On Saturday, January 13th, the Count Basie Theatre payed tribute to Pat DiNizio, not only a consummate performer, singer, songwriter and front man of The Smithereens — but a son, a father, a bandmate and a friend. We will miss one of New Jersey’s kindest and mightiest musical icons.

In his honor a portion of ticket sales went to the establishment of the PAT DiNIZIO MUSICAL PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP at the Basie’s Performing Arts Academy. The Basie Academy is home to rock, vocal, jazz and classical music programs.

(Photos by Mark R. Sullivan for the Count Basie Theatre)