Bill Charlap Brings His Quintet From William Paterson University to Jazz on the Plaza

(Mitch Bleier)

On a beautiful fall afternoon, Bill Charlap brought his exceptional student ensemble from William Paterson University to perform at Jazz on the Plaza at Saint Peter’s Church. The concert was a vibrant celebration of the next generation of jazz artists — young musicians who are carrying the legacy of this great American art form into the future.

Charlap, one of today’s most respected jazz pianists and educators, leads one of the nation’s premier university jazz programs. Under his direction, the William Paterson Jazz Studies Program continues to nurture world-class musicianship rooted in both deep tradition and fearless innovation.

The student group’s performance on the plaza was filled with energy, joy, and creative spirit. Their set ranged from swinging classics to modern compositions, drawing an enthusiastic audience of Midtown listeners who gathered in the sunshine to hear what’s next in jazz. Each soloist brought a unique voice to the bandstand, and together they displayed the kind of discipline, sensitivity, and freedom that reflect the best of William Paterson’s approach to jazz education.

For Saint Peter’s, hosting these young musicians was an honor — and a reminder of the church’s long commitment to nurturing jazz as a living, evolving art form. For decades, Saint Peter’s has provided a stage for legends and newcomers alike, and this concert exemplified that bridge between generations.