WORLD RENOWNED JAZZ VOICES COME TO NEWARK, NJ TO CELEBRATE 15TH JAZZ FEST

• By Mabel Pais

The TD James Moody Jazz Festival, for its 15th annual edition, will take place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and other locations, November 6-22, 2026. The festival brings world-renowned jazz artists and rising voices to Newark for a celebration of musical legacy, innovation and community. This year’s Festival features world premiere concerts, debut collaborations and free performances, alongside tributes to some of music’s most influential artists.

For 15 years, the Festival has brought audiences together through performances that honor jazz’s roots while exploring its possibilities. This landmark edition continues that tradition with salutes to Miles Davis, Zakir Hussain and Festival namesake James Moody, plus a special 80th birthday celebration starring Tony Award winner Ben Vereen.

“What we deliver every year at the TD James Moody Festival is the music you love, performed in new ways; the artists you cherish in surprising and unexpected combinations; as well as new faces and new sounds you’ll want to hear more of,” said John Schreiber, NJPAC President and CEO.

The 2026 lineup connects generations and musical traditions. Jon Faddis leads “Miles at 100,” honoring Miles Davis’s centennial, while the Moody All-Star Band celebrates the enduring influence of James Moody. Sitar virtuoso Niladri Kumaar pays tribute to tabla master Zakir Hussain, a beloved NJPAC guest artist who died in 2024.

“This year at the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, we’ll be remembering and celebrating some of the world’s best musicians,” said Christian McBride, the Festival’s Advisor and an 11-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist. “We’ll all help blow out the candles when Ben Vereen celebrates his 80th birthday the best way he knows how — on stage!”

Audiences can also look forward to performances by Gregory Porter and Charles Lloyd, along with McBride’s appearances with Bruce Hornsby and the New Jersey Symphony. Together, these concerts reflect the Festival’s spirit of discovery, pairing celebrated performers with fresh collaborations.

2026 TD JAMES MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE-UP (subject to change)

When: November 6 – 22, 2026

Where: Multiple venues in Newark, New Jersey, including NJPAC (One Center Street), Clement’s Place (15 Washington Street), and Bethany’s Baptist Church (275 West Market Street)

Tickets: Free-$79. To purchase, contact NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC /1.888.466.5722 or visit NJPAC.org/jazz.

Fri 11.06 at 7:30 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC

NILADRI KUMAAR: “THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES” HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN

A must-see for Indian classical music fans: The sitar star pays tribute to the late tabla player Zakir Hussain. Sitar star Niladri Kumaar is a musical maverick, redefining the classical Indian sound for the next generation. In this concert, he pays tribute to his friend, mentor and frequent collaborator, maestro Zakir Hussain. Before Hussain’s passing, the sitar-tabla duo was captured in the remarkable 2017 documentary “The Space Between the Notes.” Kumaar will perform original compositions and revisit some of his favorite collaborations with Hussain.

Niladri Kumaar, sitar

Satyajit Talwalkar, tabla

Agnelo Fernandes, keys

Sambit Chatterjee, drums

Sat 11.07 at 6:00 p.m. | Bethany Baptist Church free

BETHANY BAPTIST JAZZ VESPERS: DIZZY GILLESPIE ALL-STARS TRIBUTE TO JAMES MOODY

Co-presented by the Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers, NJPAC begins its season-long  free concert series at Newark’s Bethany Baptist Church. Since 2000, Newark’s historic Bethany Baptist Church has hosted free concerts that combine jazz and worship. This special performance by the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars ensemble pays tribute to the Festival’s namesake: jazz legend James Moody (1925-2010).

Thu 11.12 at 7:30 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC

MILES @ 100 | JON FADDIS & FRIENDS

CELEBRATING BIRTH OF THE COOL AND KIND OF BLUE

This one-night-only jazz supergroup honors the legendary Miles Davis (1926-2026) whose Centennial is currently being celebrated worldwide.

Jon Faddis, trumpet

Erena Terakubo, saxophones/flute

Gary Smulyan, baritone saxophone

Steve Turre, trombone

John Clark, French horn

Bob Stewart, tuba

Mike LeDonne, piano

Todd Coolman, bass

John Riley, drums

Fri 11.13 at 7:00 p.m. | Chase Room, NJPAC

NJMEA ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND AND NJMEA ALL-STATE JAZZ CHOIR 

The next generation of great jazz artists from New Jersey perform. This annual concert event, co-presented by NJPAC’s Arts Education Department and the New Jersey Music Educators Association, brings together some of the very best young musicians and vocalists from across the state for a dynamic group performance. Performers include NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and NJMEA All-State Jazz Choi

Fri 11.13 at 8:00 p.m. | Prudential Hall, NJPAC

GREGORY PORTER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS MADELEINE PEYROUX & CATHERINE RUSSELL

Gregory Porter – vocals

Madeleine Peyroux – vocals/guitar

Catherine Russell – vocals

Hilliard Greene – bass

Andy Ezrin – piano

The two-time GRAMMY®-winning singer returns to NJPAC with his deep, warm, soulful jazzy voice. Experience “a jazz singer of thrilling presence, a booming baritone with a gift for earthy refinement and soaring uplift” (The New York Times). Gregory Porter sings with passion — and compassion — on studio albums including “Liquid Spirit,” “Nat King Cole & Me” and “All Rise.” This year, he’s celebrating a decade of his album “Take Me to the Alley.” It was an instant classic in 2016, jammed with gems like “Holding On,” “Don’t Lose Your Steam” and the indelible title track.

For over three decades, jazz virtuoso Madeleine Peyroux has traveled the world and graced the grandest concert halls to “share the magic of music with audiences, connect with people and uplift their spirits.” Like Porter, Peyroux is celebrating ten years of a pivotal album: “Secular Hymns,” her self-produced collaboration with guitarist Jon Herington and bassist Barak Mori.

GRAMMY®-winning vocalist Catherine Russell is best known for her stunning vocal approach and interpretive works in blues and early jazz. According to NPR, she has “a voice that wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the garden of Eden.” Since her debut solo album in 2006, Russell has captivated audiences with her rich, soulful voice. Her nine albums have garnered critical acclaim.

Sat 11.14 at 8:00 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC

JESSE COOK

A global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music’s power to connect people across cultures and continents. The Paris-born, Toronto-raised master of the Spanish guitar weaves together flamenco, samba, jazz and world folk traditions into something spellbinding and uniquely his own. On stage, Cook radiates infectious energy — collaborating with his band to craft immersive experiences celebrated for their warmth, precision and emotional depth. With over a billion streams and views across platforms, his sound remains as relevant as it is revered.

Sun 11.15 at 3:00 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC

BRUCE HORNSBY WITH CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE ONE ON ONE

The GRAMMY®-winning artists jam together and talk about life, music and collaboration. Singer-songwriter/pianist Bruce Hornsby and NJPAC Jazz Advisor/bassist Christian McBride will jam and chat on the intimate Victoria Theater stage, in celebration of Hornsby’s 2026 album, “Indigo Park.” The two artists share plenty in common: Musical adventurousness that transcends genre. Constant collaboration with the biggest names on the scene. And many well-earned GRAMMY® Awards between them. Pitchfork hails Hornsby as “a solitary spirit drifting through time, bringing people together and bringing out their best, finding the strange resolution in all the dissonance.”

Wed 11.18 at 7:30 p.m. | Clement’s Place free

JAZZ JAMS

Co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers Institute for Jazz Studies, Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place is a free Jazz Jams Session concert series featuring top-flight New Jersey musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr.  Audience members immerse themselves in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the players’ and listeners’ minds. All novice and seasoned jazz musicians and singers are welcomed to jam and improv with the professional band throughout the night. Co-producers: Wayne Winborne, Executive Director, IFJS and Eyesha Marable, AVP, Comm Engagement, NJPAC.

Thu 11.19 at 1:30 p.m. | Prudential Hall, NJPAC

NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE, bass 

ERIC JACOBSEN, conductor

Jazz and classical meet in this genre-defying program full of color, rhythm, and fun. Montclair’s own jazz legend Christian McBride debuts with the New Jersey Symphony in a concerto tailor-made for his unique groove and virtuosity. Program includes McBride soloing in George Duke’s “Dark Wood: Bass Concerto for Christian McBride” (2015) and McBride’s first work for symphony orchestra, “Fried Bacon” (2022). Eric Jacobsen, hailed by The New York Times as “an interpretive dynamo,” returns with the perfumed hues of Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Rachmaninoff’s final orchestral work, written in New York City and full of longing for his Russian home

Sat 11.21 at 8:00 p.m. | Prudential Hall, NJPAC

BEN VEREEN’S 80TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT

A birthday bash for the Broadway icon! The illustrious Ben Vereen has appeared in some of the most groundbreaking works in musical theater and film. He originated Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” won a Tony Award for “Pippin” and dazzled in everything from “Hair” to “Fosse” to “Wicked.” In addition, there have been his unforgettable roles in the Bob Fosse film “All That Jazz,” the landmark TV series “Roots” and the 2026 hit series “The Gray House.” On stage or screen, Ben Vereen has been at the center of American cultural history. He’ll be joined by an all-star lineup of special guests and the Andy Farber Orchestra, performing songs from Vereen’s career on Broadway, film and TV.

Ben Vereen, vocals (“Pippin,” “Hair,” “Fosse,” “Wicked”)

Karrin Allyson, vocals (5-time Grammy nominee)

Shoshana Bean, vocals (“Wicked,” “Mr. Saturday Night,” “The Lost Boys”)

Melba Moore, vocals (“Hair,” “Purlie,” “Les Miserables”)

Stephanie Pope, vocals (“Chicago,” “Fosse,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman”)

Brian Stokes Mitchell, vocals (“Man of La Mancha,” “Kiss Me Kate,” “Ragtime”)

Lillias White, vocals (“The Life,” “Dreamgirls,” “Fela!,” “Hadestown”)

Andy Farber Orchestra

and more TBA…

Sat 11.21 at 3:00 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC

CHARLES LLOYD QUARTET FEATURING BILL FRISELL, LARRY GRENADIER & KWEKU SUMBRY

The pioneering NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd is at the top of his game. On sax and flute, “he has no peer save himself” (Jazzwise). At 88, Lloyd has a lifetime of achievements to look back on — but looking back isn’t his style. He’s forever moving forward, earning his crown again and again as “one of America’s most influential, experimental and spiritual musicians” (Memphis Music Hall of Fame). Over his career, he has played everything (free jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, world music, psychedelia) with everyone (B.B. King, Cannonball Adderley, Jimi Hendrix and Brian Wilson, just to name a few). Among his many accolades, he won DownBeat’s 2024 quadruple crown: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Tenor Saxophonist of the Year and Hall of Fame.

Charles Lloyd, saxophone/flute

Bill Frisell, guitar

Larry Grenadier, bass

Kweku Sumbry, drums

Sun 11.22 at 2:00 p.m. | Prudential Hall, NJPAC

NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY / CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE / ERIC JACOBSEN

See Nov 19 for event description.

Sun 11.22 at 11:00 a.m. + 1:00 p.m. | NICO Kitchen + Bar, NJPAC

DORTHAAN’S PLACE / WALLACE RONEY JR. QUARTET

NJPAC continues Dorthaan’s Place, its popular Sunday jazz brunch series at NICO Kitchen + Bar curated by Newark’s First Lady of Jazz, Dorthaan Kirk. The series made its debut during NJPAC’s 2012-13 season and has grown ever since. This edition presents the bold, forward-looking sound of electrifying young trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr., leading his Quartet. He comes from a renowned jazz family — his parents are late jazz luminaries Wallace Roney and Geri Allen. His quartet explores the music of Miles Davis, with fearlessly fresh improvisational talent.

“The finest in jazz is on the menu… anticipation runs high at Dorthaan’s Place, whether you’re there for the music, the food, the scene, Dorthaan, or all of the above.” (All About Jazz)

There are two brunch seatings: 11:00 a.m. (music begins at 11:30 a.m.) and 1:00 p.m. (music begins at 1:30 p.m.).

Sun 11.22 at 3:00 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC

15^th ANNUAL SARAH VAUGHAN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ VOCAL COMPETITION

The divine Sarah Vaughan — Newark’s greatest musical gift to the world — got her start as the winner of a talent contest. NJPAC honors her legacy every year with the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, the only global jazz vocal contest of its kind, open to all genders and nationalities.

This event offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business — and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow.

For this 15th annual “The SASSY Awards” event, WBGO Radio’s Gary Walker will host and 2024 SVVC winner April May Webb will perform. A panel of all-star judges — Jose James, Gretchen Parlato, Jason Olaine, Lillias White, and T.S. Monk — will select the winner.

The 2026 Finalists are:

Alyssa Allgood — Chicago, Illinois

Vahn Black — Detroit, Michigan

Nathan Farrell — New York City, New York

Angélique Nicolas — Paris, France

Jackie Ribas — New York City, New York

The above-mentioned gifted young five finalists contestants will be evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize. Past winners include Samara Joy, Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, and more. For more information, visit (https://njpac.org/sarah-vaughan-international-jazz-vocal-competition.

Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Education, Social Issues, Spirituality, Health and Wellness, Business, and Cuisine.