Novel Jazz is returning to the Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta for an evening of jazz on Friday, Dec. 2 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. They will be presenting an evening of hot swinging jazz out of the Great American Songbook.

 The musicians of this group have been playing straight-ahead jazz for audiences throughout Maine (and beyond) for several decades. Collectively, they share over two centuries of experience in the jazz idiom.  The musicians of Novel Jazz are Herb Maine (bass), Mickey Felder (piano), David Clark (Guitar), David Harris (alto), Michael Mitchell (trumpet), Barney Balch (trombone) and special guest, Tom Oldakowski (drums). 

Oldakowski spent 35 years as the staff drummer at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and has played drums for over 25 different shows on Broadway. His live performance credits include concerts with Bernadette Peters, jazz great Mose Allison, and singer/songwriter Steve Postell (of the band  “The Immediate Family”).  He has recorded for Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (of ABBA), all three seasons of the animated TV series “Jem & The Holograms,” The Tony Awards, and the Miss America Pageant as well as for numerous TV commercials including those for Ford, Avis, Wendy's, Hasbro Toys (Transformers, G.I. Joe, etc.), RC Cola, Campbell's Soup, and others.  Since recently relocating to Maine he has performed with such Maine groups as Swingmatism, Blind Albert, and the Danny Harper Band.

Novel Jazz events at Skidompha began with the observation that lovers of books often are lovers of jazz. The superb acoustics of Skidompha’s atrium, plus the seating “in the round,” make it a superior place to see and hear jazz, all in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.  It was while performing at Skidompha some 18 years ago that the band began their unique focus on jazz giants, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.  Just prior to the pandemic, the band released their fourth CD featuring compositions by these two jazz icons. 

In the holiday spirit of giving, we request you consider bringing either a financial donation for the Library, or food or personal hygiene items for the Little Food Pantry.  Pantry items must not be expired and must be unopened. Admission is free of charge and a donation is not required for attendance.

We encourage parents to bring their children, the future of this art form.  The library is located at 184 Main Street in downtown Damariscotta.    Call 207-887-0919 during business hours for more information or, point your web browser to http://www.skidompha.org/ or the band’s web site www.mainejazz.net. Join NJS for some swinging jazz for a cool December eve, music to warm your soul and usher-in some late-Fall cheer!