The 2025 James Moody Festival runs from Saturday, November 8 to Sunday, November 23 at NJPAC (One Center Street) and other venues in Newark, New Jersey, including Bethany Baptist Church (275 West Market Street), Feldman Middleton Community Center (92 Thomas Carmichael Drive), Newark Public Library (50 Hayes Street) and Clement’s Place (15 Washington Street). The lineup is:
SAT 11.08 @ 6:00 p.m. BETHANY BAPTIST JAZZ VESPERS: GEORGE CABLES TRIO featuring ALEXANDER CLAFFY AND JEROME JENNINGS
George Cables – piano
Alexander Claffy – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums
Co-presented by the Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers, NJPAC begins its season-long FREE concert series at Newark’s Bethany Baptist Church with legendary pianist George Cables. Since 2000, Newark’s historic Bethany Baptist Church has hosted free concerts that combine jazz and worship.
SAT 11.08 @ 7:30 p.m. OMAR SOSA QUARTETO AMERICANOS
Omar Sosa – piano
Sheldon Brown – saxophone/clarinet/flute
Ernesto Mazar Kindelán – bass
Josh Jones – drums
It’s Latin jazz — plus pizzazz — with multi-GRAMMY® nominee Omar Sosa and his Quarteto Americanos. Playing with boundless energy, the Cuban-born composer, pianist and bandleader is “one of those rare birds whose keyboard skills are near those of Chick Corea and Chuco Valdes” (The New York Times). Rounding out the quartet are Omar’s buddies from the Bay Area: drummer Josh Jones, bassist Ernesto Mazar Kindelán and Sheldon Brown on saxophone, clarinet and flute. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.
SUN 11.09 @ 3:00 p.m. STANLEY CLARKE N•4EVER with special guest Ben Williams
Stanley Clarke – bass
Ben Williams – bass
An evening of bass! Four-time GRAMMY®-winning film composer, bassist and NEA Jazz Master Stanley Clarke is one of the most celebrated acoustic and electric bass players in the world. Clarke’s storied career has been awash with showcases in his virtuosity on the acoustic and electric basses. He’s worked with fellow music titans like Chick Corea, George Duke, Jean-Luc Ponty and Al Di Meola, and has scored for film and television. From 1974-1976, Clarke dropped a series of solo albums that would herald his status as a force in music and foreshadow his 2022 designation as an NEA Jazz Master. Opening the show is fellow bassist Ben Williams – one of the most acclaimed and versatile bassists in modern jazz. A GRAMMY® Award winner, he won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2009 and has been landing impressive accolades ever since. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater. This program is funded by the Berger Family Foundation.
WED 11.12 @ 4:30 p.m. JAZZ IN THE STACKS/BOOKS ON THE MOVE
TD Jazz for Teens
Enjoy a FREE performance by TD Jazz for Teens at local Newark Public Libraries! Kicking off NJPAC’s monthly series in each of the NPL branches, it will host a Jazz in the Stacks performance preceded by a free engaged reading of Playing at the Border, Yo-Yo Ma’s children’s book as part of the Books on the Move series. Location: Newark Public Library Springfield Branch.
THU 11.13 @ 7:30 p.m. ARTURO SANDOVAL
Arturo Sandoval – trumpet
At 75 years old, jazz trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval still practices every day. Even after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors and 10 GRAMMYs®, he’s never let the acclaim distract him from the most important thing: the music. As a child growing up in Cuba, he found freedom in jazz, Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban jazz. And “freedom,” he says, “is the most important word in any dictionary in any language in the world.” Feel the infectious energy and vivacious versatility of this music legend. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.
FRI 11.14 @ 7:00 p.m. NJMEA / ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND AND JAZZ CHOIR
Catch the next generation of great jazz artists from New Jersey. 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 Choir. Location: NJPAC’s Chase Room.
SAT 11.15 @ 3:00 + 7:00 p.m. SAVION GLOVER: PROjECt.9
Savion Glover – tap dance + percussion
PROjECt.9 – band + vocalist
Boldy breaking ground for over a quarter century, Savion Glover brings his drum set and tap shoes to NJPAC. In his latest production PROjECt.9, Savion is lead percussionist as well as tap dancer in an illustrious celebration of sound. The group comprises a vocalist and three other musicians (names TBA) performing original dance compositions and instrumental score written by Savion. In addition to presenting his award-winning tap dancing, Savion also displays his musicianship as percussionist.
SAT 11.15 @ 8:00 p.m. BLUES IS ALRIGHT
Tucka James – vocals
King George – vocals
Pokey Bear – vocals
West Love – vocals
Lenny Williams – vocals
Theodis Ealey – vocals/guitar
Blues Is Alright is a one-night only concert of Southern soul, blues and R&B; a musical storytelling filled with stark emotion and a revolving reality check. It’s authentically raw; transforming tragedy, adversity and heartache into a visceral and cathartic experience. This special night of emotive lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment features a mega lineup of musical royalty: performances by Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, Theodis Ealey, J-Wonn and West Love.
SUN. 11.16 @ 2:00 p.m. JAZZ SALSA SUNDAY
Luisito Rosario – vocals
Luisito Rosario Orchestra
As part of NJPAC’s ArtsXChange initiative, this concert is a FREE innovative collaboration between NJPAC and Newark neighborhoods to produce arts and cultural programming. ArtsXChange spotlights local talent and nurtures the creativity of residents of all ages and abilities. The Luisito Rosario Orchestra will be led by New Jersy’s own leading Salsa singer Luisito Rosario. All are welcome to join the salsa party in the South Ward! Location: Feldman Middleton Community Center.
SUN 11.16 @ 7:00 p.m. RACHAEL & VILRAY
Rachael Price – vocals
Vilray Bolles – guitar + vocals
Brooklyn-based jazz duo Rachael Price and Vilray Bolles, known as Rachel & Vilray, makes their NJPAC debut. Performing works from their latest album West of Broadway (Concord Jazz), the two friends offer a contemporary take on tin pan alley, the Great American Songbook, and vintage small combo jazz. Fusing West Coast jazz with Broadway musicals, they turn the idea of “Everything old is new again” on its head.
THU 11.20 @ 8:00 p.m. REPRESENT! A NIGHT OF JAZZ, HIP HOP, AND POETRY
Rakim – hip-hop artist
Slick Rick – hip-hop artist
Chuck D – hip-hop artist
Tyehimba Jess – poet
Nuyorican Slam Poetry Team – poets
Caridad de la Luz aka La Bruja – poet
DJ Spinna
Back by popular demand is the fan-favorite jazz-meets-spoken word show Represent! Curated by Bill Stephney, part of the pioneering Def Jam Records team and responsible for launching rap group Public Enemy, this celebratory concert comprises MCs and poets performing their hit. For one unmissable night, NJPAC unites the leading voices in jazz, hip-hop and poetry.
FRI 11.21 @ 7:30 p.m. 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. Location: Clement’s Place.
FRI 11.21 @ 7:30 p.m. CARLOS VARELA with special guest DIANA FUENTES
Carlos Varela – vocals + guitar
Diana Fuentes – vocals
Rodrigo Toscano – poet
Known as the “Poet of Havana” or the “Bob Dylan of Cuba”, the immensely popular Cuban singer-songwriter Carlos Varela has dedicated his 30-year music career to expressing “the problems of my people.” His poetic lyrics speak to the promise and pain of Cuba across generations, with complex emotion and powerful imagery. His message has been banned and censored by Cuban authorities, but his songs, like 2000’s “Una Palabra,” continue to resonate around the world. As Carlos explains: “Words can transform. They can reach your soul and your heart. They can shake your bones. They can change your life, and that can’t be lost.”
FRI 11.21 @ 8:00 p.m. CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE BIG BAND with ANDRA DAY, JOSÉ JAMES, and LEDISI
Christian McBride – bass/bandleader
Christian McBride Big Band
Andra Day – vocals
José James – vocals
Ledisi – vocals
Montclair resident Christian McBride is a nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist/composer/producer, NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor, Artistic Director of the Montclair Jazz Festival, Board Member and Artistic Chair of Jazz House Kids. He makes his return as a bandleader with his latest project featuring his acclaimed Big Band and several special guest vocalists including: contemporary R&B innovator José James, the unparalleled GRAMMY® Award-winning Ledisi, and Andra Day who won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the biopic The United States vs. Bille Holiday.
SAT 11.22 @ 7:30 p.m. STANLEY JORDAN PLAYS JIMI
Stanley Jordan – guitar
World-renowned jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan channels the blues-rock legend in this can’t-miss tribute. “This is my fantasy Jimi Hendrix concert if Jimi were still alive and playing today,” he explains. It was Jimi’s death in 1970 that first moved 11-year-old Stanley to take up the guitar. His jazz career took flight, with four GRAMMY® nominations and the development of his signature two-handed touch technique, which was inspired by Jimi’s left-handed tapping. In this performance, Stanley channels Jimi while allowing his own style to shine through. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.
SUN 11.23 @ 11:30 a.m. + 1:30 p.m. DORTHAAN’S PLACE: NAT ADDERLY JR. QUARTET
Nat Adderly Jr. – piano
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 New Jersey’s Nat Adderley, Jr. — pianist, composer, arranger and longtime music director for Luther Vandross. Inspired by greats like Chick Corea, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. There are two brunch seatings: 11:00 a.m. (music begins at 11:30 a.m.) and 1:30 p.m. Location: NJPAC’s NICO Kitchen & Bar.
Sun 11.23 @ 3:00 p.m. 14th ANNUAL SARAH VAUGHAN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ VOCAL COMPETITION
Gary Walker – host
Ann Hampton Callaway – judge
Jon Faddis – judge
Nnenna Freelon – judge
Christian McBride – judge
Janis Siegel – judge
Tyreek McDole – vocalist
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.
Tickets are free-$79. To purchase visit NJPAC.org/jazz.
