A.C. Jazz Band to perform benefit for Somers Mansion restoration
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
SOMERS POINT — The Atlantic City Jazz Band is tuning up for a free concert to help focus attention on one of the city’s historical gems.
The performance, scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, July 18, on the grounds of Somers Mansion at 1000 Shore Road, is being presented through a collaboration between Patriots for the Somers Mansion and the South Jersey Jazz Society.
Called Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon, the event will feature Bob Rawlins on clarinet and reeds, Nancy Rawlins on piano, Franny Smith on banjo and vocals, Tom Quaile on trombone and John McClernan on tuba.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread on the lawn.
Somers Mansion is the oldest home in Atlantic County, built by the city’s founder, Richard Somers, in the early 1720s.
Earlier this year, the Patriots presented a proposal to City Council to take over stewardship of the historic property. The New Jersey State Park Service now owns the homestead, which is on the National Register of Historic Sites, but it has suffered badly from aging in place atop a bluff overlooking Great Egg Harbor Bay for the past 300 years, as well as neglect by the state.
The group wants to restore the property to its original appearance, with a major goal of replacing the captains walk around the second story.
Hopes are that restoration of the property would spur interest in the city’s other historical offerings along Shore Road. The Atlantic County Historical Society maintains a museum just a stone’s throw away. Farther down the street is the Richard Somers Memorial outside the original City Hall — which is now a branch of the Atlantic County Library System — as well as the Somers Point Historical Society museum just a couple of doors down.
Founded in 2018, the nonprofit has achieved status as an Officially Recognized Friend of the Organization (ORFO) through acceptance of its five-year plan for renovation and rehabilitation.
Projects so far have included repairing and repainting the exterior, which was completed at no cost through the use of volunteers and the donation of all paint and supplies. The group also has improved the look of the living room and held several fundraisers and holiday events.
The group has gained more access to the building and grounds since its ORFO status has been confirmed, allowing for more events to be held there.
Parking is available in front of the building, behind the Atlantic County Historical Museum on Center Street or at Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar on Shore Road. Good will offerings will be accepted.
Levi Fox, a member of the group, said there have been discussions with the South Jersey Theater Collaborative, which operates the Gateway Playhouse, about having outdoor Shakespeare theater. He also said there could be farmers markets and the potential to rent the grounds for special events if the group can secure the funding to complete an upgrade to the bathrooms.
A second event in the Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon series is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22, when the Michael Pedicin Quartet is set to perform. The group consists of Pedicin on tenor sax, Jim Ridl on piano, Andy Lalasis on bass and Bob Shomo on drums.
