The rhythm of Newark will once again take center stage this November as the TD James Moody Jazz Festival returns for its 14th year, transforming the city into a dynamic hub of sound, style, and soul. From November 8 through 23, 2025, the festival brings together legendary performers, boundary-pushing artists, and new voices that honor the spirit of jazz while embracing the future of music. Hosted by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), this two-week event will fill Newark’s most iconic venues with an eclectic lineup that celebrates not just jazz, but also blues, R&B, hip-hop, and spoken word—reflecting the city’s rich musical legacy and diverse cultural heartbeat.
The festival opens November 8 with the George Cables Trio, featuring the revered pianist and composer George Cables, performing as part of a free concert at Bethany Baptist Church—a venue known for its deep ties to the local jazz community. That same evening, the Omar Sosa Quarteto Americanos lights up the Victoria Theater at NJPAC with a spirited performance blending Afro-Cuban rhythms, Latin jazz, and modern improvisation. It’s an opening day that perfectly captures the festival’s balance of tradition and innovation.
The excitement continues November 9 when four-time Grammy Award winner and NEA Jazz Master Stanley Clarke takes the NJPAC stage alongside special guest bassist Ben Williams for an unforgettable evening of electric jazz fusion. On November 13, audiences will witness the brilliance of Arturo Sandoval, the world-renowned trumpeter and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as he showcases his signature mix of technical mastery and emotional expression at the Victoria Theater.
Dance also takes the spotlight during the festival with Savion Glover: PROjECt.9 on November 15. The legendary tap dancer, choreographer, and Newark native will bring his explosive rhythm and creativity to NJPAC, blending percussive dance with live instrumentation in a performance that embodies the pulse of jazz itself. That same night, the Blues Is Alright Tour arrives for a powerhouse showcase of Southern soul and R&B, featuring Tucka James, King George, Pokey Bear, and more—turning NJPAC into a celebration of groove, heart, and heritage.
November 16 brings the charming and sophisticated sounds of Rachael & Vilray, whose smooth harmonies and nostalgic style pay homage to the Great American Songbook while infusing it with a contemporary twist. Then, on November 20, NJPAC’s Represent! A Night of Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Poetry will take audiences on a powerful journey through the intersections of music and social change. Icons Chuck D, Rakim, and Slick Rick will explore the shared roots and rhythms of jazz and hip-hop, highlighting how both genres have long been platforms for artistic freedom and cultural storytelling.
Latin music takes center stage on November 21 with Carlos Varela, known as the “Poet of Havana,” performing alongside Diana Fuentes and Jackson Browne in a night that promises passion, poetry, and political resonance. That same evening, the Christian McBride Big Band—curated by NJPAC’s own Jazz Advisor and nine-time Grammy winner Christian McBride—will headline a major event featuring powerhouse vocalists Andra Day, José James, and Ledisi. Their collaboration will be one of the festival’s most anticipated performances, blending timeless big band sound with contemporary artistry.
On November 22, renowned guitarist Stanley Jordan will pay tribute to one of rock’s greatest legends with Stanley Jordan Plays Jimi, reimagining the music of Jimi Hendrix through the lens of jazz virtuosity and experimental flair. The festival then concludes on November 23 with the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, an annual global showcase that honors the late “Sassy” herself—Newark’s own Sarah Vaughan. The competition brings together emerging vocalists from around the world, offering audiences a glimpse at the next generation of jazz greatness.
Throughout the festival, venues across Newark will host performances, workshops, and community gatherings that highlight the city’s deep connection to jazz history. The lineup includes NJPAC, Bethany Baptist Church, Feldman Middleton Community Center, Newark Public Library, and Clement’s Place, all of which contribute to making this event a citywide celebration of music and creativity.
For nearly a decade and a half, the TD James Moody Jazz Festival has stood as one of the East Coast’s premier cultural events—one that not only honors the life and legacy of Newark’s own jazz icon, James Moody, but also continues to redefine what a modern jazz festival can be. It’s a gathering that bridges genres, generations, and communities, proving that the spirit of jazz—alive, evolving, and endlessly expressive—remains at the core of New Jersey’s creative soul.
To explore more about live music, concerts, and upcoming performances throughout the Garden State, visit Explore New Jersey Music. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or simply searching for a new rhythm, Newark’s stages this November promise a festival experience that will leave every note echoing long after the final encore. The Improv Café – The world’s first all-live jazz station, features Singing with Swing, focusing on vocal jazz every Sunday night, Swing with the Big Bands, highlighting live big band performances, and live sets from the Village Vanguard and Blue Note.
