Red Bank, NJ — On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the historic Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center will host an extraordinary musical event as part of its Centennial Celebration: a one-night-only gala featuring multi-award-winning artists Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson. This highly anticipated performance marks a rare occasion for fans to witness two of the most powerful voices in contemporary music sharing the stage in the heart of New Jersey, promising an evening of sweeping vocals, unforgettable hits, and moments of pure artistry.
The gala serves as the centerpiece of the Count Basie Center’s yearlong Centennial Celebration, commemorating 100 years of cultural influence, community engagement, and artistic excellence. In addition to showcasing world-class performances, the evening will honor Board Chairperson Jeremy Grunin for his decades-long service and dedication to the theater, as well as celebrate milestone anniversaries for the Center’s student production programs and Mexican dance initiatives, both of which have nurtured generations of young performers and dancers across the state.
Josh Groban, a Tony®, Emmy®, and five-time Grammy® nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist, headlines the gala with a repertoire that spans over two decades of signature ballads, contemporary hits, and fan favorites. Groban recently marked an exceptional year in his career, with the release of Gems and its Deluxe Edition, a curated collection celebrating his most defining performances. He also completed a sold-out five-night residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and performed back-to-back shows at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal as a live performer. Fans attending the Red Bank gala will experience a blend of these iconic songs along with new material from his recent Hidden Gems album, including the heartfelt single “The Constant,” co-written with Pasek & Paul.
Joining Groban is Jennifer Hudson, a Grammy®, Oscar®, Tony®, and Emmy® winning artist, whose powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence have earned her a place among the most influential performers of her generation. Hudson’s artistry extends beyond music into television, film, and philanthropy, with her nationally syndicated talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, receiving multiple Daytime Emmy nominations, People’s Choice nominations, and accolades from the NAACP and GLAAD for her impactful work. In 2025, Hudson released her Grammy-nominated holiday album, The Gift of Love, showcasing her signature vocal depth across both classic favorites and original compositions, further solidifying her status as a dynamic and genre-defying artist.
The gala promises an intimate yet grand experience in Red Bank, combining the historic charm of the Count Basie Center with the glamour and emotional resonance of a once-in-a-lifetime performance. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show set to begin at 8:00 PM, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness Groban and Hudson together in a venue renowned for its acoustic excellence and storied history in New Jersey’s cultural landscape. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM through the Count Basie Center website and Ticketmaster, and given the limited availability, early purchase is highly recommended.
This event is part of Groban and Hudson’s larger 2026 North American summer tour, which includes stops at major arenas in New York City and Philadelphia, but the Red Bank performance is uniquely positioned as a more personal, immersive experience in a theater setting celebrated for both its architectural beauty and acoustic sophistication. Beyond the music, the gala emphasizes the Count Basie Center’s mission of connecting world-class performances with community engagement, spotlighting educational initiatives and student programs that reflect the Center’s century-long dedication to nurturing talent across New Jersey.
For those eager to explore more performances, concerts, and musical events throughout the state, additional information can be found through Explore New Jersey’s music coverage, which highlights venues, live shows, and cultural experiences across the Garden State.
The Count Basie Center Centennial Gala stands as a hallmark of New Jersey’s cultural identity, merging musical mastery, historic celebration, and community recognition. Audiences attending on June 13 will not only witness two of the world’s most acclaimed performers in action but also take part in a milestone moment that honors 100 years of artistic excellence and the promise of generations of performers to come.
