The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced the return of the 14th annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival, running from November 8 to November 23.
Curated by GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride, the festival unites world-class talent across jazz, hip-hop, poetry and dance—celebrating music’s power to inspire social change.
Newark Welcomes Back NJ’s Largest Jazz Celebration
This year’s lineup features Andra Day, José James, Ledisi, Stanley Clarke, Arturo Sandoval, Savion Glover, Carlos Varela and Stanley Jordan, along with hip-hop icons Chuck D, Rakim and Slick Rick in the powerful Represent! showcase of jazz, hip-hop and spoken word.
Performances will be held across Newark venues, including NJPAC’s Prudential Hall, Victoria Theater, Bethany Baptist Church and Clement’s Place. Events range in price and style. The festival will host everything from free community concerts to ticketed mainstage performances.
“Jazz has always been about collaboration and crossing boundaries,” said NJPAC President John Schreiber. “This year’s festival embodies that spirit, bringing together artists whose work bridges genres and generations.”
“Our goal with the Moody Festival is simple: to ensure audiences hear familiar favorites while discovering new music to fall in love with,” said McBride of the festival.
Special highlights include McBride’s Big Band concert with Andra Day, José James and Ledisi; Blues Is Alright featuring Tucka, King George and Pokey Bear; and Savion Glover: PROjECt.9, an explosive blend of tap and percussion.
The festival closes with the 14th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, honoring Newark’s own “Sassy.”
For New Jersey music lovers—especially jazz fans—the TD James Moody Jazz Festival is a must-see event. For the full lineup, tickets and more information, click here.
Tom is a lifelong New Jersey resident, Rutgers and FDU alumni and the publisher of The Digest.
