The Roast of New Jersey
New Jersey Gets Roasted: A Star-Packed Comedy Night Hits Red Bank This February
February 28, 2026 @ 20:00 – 23:30
New Jersey is no stranger to being the punchline of a good joke—but this winter, the Garden State is embracing the spotlight in the most Jersey way possible. The Count Basie Center for the Arts is launching a brand-new event that promises to celebrate—and lovingly skewer—everything that makes our state unforgettable. The first-ever Roast of New Jersey will ignite the historic Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre on Saturday, February 28, delivering an all-star lineup and the kind of comedic firepower worthy of a centennial celebration.
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. and showtime at 8 p.m. For fans of sharp wit, fearless punchlines, and the type of humor that defines great stand-up comedy, this is shaping up to be one of the can’t-miss entertainment events of 2025.
Leading the charge is none other than Jeff Ross, the acclaimed “Roastmaster General” whose name has become synonymous with the art of the roast. From Alec Baldwin to Justin Bieber to Bruce Willis, Ross has torched some of the world’s most recognizable celebrities on television and on tour, and now he’s setting his sights on New Jersey itself. Ross is no stranger to the Basie stage—his acclaimed one-man musical comedy show, “Take a Banana for the Ride,” made a stop at the theater before transferring to Broadway for a triumphant eight-week run and upcoming Netflix release. With Ross at the helm, the evening promises to blend biting humor with the kind of sharp, theatrical precision only he can deliver.
Joining Ross is a dais packed with some of the country’s strongest comedic voices, beloved local personalities, and a few Jersey legends. Joey “Coco” Diaz brings his volcanic energy and signature storytelling style, fresh off film and podcast success that has cemented him as one of the fiercest forces in the comedy world. From the monster hit Impractical Jokers, Brian “Q” Quinn adds his blend of chaos and charm, returning to Red Bank—where he also records his long-running cult-favorite podcast “Tell ’Em Steve-Dave.”
New York Giants icon and daily WFAN voice Tiki Barber steps onto the stage to lend his quick wit to the night’s antics, offering a crossover appeal that sports fans will appreciate. Stand-up veterans Rich Vos, Bonnie McFarlane, and Donnell Rawlings bring decades of comedic craft, each known for groundbreaking work across television, podcasts, and major streaming platforms. Chris Gethard, one of New Jersey’s most beloved comedic sons, brings his uniquely heartfelt, offbeat style, while rising superstar Natalie Cuomo adds her dynamic, modern voice to the mix, representing the next generation of comics making waves both online and on stage.
The Jersey flavor doesn’t stop there. Chris Covert, well-known across the state for his musical comedy antics and long-running involvement with local showcases, adds a dose of unpredictable fun. Reality TV personality Joe Gorga, recognized from both Real Housewives of New Jersey and his own sold-out comedy tours, brings his observational humor and high-energy presence to the evening.
Just when the audience thinks the Garden State has taken enough hits, a mystery guest will close out the night—someone tasked with stepping up to defend New Jersey’s honor. Expect a final volley of jokes, jabs, and Jersey pride aimed right back at anyone daring to mock our diners, our exits, our beaches, our highways, and of course, the eternal Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll debate.
This roast isn’t just an entertainment spectacle—it’s a cornerstone moment of the Count Basie Center’s ongoing Centennial Celebration. Leading up to the theater’s 100th anniversary in November 2026, the Basie is rolling out a series of new initiatives that reflect both the institution’s history and its future. Among the highlights are the creation of the Basie Walk of Fame, a number of community-driven collaborations, the debut of the ParkStage outdoor venue in Freehold, and a calendar filled with marquee performances designed to honor the past century while launching the next one.
In true Jersey fashion, the artwork for the Roast of New Jersey pays homage to another state staple: the iconic Roadside Diner on Route 34 in Farmingdale. For residents who grew up on late-night diner booths and neon lights—or anyone who believes New Jersey is best experienced over a plate of disco fries—it’s a fitting tribute to the culture this event celebrates.
For fans of live humor, pop culture, and the unmistakable vibe of Garden State charisma, the Roast of New Jersey promises an unforgettable night inside one of the state’s most storied venues. As the Basie continues to expand its programming and develop new spaces and traditions, this event stands out as a clever, affectionate love letter to the state and the people who call it home.
Tickets are expected to move quickly as this one-night celebration of Jersey pride, self-deprecating humor, and heavyweight comedic talent heads to Red Bank. Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan, a devoted New Jerseyan, or simply someone who knows our state can handle a good roast and still come out swinging, this is one event you’ll want to circle on the calendar.
The artwork for THE ROAST OF NEW JERSEY is inspired by the legendary Roadside Diner, Rt. 34 in Farmingdale, NJ.
JEFF ROSS: Jeff Ross is a writer, actor and comedian known worldwide as The Roastmaster General. Currently, he is touring his one-man musical play, “Take a Banana For the Ride,” which he calls “a cathartic, comedic experience” about love, loss, and human resilience. Jeff most recently partnered with Netflix to deliver a roast of the year called “Torching 2024” in which he produced and hosted alongside a cast of other comedians. TORCHING 2024 comes on the heels of the incredibly successful “GROAT (The Greatest Roast of All Time),” which he produced with sports legend Tom Brady. He has also spearheaded the wildly popular celebrity roasts of Justin Bieber, Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, James Franco, Charlie Sheen, William Shatner, Flava Flav, Donald Trump, and many others.
Jeff’s television projects include producing and starring in “Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle,” which has become an international phenomenon. He produced and co-starred with Dave Attell in their Netflix series “Bumping Mics,” directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Andrew Jarecki. Ross also produced and starred in “Historical Roasts” for Netflix, a series which skewers some of the most important figures in history including Abraham Lincoln, Anne Frank, Freddy Mercury, Muhammed Ali, Martin Luther King, and Cleopatra.
JOEY DIAZ: Some say he’s the best-kept secret in stand-up comedy: Joey Coco Diaz. His energy and his storytelling abilities are second to none. Joey most recently appeared on Netflix as mobster Buddha Bonpensiero in the Sopranos prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark. He’s also made memorable appearances in Taxi, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Longest Yard, Spider-Man 2, Everybody Hates Chris, Grudge Match and My Name is Earl. Joey’s stand-up shines in storytelling series such as Netflix’s The Degenerates (2018) and Comedy Central’s This is Not Happening (2019). Joey’s first full hour special, Sociably Unacceptable (2016), can be found on Amazon Prime and Peacock. Perhaps most notably, Joey’s voice found a captive audience in his podcast “Uncle Joey’s Joint”, where he tells stories of his life and his criminal past, as well as how he made it to where he is today. He is also a regular guest on the massively popular podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience”. Diaz’s brutally honest but wickedly funny stories brought him to the New York Times best seller list in his 2023 book, “Tremendous: The Life of a Comedy Savage”.
BRIAN “Q” QUINN: Staten Island native Brian “Q” Quinn is best known as an Executive Producer, Creator and Star of the wildly successful Impractical Jokers. Impractical Jokers 11th season aired in 2024-2025 on TBS. The show is currently shooting the 12th season with the show approaching 300 episodes. Q also executive produced and starred in the game show The Misery Index, which aired on TBS for three seasons. Impractical Jokers has also produced multiple spin off shows, including Impractical Jokers After Party, Impractical Jokers Dinner Party, Inside Jokes, and Jokers Wild, a sketch comedy show. In 2019, The Impractical Jokers Movie was released in theaters.
Q has toured extensively in the US and UK with his Impractical Jokers costars selling out countless esteemed venues – including both the Count Basie Center and Madison Square Garden. In 2025, he hosted his inaugural Q West Comedy Escape, a sold-out, two-day comedy festival in Key West. Q also has a long-running podcast “Tell ‘Em Steve Dave,” recorded here in Red Bank. He loves comics, cats, beer (including his stake in Staten Island’s Rubsam & Horrmann Brewing Company) and a good time.
TIKI BARBER:
New York Giants legend and three-time Pro Bowler Tiki Barber rushed for more than 10,000 yards during his storied NFL career, which included a Super Bowl appearance in 2001 and many Giants records which stand to this day. He can be heard daily on New York City sports station WFAN.
RICH VOS: Rich Vos is a comedy powerhouse with over 100 television appearances and a career that spans decades. He’s a recurring guest on Gutfeld!, can be heard on The Joe Rogan Experience, SiriusXM, as well as countless podcasts. Rich has cemented his place as one of the most respected voices in stand-up comedy, with several groundbreaking television appearances including the inaugural seasons of Last Comic Standing, the first white performer on Def Jam Comedy and as a regular on Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. Rich Vos has been showcased on platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Showtime and more. Beyond stand-up, Rich has been featured in films such as The King of Staten Island, Women Aren’t Funny, and the acclaimed Patrice O’Neal: Killing Is Easy documentary.
CHRIS GETHARD: Chris Gethard is a comedian, actor, and author who’s been doing comedy stuff for over twenty years. He’s the host of the Beautiful/Anonymous podcast, the former host of legendary public access television show “The Chris Gethard Show,” and had a special on HBO called Career Suicide where he talked about a few times he tried to kill himself. It was a comedy special.
He’s acted on shows like The Office, Broad City, Space Force, Parks and Recreation, and a bunch more. He’s been in some movies like Don’t Think Twice, The Heat, The Other Guys, and Ghostbusters.
But mostly, he’s a regular guy from New Jersey who likes traveling around and connecting with other human beings.
BONNIE MCFARLANE: Bonnie McFarlane is a stand-up comedian, writer and director, in that order. In comedy, she found early success with HBO and Comedy Central specials. McFarlane has performed on many late shows including several appearances on Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She wrote frequently for Anthony Bourdain and appeared with him on Parts Unknown and his CNN specials. McFarlane wrote and directed an award-winning documentary about sexism in the world of stand-up comedy called Women Aren’t Funny. Harper Collins published her memoir, You’re Better Than Me: A Memoir. She also wrote and directed an award-winning short film, Anything Boys Can Do, and is currently in development with NBC’s Peacock. McFarlane is married to the lord and legend Rich Vos.
DONNELL RAWLINGS: Donnell Rawlings is a dynamic force in comedy, captivating audiences worldwide as a comedian, actor, and podcaster. Since the release of his Netflix special A New Day—produced by longtime collaborator Dave Chappelle—Rawlings has solidified his reputation as a comedy heavyweight.
Chappelle himself praised him, saying: “I’ve been doing this a long time, and comedians like Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career. Anyone in the comedy community knows their names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.”
Currently headlining his Black & Mild Tour, Donnell continues to sell out clubs and theaters across the U.S. and abroad. His electric performances have included appearances at the Netflix Is a Joke Festival, New York Comedy Festival, and Moontower Comedy Festival, as well as sharing the stage with legends Chris Rock, Earthquake, and Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl and The Forum. He recently joined Chappelle for a historic run at Radio City Music Hall and performed with him on Saturday Night Live.
NATALIE CUOMO: Based in New York, where she started comedy, Natalie Cuomo is an international touring stand-up comedian whose debut album ’Shut Up You Loved It’ released at #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts. In 2023, Natalie was named one of New York Comedy Festival’s ‘Comics to Watch,’ and was named a finalist in the festival’s ’New York’s Funniest Competition’ the following year in 2024. She has been featured in New York Magazine, LA Times, Time Out NY, and Inked Magazine to name a few, and was featured in Season 16 of ‘Ink Master: No More Ink!’ on Paramount +.
Natalie has amassed over 2.4m followers, and 100m views, across social media where she actively engages with her audience and brings them behind the scenes into her everyday life. On Twitch Natalie has built a community of comedy lovers and gamers which has led to partnership opportunities with Amazon Gaming, Mejuri Jewelry, Monster Energy Drink, and more.
Natalie can be seen performing regularly in the heart of New York City, touring the country, and is getting ready to announce her 2026 Headlining European Tour.
CHRIS COVERT – Over his 25-year comedy career, Chris Covert has lit up stages in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and comedy clubs and theaters across the country. He first grabbed the mic back in 1991 while still in high school, tearing up local shows before stepping away for a few years to pursue a career in visual arts.
That detour didn’t last long. After entering a comedy contest that landed him a guest spot on The Howard Stern Show, Chris’s love for making people laugh came roaring back. Since returning to the spotlight, he’s shared the stage with comedy heavyweights like Artie Lange, Rob Schneider, and Nick DiPaolo, and has headlined rooms nationwide. Known for his no-holds-barred parodies and unconventional musical mayhem, Chris brings it all to the stage—turning every show into an evening of interactive fun, chaos, and unapologetic hilarity.
JOE GORGA – Housewives of New Jersey and Wife Swap TV star Joe Gorga delivers his hysterical take on life, work and marriage. Joe has performed to sold out audience at comedy clubs and theaters all across the US.
VINNIE BRAND – Vinnie Brand is an American comedian and owner of Stress Factory Comedy Club with locations in New Brunswick, NJ and Bridgeport, CT.
If you love live humor and want to explore even more shows coming to the state, check out the latest in New Jersey stand-up comedy and discover the next great night out waiting across the Garden State.
