Joshua Henry

Joshua Henry Brings “Get Up, Stand Up!” to Enlow Recital Hall for a Soul-Stirring, Genre-Defining Live Experience in New Jersey

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Enlow Recital Hall at Kean University will host one of the most commanding voices in contemporary music and theatre as Joshua Henry takes the stage for two performances at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. With Get Up, Stand Up!, Henry delivers more than a concert—he presents a deeply personal, musically expansive journey through the songs and artists that have shaped generations, blending soul, Broadway, and original material into a seamless and electrifying live experience.

This engagement represents a significant moment within New Jersey’s live performance calendar, bringing a GRAMMY Award-winning artist of international stature into an intimate, acoustically refined venue. For audiences, it offers a rare opportunity to experience a performer known for commanding major Broadway stages and global audiences in a setting where every vocal nuance, every interpretive choice, and every emotional shift can be fully absorbed.

At the core of Get Up, Stand Up! is a carefully constructed setlist that bridges eras and genres while maintaining a cohesive narrative thread. Henry moves fluidly through the timeless soul of Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, and Sam Cooke—artists whose music defined cultural movements and emotional expression—before transitioning into the sophisticated storytelling of Broadway composers such as Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers & Hammerstein. Interwoven throughout are selections from Henry’s own solo work, including material from his debut album GROW, creating a performance that is both reflective and forward-looking.

What distinguishes this program is its ability to function on multiple levels simultaneously. It is a celebration of musical heritage, a reinterpretation of iconic works, and a personal artistic statement. Henry does not simply perform these songs; he inhabits them, reimagining their phrasing, dynamics, and emotional weight in a way that feels immediate and contemporary while remaining rooted in their original significance. The result is a performance that resonates across audiences, whether they are drawn to classic soul, musical theatre, or modern vocal artistry.

Henry’s career trajectory underscores the depth of experience he brings to this stage. A GRAMMY Award-winning performer and recording artist, he has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and compelling voices in the industry. His Tony-nominated performances in Carousel, The Scottsboro Boys, and Violet established him as a leading figure in Broadway’s modern era, while his portrayal of Aaron Burr in Hamilton further cemented his status as a performer capable of anchoring culturally transformative productions.

Beyond the stage, Henry’s work extends into film and television, including his role in the Academy Award-nominated tick, tick…BOOM! directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and his performance opposite Jason Momoa in Apple TV+’s SEE. His appearance as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration demonstrated his ability to reinterpret iconic characters for new audiences, while his participation in the Broadway revival of Into the Woods contributed to a GRAMMY-winning cast recording that continues to define contemporary musical theatre.

This breadth of experience informs every aspect of Get Up, Stand Up!. Henry approaches each song not as an isolated performance, but as part of a larger artistic continuum, drawing connections between genres, eras, and personal influences. His ability to navigate these transitions with ease is a testament to both his technical mastery and his interpretive intelligence.

Enlow Recital Hall provides an ideal environment for this type of performance. Known for its exceptional acoustics and intimate scale, the venue allows audiences to engage with the music on a level that is often lost in larger arenas. The clarity of sound ensures that Henry’s vocal range—from subtle, introspective passages to full, resonant climaxes—is delivered with precision, while the proximity of the audience creates a sense of connection that enhances the overall experience.

Ticket pricing for the event ranges from $58 to $88, positioning the performance as a premium offering within New Jersey’s live music landscape while remaining accessible relative to comparable events in major metropolitan venues. The dual performance schedule further expands access, allowing audiences to choose between afternoon and evening experiences that each carry their own distinct atmosphere.

This event also reflects the broader evolution of New Jersey’s cultural identity, where venues are increasingly attracting artists of national and international significance. The state’s live music ecosystem continues to expand, offering a diverse range of performances that span genres and styles. For those seeking to explore this landscape in greater depth, the full spectrum of programming can be accessed through the Explore New Jersey music hub, where ongoing coverage highlights the performances shaping the region’s artistic future.

As September 13 approaches, Joshua Henry’s Get Up, Stand Up! stands as one of the most compelling live events of the season. It is a performance that transcends traditional concert formats, blending musical excellence with narrative depth and emotional authenticity. In bringing this experience to Enlow Recital Hall, Kean University not only elevates its own programming but contributes to a larger movement that positions New Jersey as a destination for world-class live performance.

For audiences, this is more than an evening of music—it is an encounter with an artist at the height of his craft, delivering a performance that is as powerful as it is personal, and as timeless as the songs that inspire it.