Rio Clemente’s Annual Valentine’s Day Performance

HACKETTSTOWN — A native of Morristown and a member of its Hall of Fame, Rio Clemente, will make a stop at the Little Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. for his annual Valentine’s Day performance at Centenary Stage Company.

This pianist, also known as “The Bishop of Jazz,” mixes a strong classical background with a rich knowledge of jazz history, then adds an amazing sense of creativity and interpretation. The result is music that transcends all others, and nearly always produces a standing ovation and cries for “more.”

Clemente’s career began with a BMI scholarship for musical theatre and subsequent studies at Julliard School of Music. Along with his classical training, Clemente developed a style embracing a diversity of music that makes him one of the most expressive and versatile pianists anywhere. He's been named Professional Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of the Morris Area, New Jersey Monthly Magazine named him among its "Top 40 New Jerseyans", and the New Jersey Jazz Society named him Musician of the Year.

Tickets for Rio Clemente’s Valentine’s Day Concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The performance is at the Little Theatre on 400 Jefferson Street in Hackettstown. Tickets may be purchased online at www.centenarystageco.org, at the CSC Box Office in The Lackland Center at 715 Grand Ave in Hackettstown, or by calling 908-979-0900. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday 1 to 5 p.m. and two hours prior to performance times. CSC also operates a second Box Office during the season at 217 Main Street in Hackettstown open Monday through Friday 3 to 6 p.m.