NJPAC Announces Top Five Finalists of the 15th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced the top five finalists of the 15th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Selected from a record-breaking pool of more than 360 entrants spanning 38 different countries, these gifted young singers represent the next generation of great jazz vocalists. The 2026 finalists are: Alyssa Allgood (Chicago, IL), Vahn Black (Detroit, MI), Nathan Farrell (New York City, NY), Angélique Nicolas (Paris, France), and Jackie Ribas (New York City, NY).
Westfield Garden State Plaza to Blend Musical Nostalgia with Today's Hits at Annual Big Santa Celebration
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Westfield Garden State Plaza, a destination for fashion, dining, and entertainment located in Bergen County, is ushering in the holiday spirit with iconic musical groups from the 80's, 90's, 00's and today at its annual Big Santa celebration taking place Sunday, November 22, 2026. The lineup includes Ryan Cabrera, All-4-One, TKA, Spice Wannabe, and JYT.
Monty Alexander at Kean Stage
by Andrew Schinder
published 2026-11-01
Monty Alexander grew to become one of the most legendary pianists in jazz, in part, by marrying the pleasure points of two musical worlds. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Alexander grew up listening to the island's celebrated local music – reggae, calypso, folk. At the same time, he became a huge jazz fan at an early age, influenced by his music enthusiast parents, and was sure to catch heroes, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole, whenever they crossed the Caribbean into Jamaica. By blending Jamaica's native sounds with traditional American swing, Alexander became an icon, creating a unique -- and irresistible -- take on jazz music.
MUSIC EVENTS
Niladri Kumaar: the space between the notes honoring Zakir Hussain
Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:30pmNJPAC - Victoria Theater
Newark, NJ
Sitar star Niladri Kumaar is a musical maverick, redefining the classical Indian sound for the next generation. In this concert, he pays tribute to his friend, mentor and frequent collaborator, the late tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Before Hussain’s passing, the sitar-tabla duo was captured in the wonderful 2017 documentary The Space Between the Notes. Kumaar will perform original compositions and revisit some of his favorite collaborations with Hussain. He’ll be joined by charismatic tabla player Satyajit Talwalkar, jazz/electronic musician Agnelo Fernandes on keys and Sambit Chatterjee.
Singer/Songwriter Evening In The Round
Saturday, November 07, 2026 @ 7:30pmLizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ
Something Special a round robin evening of music featuring a group of the finest singer/songwriter from our local area who come together for this one of a kind show not be missed
An Afternoon with Streisand and Garland
Saturday, November 07, 2026 @ 2:00pmAlgonquin Arts Theatre
Manasquan, NJ
Celebrate two legendary voices with Jenna Pastuszek in this soaring tribute to Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. Backed by a full live band, she delivers stunning vocals and heartfelt storytelling that honor these icons without imitation-bringing timeless songs like "Over the Rainbow" and "Don't Rain on My Parade" vividly to life.
Guest Attraction: New Jersey Symphony: Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey
Saturday, November 07, 2026 @ 2:00pmMayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ
Usually you’ll find Rick Steves touring the great destinations of Europe. Now you can join him on a different journey: A Symphonic Journey. In this unique concert, Rick Steves teams up with the New Jersey Symphony for a performance that combines Europe’s most stirring romantic-era anthems with beautiful high-definition cinematography and Rick’s insights into European history.
Guest Attraction: New Jersey Symphony: Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey
Saturday, November 07, 2026 @ 7:30pmMayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ
Usually you’ll find Rick Steves touring the great destinations of Europe. Now you can join him on a different journey: A Symphonic Journey. In this unique concert, Rick Steves teams up with the New Jersey Symphony for a performance that combines Europe’s most stirring romantic-era anthems with beautiful high-definition cinematography and Rick’s insights into European history.
FREESTYLE TAKEOVER 3
Saturday, November 07, 2026 @ 7:00pmCarteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ
Starring Cynthia, The Jets, George Lamond, Johnny O, Nyasia, Denine and hosted by Dom G! Freaturing Dare Goes Da DJzz. After-Party available for additional fee. (Must purchase a show ticket to buy the After Party ticket)
New Jersey Symphony presents Rick Steves' Europe: A Symphonic Journey
Saturday, November 07, 2026 @ 2:00pmMayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ
Rick Steves host
Nicholas Hersh conductor
New Jersey Symphony
New Jersey Symphony presents Rick Steves' Europe: A Symphonic Journey
Saturday, November 07, 2026 @ 7:30pmMayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ
Rick Steves host
Nicholas Hersh conductor
New Jersey Symphony
It's a Family Affair, the play
Saturday, November 07, 2026 @ 3:00pmAvenel Performing Arts Center
Avenel, NJ
Get ready to be part of an extraordinary theatrical experience. PHP, Arts & Entertainment presents It’s a Family Affair—a play like no other, and we want you to be there! 🎉
Spyro Gyra
Saturday, November 07, 2026 @ 5:00pmHamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
Rahway, NJ
WBGO presents All That Jazz concert series, a unique series showcasing some of the genre’s most talented and respected performers, featuring the return of 13-time Grammy nominated band Spyro Gyra, back by popular demand! This series is a partnership between WBGO, UCPAC, and Smooth Jazz NJ.
