NJPAC Unveils Lineup for 15th Annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival

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The Newark festival will feature tributes to Miles Davis and Zakir Hussain, plus a Ben Vereen birthday celebration.

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The New Jersey Performing Arts Center revealed the line-up for the 2026 TD James Moody Jazz Festival taking place Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 22, 2026. Attracting thousands of fans to the city of Newark for the past 14 years, this year's Festival presents the world's preeminent jazz and jazz-adjacent artists in manifold events including world premiere concerts, debut collaborations, and free performances too. This year's lineup bridges the gaps between historic icons and the visionaries of tomorrow, featuring tributes to Miles Davis , Zakir Hussain, and the Festival's namesake James Moody as well as a rare performance by Tony Award-winning Ben Vereen in a special 80th birthday celebration. Scroll down for a preliminary schedule of Festival events with more details to be announced later this summer.

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The lineup features Andy Farber Orchestra, April May Webb, Ben Vereen , Bill Frisell, Bob Stewart , Bruce Hornsby , Charles Lloyd, Chris Komer , Christian McBride , Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars, Erena Terakubo, Eric Jacobsen, Gary Smulyan, Gregory Porter , Jesse Cook, John Clark , John Riley, Jon Faddis, Kweku Sumbry, Larry Grenadier, Lillias White , Melba Moore , Mike LeDonne, Moody All-Star Band, Niladri Kumaar, NJMEA All-State Jazz Band & Choir, New Jersey Symphony, Shoshana Bean , Stephanie Pope , Steve Turre, Todd Coolman, Wallace Roney Jr., plus surprise special guests and more.

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, the late tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Before Hussain's passing, the sitar-tabla duo was captured in the wonderful 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 Charlie Lindner, keys Dèmitrio Albano, drums

BETHANY BAPTIST JAZZ VESPERS: DIZZIE 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).

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

NJMEA ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND AND NJMEA ALL-STATE 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

Gregory Porter

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.

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.

Bruce Hornsby WITH Christian McBride ONE ON ONE

The GRAMMY-winning artists jam together and talk about life, music and collaboration. Singer-songwriter/pianistBruce 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."

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.

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.

Ben Vereen 'S 80TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT

It's 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) 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) Lillias White , vocals (The Life, Dreamgirls, Fela!, Hadestown) Andy Farber Orchestra and more TBA...

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

NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY / Christian McBride / ERIC JACOBSEN

See Nov 19 for event description.

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.).

15th 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. Gifted young contestants from around the world are 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 or to enter the competition, visit SarahVaughanCompetition.com .

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/Lineup-Set-For-15th-Annual-TD-JAMES-MOODY-JAZZ-FESTIVAL-at-NJPAC-20260527)._