Jazz association’s annual holiday party Dec. 1

The Central Jersey Jazz Association (CJJA) will have its annual holiday party Dec. 1 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the North Brunswick Government and Community Complex, 710 Hermann Road.

Featured will be an airing of the 1957 television special “The Sound of Jazz” with performances by Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Count Basie, Roy Eldridge, Thelonious Monk, Gerry Mulligan, Coleman Hawkins, Jo Jones and others. Each member and guest is asked to bring a favorite dish, dessert item, and/or nonalcoholic beverage for the party. Artists will also be chosen to induct into the CJJA hall of fame. To R.S.V.P. or for further information, call Irene at (732) 727-7791 or e-mail IClavering@netzero.com.

‘Rejoice Greatly’ at Our

Lady of Peace Dec. 4, 5

Our Lady of Peace Church, North Brunswick, will welcome the Philomusica Choir presenting “Rejoice Greatly: Musical Gifts from Two Baroque Masters” Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. The concert will include Handel’s “Messiah” and Bach’s “Cantata BWV 63,” a cantata for Christmas Day with chorus, soloists and chamber orchestra.

The choir was begun 35 years ago and consists of 40 members that come from central New Jersey. Its director since 1982 has been Dennis Boyle. Philomusica performs two series of concerts annually in the greater Middlesex County area, and has performed at venues such as St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, and Lincoln Center, New York City.

The program is partially funded by the Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State. Tickets are $18 general admission and $16 for students and seniors, with a $2 discount for advance purchases.

For tickets, call (888) 744-5668 or visit www.philomusica.org.