Cranford Tuesdays at the Clock: The Outcrops – Blues‑Rooted Rock on a Tuesday Night
2026-06-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Blues‑rooted rock with Jersey swagger and soulful grit.

Tuesday, June 16 brings The Outcrops, a band known for blues‑rooted rock, soulful vocals, and unmistakable Jersey swagger. Expect guitar‑driven grooves, heartfelt performances, and a crowd‑pleasing summer soundtrack.

Cranford Thursdays at the Clock: Mama D & The Vexations
2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Gritty vocals and driving grooves turn the Clock Plaza into a summer party.

Join us Thursday, June 18, for Mama D & The Vexations — a band known for gritty vocals, tight rhythms, and party‑starting energy. Their rock‑soul fusion brings the heat and keeps the crowd moving all night long. Tags: rock, soul, party band, Cranford live music

Rutgers IJS NJPAC Monthly Jazz Jam Session featuring James Austin Jr at Clements Place
2026-06-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Clements Place Jazz IJS – Ruth Bader Ginsburg Building, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ, United States
You are invited to come listen and or join in the jam

Join us at our monthly Jazz Jam Sessions, featuring top-flight NJ musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr. This series is co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers Institute for Jazz Studies. Immerse yourself in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the player’s and listeners’ minds. All novice and seasoned jazz musicians and singers are welcomed to jam and improv with the professional band throughout the night.

Co-Producers: Wayne Winborne, Executive Director, IJS and Eyesha Marable, AVP, Comm Engagement, NJPAC.

Guitarist Singer Jeanne Ricks Band in 2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration
2026-06-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Maplewood Memorial Park, Maplewood Memorial Park Amphitheater, New Jersey, 07040, United States
2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration

Maplewood and South Orange come together once again for the 2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration, a community gathering that honors freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. On Friday, June 19, 2026, the Maplewood Memorial Park Amphitheater transforms into a vibrant cultural space filled with music, reflection, and collective joy as neighbors, families, and artists celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth.

This year’s program uplifts the voices and stories that continue to shape our shared journey, blending tradition with contemporary artistry. Among the featured performers is Jeanne Ricks—a guitarist, composer, and creative force whose socially conscious sound has become a powerful presence in Juneteenth programming across the region.

Jeanne brings her signature blend of Blues, Soul, Jazz, and modern groove to the MAPSO stage, offering a musical reflection that honors the past while inspiring forward motion. Her set—rooted in healing, unity, and liberation—creates a soundscape perfectly aligned with the meaning of the day.

Jeanne Ricks – RicksoMusic – Strings of Liberation – A Socially Conscious Soundscape

5:00 – 5:45 pm Jeanne Ricks brings a powerful musical journey of reflection, healing, and unity through her soulful guitar work and inspired arrangements. Her Juneteenth set features modern interpretations of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” and “We Shall Overcome,” along with timeless calls for justice and compassion such as “People Get Ready,” “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” “What’s Going On,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and “Love’s in Need of Love Today.” Jeanne weaves these classics together with original compositions that honor resilience and the ongoing pursuit of freedom. Her performance invites the audience into a space of remembrance, hope, and collective uplift. She closes with a message of unity and forward motion, reminding us that love, courage, and community remain our greatest instruments of change.

Jeanne Ricks, known professionally as Ricksomusic, is a guitarist, composer, and creative producer whose work blends Blues, Funk, Soul, and atmospheric sound design into a signature style that is both groove‑driven and emotionally rich. A New Rochelle native with deep roots in the New York and New Jersey music scene, Jeanne is recognized for her warm tone, fluid phrasing, and the unmistakable sense of storytelling she brings to every performance.

As the creator and artistic director of Sketches of Music, Jeanne has developed a multimedia platform that merges live performance, visual art, and narrative elements to spotlight emerging and established artists. Her work reflects a commitment to cultural preservation, creative innovation, and community‑centered artistry.

Jeanne’s music has been featured in broadcast media, including segments for The Weather Channel, and she continues to expand her catalog of original compositions and collaborative projects. Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the camera, she approaches every endeavor with intention, authenticity, and a deep respect for the power of music to inspire and connect.

With Ricksomusic, Jeanne stands at the intersection of artistry and vision — a guitarist with a distinct voice and a creator shaping new spaces for musical expression.

To see all all of the 2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration activities – Visit Maplewood Arts and Culture Juneteenth Event

Gregory Burrus Productions is a community‑driven cultural organization dedicated to presenting socially conscious music, storytelling, and live arts experiences that uplift, educate, and unite audiences across New Jersey and the tri‑state region. Led by cultural producer and community curator Gregory Burrus, the organization creates platforms that honor heritage, celebrate artistic excellence, and amplify voices that speak to justice, resilience, and collective healing.

Singer Performer Merikara SaikaPta in 2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration
2026-06-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Maplewood Memorial Park, Maplewood Memorial Park Amphitheater, New Jersey, 07040, United States
The 2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration brings Maplewood and South Orange together for a day of remembrance, reflection, and joyful community expression. On Friday, June 19, 2026, the Maplewood Memorial Park Amphitheater becomes a living canvas of music, culture, and storytelling as neighbors gather to honor the legacy of Juneteenth and the ongoing journey toward freedom.

This year’s program centers the artists and voices who carry forward traditions of resilience, healing, and liberation. Among them is MeriKara SaikaPtah—a vocalist, storyteller, and creative vessel whose work is deeply rooted in spirit, ancestry, and the transformative power of sound.

MeriKara’s performances blend Jazz, Soul, Spirituals, and spoken‑word textures, creating a space where history, identity, and collective healing meet. Her presence on the Juneteenth stage offers a grounding, heart‑centered experience that honors the past while calling the community toward unity, strength, and forward movement.

7:10 – 7:755 Merikara SaikaPta – Songs of Strength, Sounds of Freedom ( Gil Scott Heron, Marvin Gaye-)

“Songs of Strength, Sounds of Freedom” is Merikara’s powerful tribute to the artists who turned truth into art and art into liberation. Drawing inspiration from Gil Scott‑Heron, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, and the socially conscious voices of their era, this set blends soul, jazz, spoken word, and message‑driven storytelling into a moving musical experience. Each song becomes a reflection on resilience, justice, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom — honoring the legacy of those who used music as both a mirror and a megaphone for change.

With her commanding presence and emotionally rich delivery, Merikara leads the audience through a journey that is both reflective and uplifting. The set invites listeners to feel the weight of history while celebrating the strength of a people who continue to rise. “Songs of Strength, Sounds of Freedom” is more than a performance — it is a call to remember, to honor, and to carry the spirit of liberation forward.

MeriKara SaikaPtah is a vocalist, storyteller, and creative vessel whose work is rooted in spirit, culture, and the healing power of sound. Known for her warm, resonant tone and emotionally honest delivery, she brings a rare blend of ancestral grounding and contemporary expression to every performance. Her artistry spans Jazz, Soul, Spirituals, and spoken‑word‑infused performance, creating experiences that uplift, awaken, and invite deep reflection.

A South Orange native with a growing footprint in New Jersey’s arts community, MeriKara has appeared in productions such as Rooted In Us… A Jazz Corner Juke starring Ms. Celli Pitt and friends, and continues to build a body of work that honors lineage while forging new creative pathways. Her performances are marked by intention — weaving themes of liberation, identity, and collective healing.

As both an artist and cultural practitioner, MeriKara uses her voice as a tool for empowerment, connection, and emotional restoration. Whether on stage, in community spaces, or within multidisciplinary collaborations, she brings a presence that is both grounding and transformative.

To see all all of the 2026 MAPSO Juneteenth Celebration activities – Visit Maplewood Arts and Culture Juneteenth Event

Gregory Burrus Productions — Live Music Ambassador

Gregory Burrus Productions is a community‑driven cultural organization dedicated to presenting socially conscious music, storytelling, and live arts experiences that uplift, educate, and unite audiences across New Jersey and the tri‑state region. Led by cultural producer and community curator Gregory Burrus, the organization creates platforms that honor heritage, celebrate artistic excellence, and amplify voices that speak to justice, resilience, and collective healing.

Morris Museum 2026 Back Deck Presents Nat Adderley Jr. Quartet
2026-06-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960, United States
Nat Adderley, Jr. brings his soulful, story‑rich quartet to the Back Deck for a night where jazz, R&B, and legacy meet the summer sky. His piano voice — shaped by decades with Luther Vandross and rooted in the Adderley family tradition — feels especially powerful outdoors, where every groove and every lyric‑less melody lands with warmth and intention. It’s an evening built for listeners who love jazz with heart, history, and a little bit of soul in the breeze.

For full program details and official ticketing, visit the Morris Museum Back Deck page.

The Back Deck Returns!

Entering its sixth year, the popular Back Deck concert series returns with a robust season of performances featuring big international names and regional superstars in jazz, classical, and genres in-between. Under the direction of Producer Gregory Burrus, the 2026 season promises a dynamic variety of memorable concerts under the stars. Patrons are invited to bring chairs, set up picnics, and enjoy the sunset for this special program.

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Click here for details Morris Museum Back Deck Concerts

Cranford Tuesdays at the Clock: Swamp Cats – Swamp‑Soaked Blues‑Rock on a Tuesday
2026-06-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Raw, swamp‑soaked blues‑rock that growls, grooves, and moves the crowd.

On Tuesday, June 23, the Swamp Cats return with their signature swamp‑soaked blues‑rock. Gritty, raw, and irresistibly groovy, this band turns every lawn into a dance floor.

Cranford Thursdays at the Clock: Nikki Briar Group
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Jersey’s country queen brings upbeat, radio‑ready country with attitude.

On Thursday, June 25, Nikki Briar lights up the Clock Plaza with upbeat, modern country and Jersey‑strong attitude. Expect high‑energy performance, catchy hooks, and a night full of feel‑good summer vibes.

Tags: country, NJ artists, summer concerts, Cranford events

Lance Bryant & Shout! Big Band at Express Newark
2026-06-26 19:00 - 20:30 | EXPRESS NEWARK, 54 HALSEY STREET, Newark, New Jersey, 07102, United States
SHOUT! – Clem’s resident big band led by master saxist and composer Lance Bryant return for their monthly roof raising performance

RSVP Required

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-institute-of-jazz-studies-rutgers-newark-12784577956

SHOUT! features some of the finest musicians in the NY/NJ area in a modern big band setting performing hip arrangements of new jazz classics and originals by master arranger and tenor saxophonist Lance Bryant. This full sixteen piece big band performs compositions and arrangements by Lance and occasionally arrangements of his colleagues. Lance has been arranging for other artists and bands for over twenty five years, starting with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. “Lionel Hampton always encouraged me to keep writing,” Lance says of the iconic Jazz legend. “I found that when commissioned to write for artists or band leaders there was often some level of restrictions or parameters to adhere to.” That was until Lance was commissioned to write a program of arrangements to be performed live by vocalist Carla Cook and the NDR Big Band in Hamburg, Germany in 2002. Given ample freedom to create by Carla, Lance wrote nine arrangements for the program. “I was so pleased with the results, I never forgot that feeling.” In the Spring of 2022 Lance finally decided to start his own band. “For me there’s nothing like that range of power and expression we can achieve with sixteen great musicians. Not to mention the sense of community and family that we enjoy working as a big band.”

Regular Members:

Lance Bryant – conductor, arranger, composer and saxophone

Saxophones: Matt Hong, Zoe Obadia, Craig Rivers, Mike Lee, David Schumacher

Trombones: Juanga Lakunza, Peter Lin, Clarence Banks, James Borowski

Trumpets: Nathan Eklund, Eddie Allen, Ted Chub, Bill Mobley

Rhythm: Oscar Perez, Caylen Bryant, Jerome Jennings

ABOUT LANCE BRYANT

Multi-hyphenate composer, arranger, bandleader, tenor and soprano saxophonist Lance Bryant performs in the New York/New Jersey area. When Lance is not performing his own music he is touring with revered South African pianist, Abdullah Ibrahim, performing and recording as saxophonist with fellow New York area players, teaching and writing commissioned arrangements for other artists and bands. Lance comes out of Markham, Illinois, a small town near Chicago. He received his formal music education at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where he studied saxophone, composition and arranging. After moving to New York City in the mid. 1980s, Lance continued his education, studying saxophone and arranging privately with Frank Foster, the former director of the Count Basie Orchestra. He also studied composition with Bruce Adolphe of Lincoln Center’s Chamber Music Society. In 1990 Lance began his decade-long relationship with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra and in 1993 became the Orchestra’s Musical Director and Principal Arranger. Lance also made his film debut in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X and traveled extensively with Phyllis Hyman, Jon Hendricks, Pete “LaRocca” Sims, Wallace Roney, Abdulah Ibrahim, Bootsy Collins, James Williams and others. In the early summer of 2000, Lance was selected as an on-stage musician for the Broadway production of the musical review Swing!, which received six Toni nominations. Throughout his music career, Lance’s talents as an arranger, composer, saxophonist and vocalist have been featured on many projects like: For the Love of Jazz on Mojazz Records (Lionel Hampton), Dem Bones and Simply Natural on MaxJazz Records for Grammy nominated vocalist Carla Cook, Swingin’ Away for the George Gee Swing Orchestra, and more recently on drummer Yoron Israel’s latest release, Visions, the Music of Stevie Wonder.

Lance’s earliest musical experience was established while growing up in the Baptist Church. His connection with spirituality and music has endured. In 2000 to 2006 Lance served as Director of Instrumental Music at Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ. Between 2006 and 2013, while living in Massachusetts, Lance served as Minister of Music for Andover Baptist Church in Andover MA, leading worship services with gospel and sometimes jazz music. In 2002 he released Psalm, the first of four Cds featuring original songs, and jazz arrangements of hymns and Spirituals.

As an educator Lance’s recent teaching work has included woodwind instructor for Covenant Christian Academy in Peabody, MA, director of the Phillips Academy Gospel Choir in Andover MA, and Berklee’s Saxophone Weekend for the Berklee College of Music summer program where Lance taught master classes, group lessons, jazz theory, improvisation and ensemble. Lance also served on the faculty or Jazz At Lincoln Center’s educational department working with it’s outreach program for youth throughout New York City.

In 2014-15 Lance performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on the Broadway musical hit After Midnight. Starting in Spring of 2016 he performed in the orchestra of the Broadway production of George C. Wolfe’s “Shuffle Along …” featuring Tony Award winner Audra MacDonald and the choreography of Savion Glover. When he’s not touring with Abdullah Ibrahim and Ekaya, Lance continues to teach and perform in the New York and northern New Jersey areas as a solo artist and in bands that include Andy Farber and his Orchestra, and the New Lionel Hampton Big Band featuring Jason Marsalis.

Realizing the importance of spirituality and the blues as healing and empowering forces, Lance always makes sure to incorporate these elements from his cultural background into his music. He believes that the larger community of the world is in need of that same healing and empowering influence.

Praise Unleashed: An Afternoon of Worship at the City of Orange Gospel Festival
2026-06-27 12:00 - 18:00 | Monte Irvin Orange Park, South Center St & South Harrison Street, City of Orange, New Jersey, 07050, United States
You are Invited: Come early, bring the family and enjoy a great day with friends in the community

Just Show up or Let Us Know You’re Coming to Join Us! – An Afternoon of Praise & Worship in Orange Gospel Festival Tickets, Saturday, June 27 • 12 PM – 6 PM | Eventbrite in Monte Irvin Orange Park directly across from St Mathews Church, 336 Oakwood Ave, City of Orange, NJ 07050

An Afternoon of Praise & Worship in the Orange Gospel Festival is a joyful celebration of faith, music, and community uplift. This special program brings together an inspiring lineup of gospel, jazz, worship, and multicultural artists who each offer their own powerful expression of praise. Set within the spirit and energy of the Orange Gospel Festival, this concert experience invites audiences of all ages to gather, sing, rejoice, and be renewed.

Register on Eventbrite

Throughout the afternoon, you’ll hear Spanish‑language gospel praise, jazz‑infused worship, soulful vocal artistry, and dynamic ensemble ministry. Each performance reflects the diversity, creativity, and spiritual depth of our region’s sacred‑arts community. Whether you come for the music, the ministry, or the fellowship, you’ll find an atmosphere filled with joy, connection, and heartfelt celebration.

This event is designed for families, church groups, music lovers, and anyone seeking an uplifting experience rooted in faith and community. Bring your friends, your spirit of praise, and your festival energy as we honor the traditions, voices, and cultural expressions that make the Orange Gospel Festival a beloved gathering for our city.

Join us for an afternoon where music becomes ministry, worship becomes celebration, and the community comes alive in unity and song.

Performing

Carrie Jackson & Radam Schwartz — Gospel Jazz Duo

A legendary pairing of soulful vocals and rich organ mastery, closing the afternoon with swing, spirit, tradition, and deep gospel‑jazz roots.

MeriKara SaikaPtah / Phil Bingham — Inspirational Vocals & Piano

A beautifully intimate worship moment featuring MeriKara’s expressive vocals and Phil Bingham’s masterful piano, offering reverence, artistry, and heartfelt praise.

Bruno L. Lee, “The Trumpet Man” — Gospel Jazz Trumpet Ministry

A dynamic blend of gospel fire and jazz artistry, Bruno’s trumpet ministry delivers soulful melodies, spiritual intensity, and a sound that stirs the heart.

Straight out of Alicia Keys’ Broadway hit Hell’s Kitchen, Badia Farha brings her powerhouse voice to the Gospel Jazz Fest. Badia Farha, known for her dynamic Broadway presence and rich vocal roots, delivers a stirring, joy‑filled sound that moves audiences. Her voice carries both power and praise, making her a standout in any sacred‑arts celebration.

Manuela Zapata — Spanish‑Language Gospel Praise

A vibrant and spirit‑filled offering of gospel worship en Español, bringing cultural richness, heartfelt devotion, and a joyful sound that opens the afternoon with energy and grace.

Amina Figarova / Bart Platteau & Matsiko Singers — Jazz, Global Worship & Inspirational Choir

A powerful fusion of world‑class jazz, global worship traditions, and the uplifting voices of the Matsiko World Orphan Choir, creating a moving, multicultural worship experience.

Rev. Eyesha Marable & The Unity Project (TUP) — Praise & Worship Experience

A high‑energy, spirit‑filled ensemble led by Rev. Eyesha Marable, delivering joyful praise, movement, ministry, and a powerful communal worship experience.

and more

Phil Bingham -Pianist Eyesha Marable TUP Leader

We invite the entire community to come out and share in this powerful afternoon of praise, worship, and joyful celebration. This event is made possible through the generous support of — the City of Orange Township, the Orange Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs, NJPAC Community Engagement Jazz Advisory Council, Essex County, and live music ambassador and curator Gregory Burrus. Their commitment to arts, culture, and community uplift ensures that we can gather in unity, celebrate our faith, and enjoy an unforgettable lineup of gifted artists. Join us for a beautiful, blessed day filled with music, fellowship, and the spirit of praise that continues to move our culture forward.

Rutgers IJS Presents the AAPI Jazz Collective at Express Newark
2026-06-27 19:30 - 22:00 | EXPRESS NEWARK, 54 HALSEY STREET, Newark, New Jersey, 07102, United States
AAPI Jazz Collective:

The AAPI Jazz Collective is an all-star ensemble featuring AAPI jazz artists throughout the tri-state area. Formed in 2019 by Taiwanese-American trombonist, Peter Lin, this ensemble strives to promote empathy through passionate musical expression as well as highlighting the band’s cultural roots. The AAPI Jazz Collective performs jazz-infused arrangements of classic and traditional Asian songs, as well as exciting originals they appropriately label as “The New Asian Songbook”. Their debut album, titled Identity and released on Origin Records, is not only a proper representation of their long relationship together, but also a guiding light for many other young AAPI artists looking for inspiration. The AAPI Jazz Collective has performed at the AAPI Jazz Fest, the MET Museum Lunar New Year Celebration, the New York Asian Film Festival, as well as many other venues and festivals.

Register on Eventbrite

Performers

Mỹ Tâm Huynh – vocals

Peter Lin – trombone

Stephanie Tateiwa – alto sax

Mike Bond – keys

Masaaki Saito – bass

Wen-Ting Wu – drums

Artist Details

Peter Lin:

Peter Lin is a Taiwanese-American trombonist, producer, and educator in the tri-state area. A graduate from both William Paterson University (undergrad) and Rutgers University (graduate), Peter has performed with jazz luminaries including Slide Hampton, Ron Carter, Winard Harper, Charli Persip, JD Allen, Robin Eubanks, Steve Davis, and Steve Turre. He has also been included in notable ensembles such as the Roy Hargrove Big Band, Jimmy Heath Big Band, and Frank Lacy’s Tromboniverse. With three albums under his name, including his most recent release titled “Identity” on Origin Records, he continues to perform prolifically worldwide as both a leader and sideman. In addition to his musical endeavors, he is also the founder of Yardbird Entertainment, a music production company providing audio, video, and livestream services, as well as the producer of AAPI Jazz Fest, which is currently in its fourth year. He currently teaches at Jazz House Kids and New Jersey Youth Symphony as a trombone instructor and ensemble coach.

Stephanie Tateiwa:

Stephanie Tateiwa is a New York-based saxophonist, woodwind doubler, educator, and a composer. She has toured all over the United States and Canada as a member of renowned groups such as the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and Sunny Jain’s RED BARAAT. She is an active player in the Off Broadway/Broadway scene. She can be seen performing in productions such as the Broadway Proudction of Beaches at the Majestic Theater , Off Broadway Production of A Christmas Carol at the Perelman Performing Arts Center, and more.

Passionate about teaching, she serves on faculty at the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center Academy, and is a Graduate Adjunct Instructor of Woodwinds at NYU.

She has her Bachelors of Music degrees in Jazz Saxophone and in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music, and she is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Multiple Woodwinds at NYU.

Stephanie has been the recipient of awards including the Jazz Education Network, Sisters in Jazz Competition, Essentially Ellington Best Saxophone Award, Concerto Competition Winner at the New England Music Camp, and Grand Prix Winner of Concert Festival on the classical piano.

Mỹ Tâm Huynh:

Mỹ Tâm Huynh (pronounced: mee thum hwin), aka “mitamu,” is an interdisciplinary multi-award winning artist who draws inspiration from all forms of storytelling. The heart of her music is rooted in her Vietnamese American culture and Black American creative music. Many questions surrounding identity, culture, and values collide in her practice. These questions often become the music Huynh wants to create.

Themes she has previously explored include fragmentation and identity, multiculturalism, and most recently, futurism. Huynh takes pride in her songwriting and actively performs under “mitamu.” Her first studio album, sunflower in the east, released on October 30th, 2021. It is influenced by everything from jazz, new wave, and poetry. The record is a tribute to the trials and triumphs of growing up, learning to be vulnerable, and maintaining a creative existence in a commodified world. With poignant lyrics and creative production, it evokes nostalgia for the romance of youth within a more sophisticated future. This bittersweet vista is Huynhʼs own life, each song representing a significant moment and flowing with improvisation and poetry. In 2022, Huynh won 1st place at the Beta Hi-Fi Emerging Artist Festival Competition. She was selected out of 300 artists and performed among nine other finalists.

Huynh is a self-described futurist and strives to create musical compositions that explore collective storytelling through improvisation and the relationship between visual art, poetry, music, and technology. She is planning to showcase her vision in her sophomore album, projected to release in 2025.

Huynh is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (MM’22) and the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University (BM’18). Upon graduating, she accepted a position at the Manhattan School of Music as faculty for the Jazz Arts program. In 2025, Huynh was named the 2025 Van Lier Artist of Exceptional Merit by Asian American Arts Alliance. In 2023, Huynh was a winner of ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award, ASCAP Phoebe Jacobs recipient, resident composer and teaching artist for Wildflower Composers and Asian Arts Initiative. In 2023 and 2024, she was named a semi-finalist of the Next Jazz Legacy program. Huynh is an alum of several renowned programs such as the Banff International Workshop in Jazz & Creative Music and Diamond Research Scholars Program. Through these opportunities, she strives to further her vision of futurism and decolonization through art.

Mike Bond:

Mike Bond is a professional music director/ pianist working in the NYC area. He has performed/recorded with some of the most notable jazz artists in the world such as Jerry Weldon, Conrad Herwig, Curtis Lundy, Josh Evans, Bruce Williams, Byron Landham, Tim Ries, the Captain Black Big Band , and performed at some of the top clubs on the scene including Smalls, Mezzrow, Birdland Theater, Jazz Gallery, Smoke Jazz Club, NJPAC, Two River Theater, Exit Zero Jazz Festival, NYC winter jazz fest, Judson’s, and the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center,

Credits include MD’ing for Tony award winning tap dancer Savion Glover (Tap Dance Kid), (CiTy Kid) , Broadway lead, Andrew Polec, and Broadway choreographer and performer T. Oliver Reid (Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Into the Woods). He was featured on “Burn Ballads” as part of a series for Elle Magazine accompanying celebrity artists Babyface, and Offset.

Bond is a member of the Recording Academy as well as an adjunct faculty member at Rider U.

Masaaki Saito

Masaaki Saito is an upcoming upright/electric bassist situated in New Jersey. He started his musical journey at the age of 13 when picking up the guitar. He went to Montclair State University where he studied with Dave Stryker. That was when he also picked up the upright bass, initially out of curiosity, but as more opportunities came up it became his primary instrument. While still at Montclair State University, he studied bass with Bill Moring. Since graduating in 2017, he has worked as a freelance musician playing in a variety of settings ranging from clubs, restaurants and weddings.

Wen-Ting Wu:

Drummer, composer, and educator Wen-Ting Wu is a versatile artist from Taiwan based in New York City. As an artist, she strives to create a space of freedom, honesty, empathy and expression using music as a vessel, a spiritual ritual, to generate positive energy and bring people together. Derived from deep self reflections and observations from the current world we live in, “Write what you wish for” -said Wayne Shorter, is always a guidance she follows when she creates.

Her past release includes the 2021 trio project “Pause & Effect” released on ESP-Disk. Following this, she received the Silver Lining New Artist Award in 2022, leading to the commission of “As a Women…,” an evocative 19-minute Jazz Suite she wrote featuring Mimi Jones and Neta Raanan. Her commitment to creative exchange also led to her being selected as a member of the M3 (Mutual Mentorship for Musicians) program cohort 8 in 2025, resulting a new duo commission project.

Besides being a regular member in Grammy-winning artist Frank Lacy’s Septet and Classical Jazz Ensemble, and AAPI Jazz Collective, she has performed with Jazz greats such as Ed Cherry, Charenee Wade, Mimi Jones, Bertha Hope, Pat Bianchi, and Lonnie Plaxico to name a few. She has played in prestigious venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Smoke Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz club, The Met Museum, National Sawdust, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and more. She has also toured internationally at major music festivals with Indie-pop band Sunset Rollercoaster. Her collaborations with other artists span across genres, ranging from Jazz, Avant-garde, Funk, Contemporary music, to singer/songwriters, and experimental theater productions. Wen-Ting is endorsed by Canopus Drums.

Peter Lin

973-349-7841

https://www.peterlinmusic.com

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Jesus & Jazz: The Eulipion Lineage Lives —Sonelius Smith, Adam Kahan , George Schuller This Sunday June 28 at Mt. Zion AME Church, Millburn NJ
2026-06-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Mt Zion AME Church, 54 Church Street, Milburn, New Jersey, United States
Join Us for another very special Sunday for a rare convergence of three artists who carry the living history of the music.

Register on Eventbrite

This Sunday, Jesus & Jazz brings a rare convergence of three artists who carry the living history of the music: filmmaker‑bassist Adam Kahan, pianist‑composer Sonelius Smith, and drummer‑producer George Schuller. This is not a pickup trio — it’s a meeting of three historians of the sound, each tied to a different branch of the avant‑spiritual tree.

Sonelius Smith — The Eulipion Lineage

A direct link to the Rahsaan Roland Kirk / Eulipion universe, Sonelius Smith stands as one of the last active pianists shaped by that era’s fearless imagination. His work with the Eulipion Project, his deep harmonic language, and his spiritual‑percussive approach to the piano make him a living archive of the Black Creative Music tradition.

Adam Kahan — The Documentarian of the Fire

Adam Kahan isn’t just a bassist — he’s the filmmaker behind The Case of the Three Sided Dream, the definitive documentary on Rahsaan Roland Kirk. His bass playing carries that same energy: grounded, searching, and always in conversation with the ancestors. When he locks in with Sonelius, you hear history speaking in real time.

George Shuller — The Schuller Legacy Meets the Loft Era

George Schuller brings the rhythmic intelligence of the Gunther Shuller lineage and the edge of the NYC loft‑jazz movement. His drumming is architectural, elastic, and deeply attuned to the avant‑gospel spirit that Jesus & Jazz cultivates.

✨ Why This Sunday Matters

This trio represents three different doors into the same house:

the Eulipion tradition

the loft‑jazz revolution

the documentary preservation of Black musical genius

Hearing them together in a sacred space is a once‑in‑a‑generation moment — a conversation across eras, aesthetics, and spiritual lineages.

Join Us

This Sunday • 11:30 AM Mt. Zion AME Church, Millburn, NJ Freewill offering • All are welcome

Cranford Tuesdays at the Clock: Leonieke Scheuble Trio – Global‑Flavored Jazz
2026-06-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Prodigy pianist Leonieke Scheuble leads a trio blending jazz with global colors.

Join us Tuesday, June 30 for the Leonieke Scheuble Trio, led by a prodigy pianist whose global‑influenced jazz sound captivates audiences of all ages. A sophisticated, uplifting evening of world‑tinged improvisation.

Morris Museum 2026 Back Deck Presents Alexis Morrast
2026-07-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960, United States
Alexis Morrast brings a radiant, soul‑deep vocal presence to the Back Deck — the kind of voice that feels made for an open summer sky. A two‑time Apollo winner and rising national star, she blends jazz tradition with youthful clarity, emotional honesty, and a tone that stops people mid‑conversation. Outdoors, her sound becomes even more intimate: warm phrasing drifting across the museum Back Deck, subtle improvisations catching the breeze, and a band that lifts every moment around her.

For full season details and official ticketing, visit the Morris Museum Back Deck page.

The Back Deck Returns!

Entering its sixth year, the popular Back Deck concert series returns with a robust season of performances featuring big international names and regional superstars in jazz, classical, and genres in-between. Under the direction of Producer Gregory Burrus, the 2026 season promises a dynamic variety of memorable concerts under the stars. Patrons are invited to bring chairs, set up picnics, and enjoy the sunset for this special program.

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Click here for details Morris Museum Back Deck Concerts

Cranford Tuesdays at the Clock: KG Music School – Young Hometown Talent
2026-07-07 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Young hometown musicians light up the lawn with fresh energy and Cranford pride.

Celebrate Tuesdays with the rising stars of the KG Music School. These young hometown musicians bring heart, talent, and community spirit to the Cranford Summer Sounds stage. A perfect evening for families, neighbors, and anyone who loves seeing the next generation shine.

Cranford Thursdays at the Clock: MPack
2026-07-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
A powerhouse funk unit delivering tight grooves and electrifying musicianship.

On Thursday, July 9, MPack brings deep funk, tight rhythms, and electrifying musicianship to the Clock Plaza. A guaranteed groove‑heavy night that keeps the crowd moving.

Tags: funk, groove, dance music, Cranford events

Morris Museum 2026 Back Deck Presents Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey
2026-07-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960, United States
The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey brings a sweeping, open‑air elegance to the Back Deck — a rare chance to hear masterful classical playing under a summer sky. Their performances blend historic depth with modern vitality, creating a sound that feels both timeless and alive in the outdoor setting. Strings, winds, and harpsichord textures drift across the museum grounds, turning the Back Deck into a natural concert hall where every phrase resonates with clarity and warmth.

The Back Deck Returns!

Entering its sixth year, the popular Back Deck concert series returns with a robust season of performances featuring big international names and regional superstars in jazz, classical, and genres in-between. Under the direction of Producer Gregory Burrus, the 2025 season promises a dynamic variety of memorable concerts under the stars. Patrons are invited to bring chairs, set up picnics, and enjoy the sunset for this special program.

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Click here for details Morris Museum Back Deck Concerts

Morris Museum 2026 Back Deck Presents ArcoStrum
2026-07-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960, United States
ArcoStrum brings a fresh, genre‑crossing energy to the Back Deck — a duo that blends classical finesse with rhythmic, contemporary drive in a way that feels tailor‑made for an open‑air summer stage. Their interplay of bow and strings creates a sound that moves from intimate to explosive, weaving chamber textures with modern pulse. Outdoors, their music opens up even more: melodies floating across the museum lawn, grooves catching the evening breeze, and a performance that invites listeners into something both refined and boldly new.

For full season details and official ticketing, visit the Morris Museum Back Deck page

The Back Deck Returns!

Entering its sixth year, the popular Back Deck concert series returns with a robust season of performances featuring big international names and regional superstars in jazz, classical, and genres in-between. Under the direction of Producer Gregory Burrus, the 2026 season promises a dynamic variety of memorable concerts under the stars. Patrons are invited to bring chairs, set up picnics, and enjoy the sunset for this special program.

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Click here for details Morris Museum Back Deck Concerts

Cranford and NJPAC Jazz Tuesdays featuring Lynette Sheard Live in 24 Hours of Music
2026-07-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States

24 Hours of Music Jamboree - Horizontal — 2026 Relaunch
2026-07-14 18:00 - 20:00 | New Jersey
The 2026 edition of the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Horizontal expands into a weeklong celebration stretching from Jersey City to the Jersey Shore. Events include community performances, wellness activations, artist workshops, a Sunday morning “play and pray” gathering, and the festival’s signature 11‑Hour Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival on July 18. The weekend concludes with a closing celebration at Moore’s Lounge in Jersey City.

Key Details:

Dates: July 14–19, 2026

Kick Off Event: Cranford NJ

Signature Event: July 18 — 11‑Hour Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival

Closing Celebration: July 19 at Moore’s Lounge, Jersey City

Locations: Multiple towns across New Jersey

Admission: Varies by event (more details coming soon)

Cranford Thursdays at the Clock: Jared Paparozzi Group
2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Cutting‑edge jazz fusion with soaring keys and dynamic improvisation.

Join us Thursday, July 16, for the Jared Paparozzi Group — a modern jazz fusion ensemble delivering soaring keys, bold textures, and dynamic improvisation. A must‑hear night for jazz lovers.

Tags: jazz fusion, instrumental, improvisation, Cranford concerts

Morris Museum 2026 Back Deck Presentsb Amani: The Music of Burt Bacharach
2026-07-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960, United States
Amani brings the timeless songs of Burt Bacharach to the Back Deck with a warm, soulful touch that feels perfect for a summer evening outdoors. Their arrangements honor the sophistication of Bacharach’s melodies while opening them up with jazz phrasing, subtle improvisation, and the group’s signature blend of elegance and ease. Under the open sky, these classics take on new life — harmonies floating across the museum lawn, grooves settling into the twilight, and familiar songs revealing fresh emotional colors.

For full season details and official ticketing, visit the Morris Museum Back Deck page.

The Back Deck Returns!

Entering its sixth year, the popular Back Deck concert series returns with a robust season of performances featuring big international names and regional superstars in jazz, classical, and genres in-between. Under the direction of Producer Gregory Burrus, the 2026 season promises a dynamic variety of memorable concerts under the stars. Patrons are invited to bring chairs, set up picnics, and enjoy the sunset for this special program.

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Click here for details Morris Museum Back Deck Concerts

5th Annual 2026 Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival – Free Outdoor Concerts in Monte Irvin Park Orange NJ
2026-07-18 11:00 - 22:00 | Monte Irvin Orange Park, South Center St & South Harrison Street, City of Orange, New Jersey, 07050, United States
Register on Eventbrite

Show up early, settle in, and prepare to be truly blown away by what’s coming.

Experience a powerful mix of jazz styles all day long — swing, soul‑jazz, blues, soul jazz, New Orleans traditions, and the vibrant sounds of New Jersey’s own artists. Expect nonstop music from powerhouse performers, rising stars, and community favorites lighting up the big outdoor stage.

This year’s program, from morning to evening, you will be graced by a dynamic mix of stellar, distinguished professionals—each bringing their own brand of power and soul.

Click – Check out 2026 Lineup

Click – Check out 2026 Schedule

Click – Check out 2026 Artist Details

Click – Check out 2026 Supporters and Sponsors

Click – STAY UP TO DATE WITH US

CLICK TO JOIN US AT THE FESTIVAL – RSVP TODAY

NORTH END OF PARK

SOUTH END OF THE PARK

Cranford Tuesdays at the Clock: Carlos Frias & Circulo Social – Latin‑Infused RnB m
2026-07-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Smooth RnB blended with Latin rhythm, groove, and summer heat.

Tuesday, July 21 brings Carlos Frias & Circulo Social, delivering smooth RnB wrapped in Latin energy. Expect rhythm, soul, and a dance‑ready summer vibe.

Cranford Thursdays at the Clock: Lynette Sheard Live
2026-07-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
A magnetic, genre‑blending vocalist returns with soulful jazz and R&B.

On Thursday, July 23, Lynette Sheard returns with another night of soulful, genre‑blending brilliance. Her voice, presence, and artistry make this a highlight of the summer series.

Tags: jazz, R&B, vocalist, Cranford live music

Morris Museum 2026 Back Deck Presents Orpheus Chamber Players: Nocturnal Serenade
2026-07-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960, United States
The Orpheus Chamber Players bring a luminous, twilight‑inspired program to the Back Deck with Nocturnal Serenade — music shaped for the magic of an outdoor summer night. Their signature conductor‑less approach creates a rare intimacy, every musician listening, responding, and shaping the moment in real time. As dusk settles over the museum grounds, the ensemble’s clarity and warmth take on a cinematic glow, turning the Back Deck into a living soundscape of quiet brilliance and late‑evening energy.

For full season details and official ticketing, visit the Morris Museum Back Deck page.

The Back Deck Returns!

Entering its sixth year, the popular Back Deck concert series returns with a robust season of performances featuring big international names and regional superstars in jazz, classical, and genres in-between. Under the direction of Producer Gregory Burrus, the 2025 season promises a dynamic variety of memorable concerts under the stars. Patrons are invited to bring chairs, set up picnics, and enjoy the sunset for this special program.

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Click here for details Morris Museum Back Deck Concerts

Cranford Tuesdays at the Clock: Coe Moo Jhee Trio – Soulful Fusion
2026-07-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Soulful fusion with modern edge and expressive musicianship.

On Tuesday, July 28, the Coe Moo Jhee Trio brings a modern fusion sound blending soul, jazz, and contemporary textures. A stylish, expressive evening of musicianship.

Cranford Thursdays at the Clock: The Genesse Stills Band
2026-07-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Cranford Clock, N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016, Cranford, New Jersey, United States
Roots‑driven rock with soulful vocals and a timeless Americana edge.

Join us Thursday, July 30, for The Genesse Stills Band — a roots‑rock group delivering soulful vocals, rich storytelling, and a timeless Americana feel.

Tags: Americana, roots rock, storytelling, Cranford concerts

Morris Museum 2026 Back Deck Presents Little Johnny Rivero & His Giants: Tribute to our Legends of Jazz & Latin Jazz
2026-08-01 19:30 - 21:00 | Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960, United States
Little Johnny Rivero brings an explosive, heart‑deep celebration of our jazz and Latin jazz legends to the Back Deck — a night where history, rhythm, and pure joy meet under the summer sky. As the longtime conguero for Eddie Palmieri and a master of Afro‑Caribbean tradition, Rivero leads an all‑star ensemble that honors the giants who shaped the music: the innovators, the groove‑makers, the cultural architects. Outdoors, his sound becomes even more alive — congas cracking through the twilight, horns lifting into the breeze, and the band channeling the spirit of the masters with fire, respect, and irresistible swing.

For full season details and official ticketing, visit the Morris Museum Back Deck page.

The Back Deck Returns!

Entering its sixth year, the popular Back Deck concert series returns with a robust season of performances featuring big international names and regional superstars in jazz, classical, and genres in-between. Under the direction of Producer Gregory Burrus, the 2025 season promises a dynamic variety of memorable concerts under the stars. Patrons are invited to bring chairs, set up picnics, and enjoy the sunset for this special program.

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Click here for details Morris Museum Back Deck Concerts
