Nov 20 Sunday
Join us for another edition of Dorthaan’s Place, the legendary jazz brunch series curated by Newark’s First Lady of Jazz, Dorthaan Kirk.
Kick back with a mimosa, NICO’s mouth-watering brunch menu and the Vanessa Rubin Trio. Revered as both a torchbearer and a storyteller, Vanessa’s voice exudes crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth and playful lioness sass. The Cleveland native brings a wealth of diverse influences to the microphone, including the Trinidadian/Caribbean roots of her mother, traditional jazz by way of her Louisiana-born father, and her love of the Motown Sound…especially girl groups like the Supremes.
There are two brunch seatings to choose from: 11am (performance begins at 11:30 am) or 1pm (performance begins at 1:30 pm). Dorthaan’s Place will sell out! Purchase your ticket now!
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. Now entering its second decade, “The SASSY Awards” is the only international jazz vocal competition of its kind, open to all genders. At this public performance, you’ll witness the next generation of powerhouse jazz vocalists ready to take their rightful place in the global spotlight.
The event is hosted by WBGO Morning Jazz host Gary Walker. Our panel of all-star judges includes Regina Carter, Christian McBride, T.S. Monk, Pat Prescott and Maria Schneider. Contestants are evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation and ability to swing. The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize and a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business.
Dec 01 Thursday
Morrissey is influential. He’s unconventional. He’s outspoken. And he’s back on U.S. soil, fresh off a tour of Ireland and the U.K. His incredibly prolific career (as both a solo artist and front man of The Smiths) spans 30+ studio albums, live albums and compilations, plus dozens of hit singles on the international charts. With deep lyrics and a powerful voice, Morrissey continues to march to the beat of his own music.
Dec 04 Sunday
Dave Pietro - Director, Soprano SaxophoneNikola Spasojevic - Alto SaxophoneMatthew Garcia - Tenor SaxophoneMaya Harrison - GuitarArnie Sainz Co - KeyboardsWarren Louie - BassEden Har-Gil - Drums
Since 2008 the NYU Wayne Shorter Ensemble has explored the compositions of one of NYU's most illustrious alumnis, the great saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter (class of '56). Each year this group plays different works of his, and to date has performed over 120 of Wayne's compositions. These include pieces from the earliest parts of his career (Vee-Jay sessions, Art Blakey, Blue Note sessions), through his work with Miles Davis and Weather Report, up to his latest bands and projects on the Columbia and Verve labels.
With Five highly acclaimed CDs, a #1 Billboard single and multipleBillboard charting songs, over the past thirty years, New York guitarist JJSansaverino has reached millions touring the world with his “Bensonmeets Santana” musical style. An extraordinary performer, JJ has a "takeno prisoners" performance attitude, gracing the stage night after nighttouring on his own or with reggae legend Maxi Priest bringing his vibe ofSmooth Jazz, R&B, Blues and Reggae. A Berklee School of Musicgraduate and award winner, he has shared the stage with the likes ofMaceo Parker, George Clinton, Gerald Albright, Randy Brecker, Shaggy,Sean Paul, Victor Bailey, the Marley Family, and even performed for SirPaul McCartney's wedding in 2002. JJ is continuing his touring through2022 supporting his latest CD release “Soul Energy” from InnervisionRecords while celebrating his latest radio hits “Miami” and “Ride With Me”which is on the Billboard Chart this week.
$20 Minimum Per PersonBrunch MenuNO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.
All seating is first come, first served. Table Seating is all ages, Bar Area is 21+. Bar Area tickets for patrons under 21 will not be honored.
Dec 16 Friday
Experience the most wonderful time of the year at the 34th Staten Island Jazz Festival presented by Universal Temple of the Arts at the majestic St. George Theatre. UTA's tradition of bringing great jazz musicians to Staten Island stages boasts a lineup that includes Winard Harper & Jeli Posse, the Andy McKee Quintet and Nat Adderley, Jr. Mark Gross serves as the Master of Ceremonies.
Dec 18 Sunday
Aubrey Johnson is a New York-based vocalist, composer, and educator who specializes in jazz, Brazilian, and creative contemporary music. Aubrey teaches in the jazz programs at Montclair University, Queens College, and in the voice department at Berklee College of Music. She has performed and/or recorded with Lyle Mays, Fred Hersch, Billy Childs, Jimmy Cobb, Janis Siegel (Manhattan Transfer), Randy Brecker, John Zorn’s Mycale Vocal Quartet, among many others. Among the 40+ albums Aubrey has contributed to as a side-person are Bobby McFerrin’s 2010 Grammy-nominated release VOCAbuLaries, Arturo O'Farrill's 2020 Grammy Award-winning album Four Questions, and Lyle Mays’ 2021 Grammy Award- winning recording Eberhard. Her performing and teaching has taken her throughout the US and Canada and to Central and South America, Europe, and Asia. Aubrey’s debut record, Unraveled, featuring her original music and arrangements and produced by Steve Rodby of the Pat Metheny Group, was released on Outside In Music in March of 2020. A follow-up record, Play Favorites, duo with Randy Ingram, is due out in November 2022.
Two sets - 12:30pm + 2:30pm.
Dec 23 Friday
Get your tickets now for an exclusive appearance by Seven String Jazz Guitarist, Educator, and Social Media Personality, Ron Jackson.
This event takes place on 17th dec., Brothers Smokehouse, Ramsey, NJ
Ron will bring BIG CITY JAZZ and jazz education to your town!
This event will include an educational piece on the history of the Seven String Guitar. Ron will perform jazz standards and original songs, some bebop, and soul. And a special treat will be the jazz reimaginings of (yacht) rock, R&B, and pop songs all from his critically acclaimed new release, "Standards And My Songs".
TICKETS AND INFO Ron Jackson: https://ronjacksonmusic.com/shows
Sneak peek of the first single for the album, "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)": https://youtu.be/sVZQJAXcsVQ
Dec 25 Sunday
Give it to the charming and sultry Svetlana and her exuberant New York Collective to put a smile on your face this holiday season! The band is back with their special Christmas Day Brunch holiday program celebrating the Holiday Season in New York City! "Prepare to swing and be moved!" (JazzLives) as Svetlana delivers her distinct brand of the "sweet and naughty" (JazzLives) holiday magic in this special New York Holiday show featuring the beloved holiday classics, jazz arrangements of cheer-inducing modern pop standards, and Svetlana's charismatic "feel good" originals.
"Upper echelon of joy" PopMatters"Energetic" Wall Street Journal"NYC darlings" TimeOut NY
After taking the New York City by storm, scintillating soprano Svetlana is conquering the world with her fresh sound – on a mission to uplift, energize, and connect with the audiences around the world, and to spread the joy of what WPIX/11 News calls an “exuberant foot–stomping music that combines swing with pop singer/songwriter sensibilities.” Svetlana has headlined sold-out shows in premier venues and festivals across the US and the world, combining the charm of her sultry vocals with the exciting powerful energy of her band! Svetlana's last album, Night at the Movies. debuted #1 on the US Billboard Traditional Jazz Album Charts.
Two sets at 12:30pm and 2:20pm
