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International Jazz Day 2026 at NJPAC: A Full‑Day Celebration of Unity, Creativity & the Future of Jazz

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the global spirit of International Jazz Day comes alive at NJPAC, where music, community, and culture converge for a powerful, joy‑filled celebration presented by NJPAC and JAZZ HOUSE KiDS.

This free community event honors jazz as a force for unity and creativity — and shines a bright spotlight on both the next generation of artists and the master musicians who continue to elevate the art form.

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2:30–3:30 PM — Plaza Welcome: Jazz & Poetry with the Gregory Burrus Ensemble feat Charlie Apicella Group

The Jazz Day Prelude sets the stage for International Jazz Day Celebration on the Victoria Thearter.with an inspiring blend of music, poetry, and community expression. This special gathering brings together vocalists, spoken‑word artists, and featured poets, all supported by the dynamic sound of the Gregory Burrus Ensemble.

More than a warm‑up, this Prelude is a creative crossroads — where jazz musicians lay down the groove, singers lift the spirit, and poets bring truth to the mic. Each performance flows into the next, creating a living tapestry of rhythm, voice, and storytelling.

Expect an afternoon filled with:

• Powerful spoken‑word pieces that reflect our times
• Soulful vocal performances backed by a live jazz band
• Improvised musical moments between poets and musicians
• A community‑centered celebration leading into International Jazz Day

The Jazz Day Prelude honors the roots of jazz as a force for expression, liberation, and unity — and showcases the artists who carry that legacy forward today.

Featuring: Poets and Singers Supported by”

• Charlie Apicella — guitar
• Joshua Walker — saxophone
• Brad Whiteley — organ
• Sareed — congas

Also in attendance:  Margie “Mia X” Johnson who is Newark’s inaugural Poet Laureate,

Their sound — warm, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in the jazz tradition — creates the perfect backdrop as poets and performers add their voices to the moment. It’s an uplifting, community‑centered welcome that signals: International Jazz Day is here to stay..

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4:00 PM — The Future of Jazz

Hosted by the legendary WBGO’s Sheila Anderson, the afternoon officially opens with an electrifying showcase of youth ensembles from across the region. These young musicians bring swing, soul, improvisation, and the kind of fearless musical energy that reminds us why jazz continues to inspire the world.

Featured ensembles:

• Riverdale Country School (Bronx, NY)
• Valley Jazz Orchestra (Annville, PA)
• JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
• NJPAC’s TD Jazz for Teens

From tight horn lines to adventurous solos, these rising artists embody the future of the music — creative, collaborative, and deeply connected to jazz’s global legacy.

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6:00 PM — Spotlight Performances: Masters of the Art

As the celebration continues, the stage elevates with artistry from two powerhouse forces in today’s jazz landscape:

• Lance Bryant & Shout Big Band
• Stefon Harris, internationally acclaimed vibraphonist, composer, and educator

These artists bring depth, mastery, and a commanding presence — offering performances that bridge generations and honor the global mission of International Jazz Day: unity, creativity, and community through music.

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A Celebration for Everyone

From the plaza to the Victoria Theater, from youth ensembles to world‑class artists, International Jazz Day at NJPAC is a full‑day experience that celebrates jazz as a living, evolving, unifying force.

Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover, a supporter of youth arts education, or simply someone seeking an afternoon of joy and inspiration, this event offers something meaningful for all.

Click Here Admission is free — and the spirit is unforgettable.

Presented by: NJPAC & JAZZ HOUSE KiDS

Hosted by: WBGO’s Sheila Anderson

Admission: Free (RSVP strongly recommended)

Seats are limited — RSVP early and join us for an unforgettable International Jazz Day celebration

NJPAC International-day-of-jazz-2026

Learn More NJPAC Jazz Advisory Committee