Summer jazz returns to Red Bank

The annual Summer Jazz Café series will return this year for a four-week run at downtown Red Bank's River's Edge Café. Produced by the nonprofit Jazz Arts Project of Red Bank, the series will showcase top jazz performers 7:30-10 p.m. each Friday and Saturday evening from July 11 through Aug. 2.

Joe Muccioli, Jazz Arts Project's artistic director, said, "The lineup this year is a dream team of legendary, elegant, classic jazz performers.

Acclaimed jazz bassist and songwriter Jay Leonhart kicks off the series on July 11 at 7:30 p.m. with his wit and straight-ahead jazz stylings. To round out the evening, joining Leonhart on Friday will be piano sensation John Colianni and trombone master Wycliffe Gordon on Saturday.

The series continues with:

July 18 and 19, Norman Simmons Quartet with Virginia Mayhew (tenor sax); July 25 at 7:30 p.m., guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli with singer/songwriter/pianist Tony DeSare; July 26 at 7:30 p.m., Bucky Pizzarelli guitar trio; Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Morris Nanton (piano) Trio with Vinnie Correo (guitar); and Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m., Morris Nanton Trio with Jeff Brillinger (drums).

The music charge is $15 and there is a $15 minimum food order at the tables. Reservations are strongly suggested. River's Edge Cafe is located at 35 S. Broad St. in downtown Red Bank. For reservations, call 732-741-7198 or visit www.jazzartsproject.org.