Count Basie Center for the Arts Unveil Pat DiNizio Musical Scholarship

Late Smithereens front man Pat DiNizio will be honored by the Count Basie Center for the Arts with the unveiling of the 2022 Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarship.

Beginning today, interested students aged 18 and under may apply for a scholarship in the areas of the  Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music, Lakehouse Music Academy at the Basie or the Jazz Arts Academy.  

“All of us in The Smithereens began our lifelong love affairs with music at a tender age,” said Dennis Diken, founding member and drummer of The Smithereens. “It’s gratifying to know that the annual Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarship at the Count Basie Center for the Arts is helping to foster creativity in young people at a time in their lives when they can look forward to following their muse with their whole lives ahead of them.”

To apply, fill out the online form and submit an audition video at thebasie.org/dinizio. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 16 and finalists will be announced December 7. 

The Smithereens return to the stage with guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw on Friday night (Sept. 17) at Concerts On The Green at Suneagles Golf Club, Eatontown. A handful of tickets remain at www.thebasie.org and Ticketmaster.