The StraightJazz Collaboration perform at the West Windsor Arts Council Cabaret on Saturday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m., at the D&R Greenway, Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton (see related story page 25). Musicians include band leader John Henry Goldman on trumpet, Doug Miller on keyboards, vocalist Laura McMillan, Tom McMillan on bass, and Joe Falcey on drums.
Goldman, a West Windsor resident for more than 30 years, founded the StraightJazz Collaboration in the fall of 2003 when he began a weekly gig at the Sunny Garden Restaurant playing keyboards and trumpet. Performances at weddings, private parties, and business events followed, including the New Jersey Appleseed Public Interest Law Center Awards Gala, the Capital Health System Magnet Celebration, and the 2008 Junior League of Greater Princeton Designer Showhouse & Gardens patrons party. He also began a special association with the West Windsor Farmer’s Market, where he and his fellow musicians have been regular contributors
He has accompanied his long and steady growth as a jazz trumpet player with his careers as director of Camp Takajo in Naples, Maine; director of the Leading Tone Musical Workshop, founder of the West Windsor/ Plainsboro Basketball Club, and most recently teacher of Pilates at the Anthony Rabara Studio for Pilates and Princeton University. Visit www.straightjazz.com for more information.
Miller, a Plainsboro resident, has been playing and performing on the piano keyboard for more than 50 years. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Latin American culture, his music creativity embraces both indigenous art forms as well as sounds found in nature. Classically trained in piano, music theory, and electronic piano, Miller credits Laurie Altman, renowned jazz piano teacher, as his most important improvisational influence.
After hearing Goldman play several times, Miller invited him to play with his trio Shikantaza. Tom McMillan joined them in a jam session and the trio crystallized. Laura McMillan, a singer since age four and lead vocalist with the Monday Blues Band, joined through her association with her husband.
Cabin Fever Cabaret and Home Is Where the Art Is, West Windsor Arts Council, Johnson Education Center, D&R Greenway Land Trust, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. Saturday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Gala with wine, food, silent auction, and cabaret-style music. Art exhibit is for sale with a percentage benefiting the arts council. $75 to $200. 609-919-1982. www.westwindsorarts.org.
