The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is thrilled to announce the 13th Annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival, a dynamic celebration of jazz set to take place from November 7 to November 24, 2024. This year’s festival promises an eclectic and exhilarating lineup of performances, spotlighting both legendary jazz figures and exciting new talents across various venues in Newark.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The festival kicks off on November 7 with the legendary Paquito D’Rivera Quintet, who will be joining forces with the New Jersey Symphony for a unique blend of Latin jazz and classical music. D’Rivera, a Grammy Award-winning artist known for his virtuosic skills on the clarinet and saxophone, will showcase his signature jazzy interpretations of Mozart and Gershwin over three performances, including a special matinee.
The celebration of jazz continues with a tribute to funk on November 14, featuring an extraordinary ensemble of funk icons including George Clinton, Vernon Reid, Nona Hendryx, and Savion Glover. With Music Director Ray Chew at the helm, this event promises to be a high-energy homage to funk’s rich legacy.
On November 15, the festival will present a double bill featuring the NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and Choir, showcasing the next generation of jazz talent from New Jersey. This will be followed by a special concert led by Pulitzer Prize-winning percussionist Tyshawn Sorey, who will be joined by pianist Aaron Diehl and bassist Harish Raghavan. Sorey will also premiere a new work commissioned by NJPAC, inspired by the pioneering jazz drummer Max Roach.
Jazz Icons and Rising Stars
As the festival progresses, audiences will have the pleasure of enjoying intimate performances from acclaimed artists like Madeleine Peyroux on November 16, who will bring her smoky, emotive voice to NJPAC’s Victoria Theater. Later that day, the WBGO Children’s Concert featuring Davell Crawford will introduce younger audiences to the joys of jazz.
The festival’s penultimate weekend on November 23 will feature two exceptional performances: the Django Festival All-Stars, led by Dorado Schmitt and his sons, paying tribute to the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt, and a special appearance by the Kronos Quartet, exploring the works of Mahalia Jackson and other influential artists.
The grand finale on November 24 will be the 13th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. This prestigious competition, named in honor of Newark’s own jazz legend Sarah Vaughan, will offer emerging vocalists from around the world a chance to showcase their talents. The competition promises to reveal the next generation of jazz stars, with a panel of distinguished judges including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, and Madeleine Peyroux.
Festival Highlights and Tickets
The TD James Moody Jazz Festival offers something for every jazz enthusiast, from the vibrant energy of funk and the artistry of jazz greats to the innovative sounds of emerging artists. The festival will be held at various venues throughout Newark, including NJPAC’s Prudential Hall, Victoria Theater, and Chase Room, as well as the Mayo Performing Arts Center and Newark Symphony Hall.
“Each year, this festival showcases the incredible breadth of jazz,” said NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber. “We are honored to present such a diverse lineup of artists and performances, and we are thrilled to celebrate the legacy of jazz with both established legends and rising stars.”
NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor, Christian McBride, expressed his excitement for the festival: “This year’s lineup is exceptional, featuring a mix of legends and new voices. We’re bringing together some of the finest talents in jazz to create a festival that is both a celebration of the genre’s rich history and a look towards its future.”
Tickets for the TD James Moody Jazz Festival are now available, with a range of options to suit every budget. For more information on the schedule and to purchase tickets, visit the NJPAC website or contact their box office.
Join NJPAC for a month of unparalleled jazz performances and experience the magic of live music at the 13th Annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival.
Festival Hightlights
- Paquito D’ Rivera with New Jersey Symphony (Nov 7, 8 & 10)
- Tribute to Funk! with Bilal, Nona Hendryx, Christian McBride, Savion Glover, Vernon Reid, George Clinton, and More (Nov 14)
- NJMEA All-State Jazz Band + Choir (Nov 15)
- Tyshawn Sorey Trio featuring Aaron Diehl and Harish Raghavanand
- Sandbox Percussion (Nov 15)
- WBGO Children’s Concert with Davell Crawford (Nov 16)
- Madeleine Peyroux (Nov 16)
- Cindy Blackman Santana (Nov 17)
- Jazz Jams @ Clement’s Place (Nov 21)
- Bethany Baptist Jazz Vespers @ 25 Honoring Rev. M. William Howard, Jr. (Nov 21)
- John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: BILLIE & BLUE EYES (Nov 22)
- Dorado Schmitt and Sons: Django Festival All-Stars (Nov 23)
- Kronos Quartet (Nov 23)Philip Bailey, Lisa Fischer, Dianne Reeves and Christian McBride Big Band (Nov 23)
- Dorthaan’s Place: Brandee Younger Trio (Nov 24)
13th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced details of its 13th annual TD James Moody Festival, opening November 7 through November 24. Presented at various locations throughout Newark, the 2024 Festival comprises a wide range of jazz-infused performances from the living legends of Funk (George Clinton, Vernon Reid, Nona Hendryx and more) and world-renowned interpreters of the Great American Songbook John Pizzarelli and Catherine Russell to Pulitzer Prize-winning percussionist Tyshawn Sorey and cross-genre classical ensembles including the New Jersey Symphony, Kronos Quartet, and Sandbox Percussion. In one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the 2024 Festival, NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor Christian McBride will lead his Big Band and a fierce lineup of vocalists: Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey, Lisa Fischerand NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves. The Festival ends November 24th selecting the winner of the annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Complete Festival details can be found at NJPAC.org/jazz.
Festival Quotes
NJPAC President and CEO: “One thing about this year’s festival that’s especially gratifying is that we’re able to turn a spotlight on some dear friends of the Arts Center: Christian McBride, NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor, will preview his next album with an all-star concert; ultimate Jersey guy and longtime Arts Center stalwart John Pizzarelli will celebrate the music of Sinatra and Billie Holiday; and Tyshawn Sorey, one of the very first students of NJPAC’s Jazz for Teens arts training program, will come home to Newark—now a master percussionist, composer, MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize winner. We could not be more proud of his success, or more delighted to have him back here.”— John Schreiber
NJPAC Jazz Advisor and multiple GRAMMY Award-winning Bassist: “After 14 years of being Jazz Advisor here at NJPAC, it amazes me how each year this festival just gets better and bigger. I’m so excited about this year—the lineup is stacked! To bring together people like Vernon Reid, George Clinton and Dianne Reeves, and to get to play with my own big band? It’s a season of diamonds and pearls!”—Christian McBride
TD Bank Market President: “TD Bank has been an active supporter of the festival since it began 13 years ago, sponsoring free community performances and educational events, as well as mainstage concerts showcasing jazz superstars.We are very proud to continue our support of NJPAC and the TD James Moody Jazz Festival as they work to educate and empower through jazz. At TD, we believe music and the arts have a special way of inspiring positive change and connecting us across the diverse communities we share.”—Martin Melilli
Schedule and Tickets
THU 11.07- SUN 11.10: Paquito D’Rivera Quintet and with New Jersey Symphony
Paquito D’Rivera has won a combined 16 Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards (five Grammy and 11 Latin Grammys). He is celebrated both for his artistry in Latin jazz and his achievements as a classical composer. Born in Havana, Cuba, he performed at age 10 with the National Theater Orchestra, studied at the Havana Conservatory of Music, and at 17, became a featured soloist with the Cuban National Symphony. As a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, he directed that group for