SCOTCH PLAINS — Community members are invited to the Willow Grove Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 24, for a free concert from 3 to 4 p.m. by the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo.
The performance will include hit songs from popular movies and Broadway shows, among them selections from Wicked, Frozen, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! and Jersey Boys. The program will be geared to people of all ages and will include entertaining and educational information about the composers and the music.
Additionally, attendees will have an opportunity to meet and talk with the performers at a 4 p.m. reception with snacks, cookies and soft drinks.
The Florian Schantz Jazz Combo was formed in 2012 by then 9-yearold Florian Schantz. Since then, Mr. Schantz, now 22, and his band have delighted audiences at hundreds of venues in the greater New York City area and in Germany, including libraries, historical societies, museums, galas, private parties, town events, senior centers, schools and retirement facilities.
Mr. Schantz has shared his music in over 950 performances since starting the band. The other band members include Rup Chattopadhyay on trombone and flute, Margaret Schantz on Flügelhorn, Joe Devico on drums, and Lowell Schantz on guitar. For more information about the band, visit www.vfsjazz.com.
The Willow Grove Presbyterian Church is located at 1961 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, opposite the Scotch Plains Southside Firehouse. Ample on-site parking is available. Entrance to the concert is accessible by a masonry ramp from the parking lot to the concert; attending the reception that follows the concert is accessible using a temporary ramp up two steps. Information about the church and its programs is available on the Willow Grove Presbyterian Church website, www.willowgrovechurch.org.
This concert is made possible in part by a 2025 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners, with 25 percent in matching funds by the Willow Grove Church. A total of four free concerts will be similarly provided in 2025.
