Lunchbox Learning Series featuring pianist Rio Clemente: the Bishop of Jazz! In-Person
Lunchbox Learning is a series of programs that are supported by the Friends of the Wayne Public Library. It originated to provide daytime programming that seniors would be able to attend. The series consists of musical programs, history lectures, and occasional dramatic programs.
Doors open at noon--feel free to bring a bag lunch. The programs starts at 12:30 PM.
Registration is required.
ABOUT RIO CLEMENTE
A native of Morristown, NJ, Rio Clemente is a member of its Hall of Fame. He has been named Professional Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of the Morris Area, New Jersey Monthly Magazine has named him among its “Top 40 New Jerseyans” and the New Jersey Jazz Society has named him Musician of the Year.
Rio’s career began with a BMI scholarship for musical theatre and subsequent studies at Juilliard School of Music. A grant for new composers followed from Broadway Tomorrow. Along with his classical training, Rio developed a style embracing a diversity of music, including jazz, that makes him a most expressive and versatile pianist.
ABOUT RIO CLEMENTE
After several television appearances, Rio advanced to playing at the JVC Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. He has entertained audiences in Europe, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands and Antigua. He has performed at the United Nations and has appeared with the Jefferson Symphony in Golden, CO, with the Livingston (NJ) Symphony and with ensemble groups like the Morris Choral Society and Orchestra.
As a music educator, Rio has served as music director for the Generations of Jazz program of the New Jersey Jazz Society. He has recorded under contract for Melody Music, Satellite Records, Riff Records and Holland labels, Showplace Musik Productions and has published ten CDs under his own Etnemelc Music Productions label. As a composer, he has written a number of selections ranging from Gospel to Latin, and orchestral arrangements. In collaboration with lyricist/ author Carmine Lombardo, Rio has composed the music for four musicals including the family musical, “Dare To Dream.” He has also performed Dave Brubeck’s Mass “To Hope! A Celebration.” (Dave Brubeck has written, “Rio Clemente is EXCELLENT!”)
Rio's latest accomplishment was performing at the White House representing the United States Coast Guard and all Auxiliaries. He has also been given the honor of being selected as Auxiliarist of the Year for exemplary service from Sector New York, United States Coast Guard.
- Date:
- Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Time:
- 12:30pm - 1:30pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Room A/B
- Audience:
- Adults Senior Adults Special Needs
- Categories:
- Entertainment
Patty Slezak is an Adult Reference Librarian, and is a huge fan of movies, music and audiobooks; happily she manages all the materials for those adult collections, as well as the digital resources for Libby. Need a recommendation? Please feel free to ask!
Patty facilitates many different programs, enabling her to share her passions with others! Let’s discuss books and film at the discussion groups, attend one of the jazz concerts scheduled, or tune in to an interview with a talented jazz musician!
Lastly, Patty designs and produces the monthly adult program newsletter (aptly called "Check It Out!") which is available digitally and in print to keep you up to date with all the library has to offer!
She has been at the Wayne Public Library since 2004, and has a BFA Degree in Writing & Publishing, and a Masters in Library & Information Sciences.