The words “Big Nancy” and “benefit” are not an unusual pairing. Blues harpist Nancy Wertheim-Swarbrick is known for her giving nature, helping support local musicians when they are in dire straits. What is unusual is that this time she is the person receiving the funds.
Wertheim-Swarbrick who is known by her blues name “Big Nancy” has lived in the Central Jersey area for most of her life, at least when she wasn’t on tour. An Ambassador of the Blues Hall of Fame, she played the harmonica in The Sonny Rhodes Band and shared the stage with many musical giants including Willie Dixon and Bruce Springsteen. Many of Dunellen’s residents have probably seen her play. Her most recent project The Supreme Court has played Roxy & Duke’s Roadhouse numerous times and she has also performed at Maggie Murray’s Pub House.
Wertheim-Swarbrick has had various chronic health issues for several years and is currently undergoing treatments. Fellow musician Bob Lanza, who has been friends with Wertheim-Swarbrick for over 35 years is organizing the event. “Good times and bad times, we always seemed to be able to help one another get to the other side of the issue at hand.” Lanza said “I’m doing this because she is a friend in need. The only thing us musicians got is each other, to help one another through tough times.”
Lanza has gathered a musical family of talented musicians including Lenny Kaye of The Patti Smith Band to raise money for Wertheim-Swarbrick’s medicial bills and other expenses. The event takes place at Roxy & Duke’s Roadhouse, 745 Bound Brook Road, Dunellen on Saturday, March 28 from 2pm-2am.
SCHEDULE
T.A.N.K 2:00pm-2:30pm
Coach ‘n’ Commando 2:45pm-3:15pm
New Road 3:30pm-4:00pm
The Chuck Lambert Band 4:15pm-4:45pm
The Ross Griswold Band 5:00pm-5:45pm
The Bob Lanza Blues Band 6:00pm-6:45pm
Tony Shanahan, Arthur Scammacca, Lenny Kaye 7:00pm-7:45pm
Barbeque Bob and the Spareribs 8:00pm-8:45pm
Dennis Gruenling 9:00pm-9:45pm
Slackjaw 10:00pm-10:45pm
Superjam 11:00pm-2am