In 2017, New Jersey Performing Arts Center Community Engagement bestowed Mr. Burrus, the “NJPAC Community Champion Award” for his support and commitment to capturing and documenting the NJPAC Jazz Jams at Clements Place Jazz in Rutgers University, Newark Jersey and keeping Jazz Alive in the Northern New Jersey Communities.

NJPAC Free Jazz Jam Sessions at Clements Place
Clements Place Jazz

Co-presented by Eyesha Marable Director, Community Engagement at New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Wayne Winborne, Executive Director of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers-Newark, these Jazz Jam Sessions attract ace musicians, from New Jersey and beyond, seeking to play alongside their musical heroes and peers. The series is curated and directed by pianist and bandleader James Austin, Jr. in consultation with the Jazz Advisory Committee of New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Community Engagement Department.

For 20 years, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark has been a revered space for performers and audience members alike.

It was beautiful celebration by all involved and no I did not get free tickets. lol