, Mike took his first Fiddle Player of the Year award, and shared the title of Entertainer of the Year with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. Together with his band Flamekeeper, Cleveland delivers “some of the most powerful, exciting and authentic bluegrass you can find”. Tickets for Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper are $27.50 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12 in advance. As with all concerts, jazz and special programs ticket prices increase $5.00 on the day of the event.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979–0900. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, N.J., on the campus of Centenary University. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1–5 p.m. and two hours prior to every event.
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