The Jack Furlong Orchestra is a talented 12pc. big band that was formed in 2014. Although still relatively new to the scene, they have entertained audiences throughout Central New Jersey for concerts, weddings and private shows.   The band is comprised of some of the top musical talent you will find.  They play a diverse selection of music from the world of jazz, classic standards, and even a hint of pop and favorite television theme songs.  I know this is shaping up to be a great concert as there will definitely be something for everyone. It will be a great way to spend a summer night in August.  More information about this concert can be found at www.jackfurlong.com/orchestra

I have had the privilege of knowing Jack for many years.  I met him while he was a music major at Lafayette College.  I was hired, at the time, to full out the trumpet section for a few semesters.  I then hired Jack to be a member of the Vince Pettinelli Orchestra and have enjoyed his music and friendship ever since.  In addition to this ensemble, Jack is well known for the award winning Jack Furlong Quartet.  Since 2006, the quartet has recorded 3 albums (And That Happened, Jazzeration, and Bunnies in Limbo.) His most recent recording, Charity, is a duet with Sean Gough, piano and features Christian hymns performed in a jazz setting. The title of Charity was chosen because all the proceeds from the CD sales were donated to 3 local charities.

Music is not the only way where Jack spends his time.  He is an avid baseball fan and local baseball umpire. In 2013 he founded the OSIP Foundation.  OSIP stands for Outstanding Sportsmanship is Paramount.  Its mission is 1) To provide financial aid and assistance to those affected by acts of aggression due to poor sportsmanship and/or fanship, and
2) To raise awareness of the need for better sportsmanship in all capacities throughout sports.
Jack ultimately believes that all sporting events and competitions in life can be held without malice and with respect for all involved.  A very noble desire and foundation created by Jack.

The Howe Commons (www.howecommons.com) is a beautiful place to listen to a concert.  The property is made up of five spacious buildings with plenty of off-street parking that blended with the quaint Colonial feeling of the town. The finished product squared off the Commons, creating a dramatic town square that accentuates the historic center-piece of the property, the Abey Building – originally a residential mansion. These common areas heightened the aesthetic appeal and provide a beautiful backdrop for any performance.

I know the concert is going to be great and a fun way to spend a Sunday evening in August. If you are able to come, it is advised to bring a lawn chair.  If the weather is iffy that day and you are unsure about making the trip, give me a call and I can let you know if it is postponed or not. You can reach me on my cell at 908-619-4502.  I hope to see you there!!!

A fond memory I have was in 2006.  Chuck Mangione and the smooth sound of his flugelhorn, was on the schedule to be there.  For some reason, I either didn’t know or forgot to get tickets.  It was the day of and literally a few hours before the concert when I called for tickets.  Thinking that I would have to settle for whatever seats I could get, we decided to take the trip.  The concert was held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Reading .  When we arrived and went in, we were met with a HUGE surprise.  The tickets we were given were actually Chuck’s own tickets that he did not need and had returned.  So, thinking we would be someone in the back row barely able to see, turned into 2 seats on the aisle in Row 3!  Never would I have thought that would happen.  I have seen Chuck and his band in concert several times.  But what made this concert special was that it was with the Reading Pops Orchestra.  Getting a chance to hear Chuck’s music played with an orchestra was so awesome.  Several of his recordings are with an orchestra but usually when you see him in concert, it is just the band.  This was a great concert and I was so grateful to be in the third row so close to the action.  After, I had a chance to get an autograph and talk to him.  He was the teacher of my trumpet teacher, Ken Brader at the Eastman School of Music.  It was a neat opportunity to actually have a topic to talk about instead of just saying great concert.  What turned out to be a last minute decision was, in hindsight, a great night of music by one of my favorites.  Chuck has not toured around this area since then and at this point has probably retired from it.  I was glad that I had the opportunity I did. I feel this was because of the diversity in music presented by the Berks Jazz Fest.  (www.berksjazzfest.com)