NEWARK, NJ, October 03, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM's award-winning, free Kids Jazz Concert Series, which brings jazz culture and dynamic performances to young people in the Spring and Fall, returns in its 20th season with performances at five New Jersey venues on Saturdays in October and the first Saturday of November. The hour-long concerts, which begin at 12:30 pm, feature The Firey String Sistas! at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on October 5; Courtney Bryan Ensemble featuring Brandee Younger, at Montclair Art Museum, October 12; New York Voices, Newark Museum, October 19; Ignacio Berroa, Newark Symphony Hall, October 26; and Victor Jones Orchestrio, Clinton Elementary School in Maplewood, November 2.

The series presents top jazz and blues artists who produce programs tailor-made for young people, leaving time for further exploration of the music through Q&A sessions with the artists. The interactive programs give kids opportunities to learn about the distinct qualities of jazz, and why it is a reflection of the community, nation, and world. In addition to the music, the events include door prizes, a gift for each child and a fun-filled afternoon with other jazz lovers.

Transportation assistance is available for organizations working with youth in Essex County, thanks to the generous support of The Agnes Varis Trust, which supports affordable access to the arts, education and healthcare. WBGO recognizes that some parents are not able to bring their children to concerts, even free ones, and groups that work with families on weekends cannot always afford buses. WBGO's Transportation Fund aims to alleviate this barrier by giving groups funding to rent buses and provide a day of cultural enrichment for more kids. For additional information on transportation, e-mail kids@wbgo.org or call (973) 624-8880, extension 248.

The 2013 Fall Kids Jazz Concert Series features:

Saturday, October 5 - 12:30 pmThe Firey String Sistas!Chamber Jazz ClassicsSouth Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)One SOPAC WaySouth Orange, NJ 07079(973) 275-1114 / http://www.sopacnow.orgPart of Endless Arts October

Saturday, October 12 - 12:30 pmCourtney Bryan Ensemble featuring Brandee YoungerSpirituals and the Roots of JazzMontclair Art Museum3 S. Mountain AvenueMontclair, NJ 07042(973) 746-5555 / http://www.montclair-art.comPart of Endless Arts October

Saturday, October 19 - 12:30 pmNew York VoicesAn Introduction to Vocalese: Jazz Vocals with EaseNewark Museum49 Washington StreetNewark, NJ 07102(973) 596-6550 / http://www.newarkmuseum.orgPart of Endless Arts October

Saturday, October 26 - 12:30 pmIgnacio BerroaAfro Cuban JazzNewark Symphony Hall1020 Broad StreetNewark, NJ(973) 643-8014 / http://www.newarksymphonyhall.orgPart of Endless Arts October

Saturday, November 2 - 12:30 pmVictor Jones OrchestrioJazz on an American InstrumentClinton Elementary School27 Berkshire RoadMaplewood. NJ 07040(973) 378-7686 / http://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/clinton

Families should plan to arrive at noon to ensure seating. Tickets are distributed in the lobby of each venue on the day of performance on a first-come, first-served basis. Adults must be accompanied by a child.

The WBGO 88.3 FM Kids Jazz Concert Series is sponsored by The Agnes Varis Trust, PNC Foundation, Turrell Fund, Investor's Bank, The Clarence B. Coleman and Joan F. Coleman Charitable Foundation, Margo Moss, NJPAC Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens, and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

For more information on the Kids Jazz Concert series and WBGO 88.3 FM, visit http://www.wbgo.org/kids.