Jay And The Americans - Standing Room Only At The Paramus Bandshell
By Mel Fabrikant Wednesday, July 08, 2009, 11:24 AM EDT
Jay And The Americans -
The Paramus Cultural Council started off Terrific Tuesdays at the Paramus Bandshell with Jay And The Americans sponsored by Berkeley College. This was, by far, the largest audience in the history of Paramus Cultural Council presentations. Running upwards of 2,000, the main area was so crowded that people were sitting on the lawn across the road adjacent to the Paramus Library. The high school parking areas were filled to the brim!
Jay And The Americans --
Mayor James Tedesco welcomed the attendees and had West Brook Middle School student Alexa Calandrillo sing the Star Spangled Banner. She has a beautiful voice and range. Assemblywoman Connie Wagner explained to the group how the bandshell, originally built by the Paramus Club, had lain in disuse for years. She thanked then Shade Tree and Parks Superintendent Bill Comery and present Superintendent Jay Sexton for all their endeavors in refurbishing the building. Teri Duda of Berkeley College and a member of the Paramus Cultural Council presented the Council with a check for $10,000 to help in getting bands like Jay And The Americans to hold the interest of Paramus residents. Librarian Len LoPinto, also a Cultural Council member, passed out fans to the audience assisted by Donna Perkosky. These fans listed the Terrific Tuesday offerings on one side and the other containing Wonderful Wacky Wednesday programs for the younger generation cosponsored by the Paramus Library and the Cultural Council. Tuesday's programs start at 7:30 PM while Wednesday's start at 7 PM.
Among the many musical offerings were: Only in America, She Cried, Save the Last Dance, Stormy Weather, Crying, Pretty Woman, Let it Be, Cara Mia and ending with This Magic Moment. For Jay And The American's schedule, access www.JayandtheAmericans.com.
Next week's program sponsored by Westfield Garden State Plaza will be Kenny Vance and the Plantones. Kenny and Jay and the Americans played together years ago. The flower boxes in front of the stage were donated by Paramus Sunrise Rotary Club. Westfield Garden State Plaza has supplied the plantings for two years.
