Lively Jazz Bands Shake Up Downtown Westfield

There was an upbeat feeling in the streets of Westfield Tuesday night, thanks to the mix of energetic jazz bands in town.  Families filled the streets and restaurants, eager to be a part of the live music scene. The jazz festival  is held every Tuesday night in downtown Westfield during the months of July and August. 

Roxy Perry's band was headlining the event in front of the north side train station lawn.  Roxy attracted quite a crowd, with almost everyone on their feet dancing and singing along to classic rock songs with a blues-y twist.  Cars driving down North Avenue were slowing down just to see what was drawing such a big crowd.

Nicole Hart was attracting her own following in front of the Banana Republic store on Central Avenue.  Her throaty vocals and wild dance moves had the audience's full attention.  People were dancing, singing along and crowded around the band, eager to get a glimpse at Ms. Hart.  When asked if she enjoyed playing venues such as these, she claimed, "Of course! This is my fourth summer playing the Westfield Jazz night and hopefully next year will be my fifth."

Also playing Tuesday night was the Eric Mintel Quartet on the corner of North Ave and East Broad St, and the Bradford Hayes band in front of the First Baptist Church on Elm Street.  We'll see you next week for jazz night, with Jimmy Jazz,  Jerry Topinka, Les Jumelles Jazz and the Sandy Mack Band set to play.