Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of jazz this summer, right here in the Garden State and with an opportunity to venture to one of the world’s most iconic festivals! From Red Bank’s bustling local scene to a special day trip to the legendary Newport Jazz Festival, New Jersey offers incredible avenues for music lovers to experience world-class talent. For all things music in our state, from local performances to national tours, visit Explore New Jersey Music.
Jazz Arts Project: Celebrating 20 Years of Soulful Sounds in Red Bank
This year marks a special milestone for the nonprofit Jazz Arts Project as they celebrate their 20th anniversary with an exciting “Summer of Jazz” in Red Bank. Known for nurturing musical talent and fostering an appreciation for this quintessential American art form, the organization has curated a continuous array of world-class jazz artists who will grace numerous stages throughout the season.
Their diverse lineup promises something for every jazz enthusiast, featuring both free outdoor concerts and intimate, ticketed jazz café nights. Look forward to captivating performances by renowned artists such as guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola, the incredible vocalist Camille Thurman, master trumpeter Valery Ponomarev, the dynamic James Austin Jr., and Winard Harper’s Jeli Posse. You’ll also have the chance to hear the powerful sounds of The Grace Fox Big Band and many more, ensuring a summer filled with stellar talent that will engage and inspire music lovers of all ages.
Beyond performances, the Jazz Arts Project is deeply committed to education, offering transformative summer music camps and engaging jam sessions. This dedication to both performance and education truly enriches the cultural fabric of Red Bank and the wider New Jersey community. For complete schedules and more details on their summer programming, you can visit the Jazz Arts Project’s website at: jazzartsproject.org/summer.
Day Trips to the Legendary Newport Jazz Festival!
For those looking to experience one of the most prestigious jazz events in the world, consider a day trip to the iconic Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island! WBGO Travel & Events is offering an exclusive opportunity to experience this sold-out festival with their convenient “straight-to-the-gate” transportation packages.
The Newport Jazz Festival runs from August 1st to August 3rd, 2025, at the picturesque Fort Adams State Park. While tickets to the festival itself are incredibly scarce and largely sold out, WBGO’s day trips offer a unique and stress-free way to attend. You can choose your preferred date to immerse yourself in world-class jazz:
- Friday, August 1st
- Saturday, August 2nd (Limited tickets remaining!)
- Sunday, August 3rd
These day trips include roundtrip transportation from Newark, New Jersey (with a quick pickup in Manhattan), directly to the festival gates, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey. You’ll arrive rested and ready to explore the festival, which boasts a stellar lineup of jazz legends and contemporary stars. Past lineups have included an incredible array of talent, and this year promises to be no different, with artists like Janelle Monáe, The Roots, Jacob Collier, Christian McBride Big Band, Esperanza Spalding, and many more.
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, WBGO also offers exclusive weekend packages that include a stay at the newly renovated Newport Harbor Island Resort, complimentary water taxi service to the festival, access to a VIP Shade Tent, and live nightly music at the hotel. These packages are in high demand, so if you’re dreaming of a jazz-filled weekend by the sea, act fast!
Whether you’re enjoying a local Red Bank concert or embarking on a jazz pilgrimage to Newport, this summer offers abundant opportunities to celebrate the timeless artistry of jazz. Dive into the rhythms and melodies that define this incredible musical genre! For booking details and more on these special jazz experiences, be sure to visit Explore New Jersey Music.
