Newark Prepares for the 14th Annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival

When November rolls around, Newark will once again become the center of the jazz world. From November 8 through 23, 2025, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) hosts the 14th annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival — a citywide celebration that blends music, culture, and social justice in true Moody fashion.

Each year, thousands of fans flock to Newark for this festival, co-curated by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor and multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner Christian McBride. The lineup for 2025 is as bold and eclectic as ever, spanning jazz masters, hip-hop legends, spoken word poets, and international voices who all reflect the art form’s deep ties to activism and community.

Jazz Meets Justice

This year’s theme highlights jazz as a force for social justice. Expect to hear powerhouse performances from trumpet icon Arturo Sandoval, bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke, and singer-songwriter Carlos Varela, long known as the “Poet of Havana” whose politically charged music has often been censored in his home country.

The annual Represent! concert will once again bring the house down, this time featuring hip-hop pioneers Chuck D, Rakim, and Slick Rick, alongside leading jazz and spoken word artists. It’s a reminder that jazz has always been about pushing boundaries, crossing genres, and giving voice to the struggles and triumphs of everyday people.

A Festival for Every Taste

While the headliners are enough to make any jazz fan pack their bags, the festival’s magic lies in its variety. From Andra Day, José James, and Ledisi joining McBride’s Big Band, to Savion Glover’s electrifying tap, to Rachael Price (of Lake Street Dive) teaming with Vilray for 1940s-inspired duets — the two-week program spans the full spectrum of artistic expression.

Poetry lovers can look forward to sets from Dodge Poets, the Nuyorican Poets Café Slam Team, and Pulitzer Prize-winner Tyehimba Jess. Global sounds will pulse through Newark with Cuban rhythms from Diana Fuentes, Omar Sosa, and Luisito Rosario Orchestra. And legends like guitarist Stanley Jordan and singer Jackson Browne promise special moments that bridge generations and genres.

Why Newark? Why Now?

“Jazz has always been an art form that’s strengthened by collaboration,” says NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber. “This year’s festival is all about artists finding new inspiration in each other’s voices and rhythms. You’ll hear that spirit everywhere — especially in the Represent! concert.”

McBride agrees. “This festival is an all-star, can’t-miss event, but it’s also about discovery. Fans will hear some of their favorites and also leave with new music to love. That’s what keeps the Moody Festival so special.”

Community at the Core

Presented across multiple venues throughout Newark, the festival remains committed to accessibility and community. Thanks to long-time sponsor TD Bank, audiences can also expect free performances, educational programs, and special perks for TD Bank cardholders.

For TD Bank’s Martin Melilli, the partnership is about more than concerts. “We believe music and the arts are a universal language we all speak. Supporting the Moody Festival is about connecting communities and inspiring positive change.”

The Lineup

The 2025 roster includes Alexander Claffy, Andra Day, Arturo Sandoval, Ben Williams, Carlos Varela, Christian McBride, Chuck D, Diana Fuentes, DJ Spinna, George Cables, Jackson Browne, Jerome Jennings, José James, King George, La Bruja, Ledisi, Lenny Williams, Luisito Rosario Orchestra, Nat Adderley Jr., NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and Choir, Nuyorican Poets Café Slam Team, Omar Sosa, Pokey Bear, Rakim, Rachael Price, Raina Simone, Rodrigo Toscano, Savion Glover, Slick Rick, Stanley Clarke, Stanley Jordan, Theodis Ealey, Tucka James, Tyehimba Jess, Tyreek McDole, Vilray Bolles, West Love — plus surprise special guests.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a lifelong jazz head, a hip-hop devotee, a poetry lover, or just someone hungry for live music with meaning, the TD James Moody Jazz Festival has a seat for you. For two weeks this November, Newark will be the stage for an unforgettable journey through sound, soul, and solidarity.

Schedule

SAT 11.08 @ 6:00 p.m. BETHANY BAPTIST JAZZ VESPERS: GEORGE CABLES TRIO featuring ALEXANDER CLAFFY AND JEROME JENNINGS
George Cables – piano
Alexander Claffy – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums

 “Anyone serious about jazz will tell you that George Cables belongs in the pantheon of the greatest jazz pianists.” – All About Jazz

Co-presented by the Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers, NJPAC begins its season-long FREE concert series at Newark’s Bethany Baptist Church with legendary pianist George Cables. Since 2000, Newark’s historic Bethany Baptist Church has hosted free concerts that combine jazz and worship.

A major voice in modern jazz, George Cables is celebrated for his fresh interpretations of classic compositions and for his innovative style of writing. In addition to composing and arranging for his own albums, Cables has contributed to recordings by Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, and many others. Recently named an inaugural recipient of the 2025 Jazz Legacy Fellowship by the Mellon Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America, Cables is described as a “humble keyboard genius with impeccable technique and a unique songbook.” The New York City Jazz Record hails him as “a piano giant,” while National Public Radio notes that his solos “reveal a deep sense of groove and pacing and a mind at work.” Location: Bethany Baptist Church.

 

SAT 11.08 @ 7:30 p.m. OMAR SOSA QUARTETO AMERICANOS

Omar Sosa – piano

Sheldon Brown – saxophone/clarinet/flute

Ernesto Mazar Kindelán – bass

Josh Jones – drums

“Omar Sosa has carved out a place for himself in the musical landscape that’s equal parts musical and spiritual. If the spirit speaks to anyone, it’s Omar Sosa.” – NPR Radio

 It’s Latin jazz — plus pizzazz — with multi-GRAMMY® nominee Omar Sosa and his Quarteto Americanos. Playing with boundless energy, the Cuban-born composer, pianist and bandleader is “one of those rare birds whose keyboard skills are near those of Chick Corea and Chuco Valdes” (The New York Times). Rounding out the quartet are Omar’s buddies from the Bay Area: drummer Josh Jones, bassist Ernesto Mazar Kindelán and Sheldon Brown on saxophone, clarinet and flute. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

 

SUN 11.09 @ 3:00 p.m. STANLEY CLARKE N•4EVER with special guest Ben Williams        
Stanley Clarke – bass
Ben Williams – bass
Julius Rodriguez – piano/keyboard
Jeremiah Collier – drums

Wallace Rooney Jr. – saxophone

Colin Cook – guitar

“In the truest sense of the word, Stanley Clarke is a legend.” – NPR Radio

 

An evening of bass! Four-time GRAMMY®-winning film composer, bassist and NEA Jazz Master Stanley Clarke is one of the most celebrated acoustic and electric bass players in the world. Clarke’s storied career has been awash with showcases in his virtuosity on the acoustic and electric basses. He’s worked with fellow music titans like Chick Corea, George Duke, Jean-Luc Ponty and Al Di Meola, and has scored for film and television. From 1974-1976, Clarke dropped a series of solo albums that would herald his status as a force in music and foreshadow his 2022 designation as an NEA Jazz Master. Opening the show is fellow bassist Ben Williams – one of the most acclaimed and versatile bassists in modern jazz. A GRAMMY® Award winner, he won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2009 and has been landing impressive accolades ever since. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater. This program is funded by the Berger Family Foundation.

 

WED 11.12 @ 4:30 p.m. JAZZ IN THE STACKS/BOOKS ON THE MOVE
TD Jazz for Teens

Enjoy a FREE performance by TD Jazz for Teens at local Newark Public Libraries! Kicking off NJPAC’s monthly series in each of the NPL branches, it will host a Jazz in the Stacks performance preceded by a free engaged reading of Playing at the Border, Yo-Yo Ma’s children’s book as part of the Books on the Move series. Location: Newark Public Library Springfield Branch.

 

THU 11.13 @ 7:30 p.m. ARTURO SANDOVAL

Arturo Sandoval – trumpet

 

“a consummate musician, a true virtuoso” – Omaha World-Herald

 

At 75 years old, jazz trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval still practices every day. Even after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors and 10 GRAMMYs®, he’s never let the acclaim distract him from the most important thing: the music. As a child growing up in Cuba, he found freedom in jazz, Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban jazz. And “freedom,” he says, “is the most important word in any dictionary in any language in the world.” Feel the infectious energy and vivacious versatility of this music legend. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

 

FRI 11.14 @ 7:00 p.m. NJMEA / ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND AND JAZZ CHOIR

 

Catch the next generation of great jazz artists from New Jersey. This annual concert event, co-presented by NJPAC’s Arts Education Department and the New Jersey Music Educators Association, brings together some of the very best young musicians and vocalists from across the state for a dynamic group performance. Performers include NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and NJMEA All-State Jazz Choir. Location: NJPAC’s Chase Room.

SAT 11.15 @ 3:00 + 7:00 p.m. SAVION GLOVER: PROjECt.9
Savion Glover – tap dance + percussion
PROjECt.9 – band + vocalist

“Savion is to tap when Charles Parker is to jazz.” – Herb Alpert

Boldy breaking ground for over a quarter century, Savion Glover brings his drum set and tap shoes to NJPAC. In his latest production PROjECt.9, Savion is lead percussionist as well as tap dancer in an illustrious celebration of sound. The group comprises a vocalist and three other musicians (names TBA) performing original dance compositions and instrumental score written by Savion. In addition to presenting his award-winning tap dancing, Savion also displays his musicianship as percussionist.
What makes PROjECt.9 particularly unique is Savion’s emphasis on the collaboration of sound and improvisation. His performances evoke themes of identity, community and resilience, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of Afrocentric culture.

Born in 1973, the tap dancer/choreographer/actor Savion has graced the stage since childhood. He set a record as the youngest person ever to receive a scholarship in the Newark Community School of the Arts. Before he was a teenager, he made his mark starring in the leading role in the Broadway musical The Tap Dance Kid. He eventually worked with dancing greats Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis, Jr. Among his credits are starring roles in major motion pictures like Jelly’s Last Jam, a role for which he made history as the youngest ever recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant. His starring role in the musical Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, which he also choreographed, debuted on Broadway in 1996. The musical chronicles events in African-American history and brought Savion a TONY Award for Best Choreographer. Glover was made known to the younger generation with recurring appearances on Sesame Street. He also holds the credit as the live captured dancing motion behind Mumble the penguin in the film Happy Feet. Savion also served as co-choreographer for the film. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

SAT 11.15 @ 8:00 p.m. BLUES IS ALRIGHT
Tucka James – vocals
King George – vocals
Pokey Bear – vocals
West Love – vocals
Lenny Williams – vocals
Theodis Ealey – vocals/guitar

Blues Is Alright is a one-night only concert of Southern soul, blues and R&B; a musical storytelling filled with stark emotion and a revolving reality check. It’s authentically raw; transforming tragedy, adversity and heartache into a visceral and cathartic experience. This special night of emotive lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment features a mega lineup of musical royalty: performances by Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, Theodis Ealey, J-Wonn and West Love.

Equally influenced by R. Kelly and Barry White, Louisiana’s Tucka James is an R&B singer who delivers “pillow talk” songs that recall the grooves of the ’70s, ’80s and 2010s. He kicked off his career singing lead vocals with Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band before going solo and earning his nickname “The King of Swing.”

King George burst onto the Southern Soul scene with his signature party-centric sound and R&B flair. Based out of Hopkins, South Carolina, his album Juke Joint Music was released in 2022. For old-school music lovers, King George is the perfect combination of R&B, soul and funk that’s sure to get anyone to do a little two-step.

Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he started his career as a rap artist before becoming the soulful singer that he is today. His first hits include “They Call me Pokey” and “Side Piece,” and he’s worked with Tyree Neal, Adrian Bagher, Ms. Pat, Veronica Raelle and Cupid.

Hailing from the Mississippi Delta, West Love’s voice carries the weight of generations of blues legends, equal parts gravel and honey. She’s earned a reputation as a modern-day blues torchbearer, weaving love, loss and life’s struggles into every note. Her guitar sound is inspired by the greats like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters.

The ultimate soul crooner, Oakland, California native Lenny Williams was lead singer of Tower of Power and won BMI’s Songwriter Award in collaboration with Kanye West for “One Night Celebrity,” recorded by Twista. His rich, passionate R&B vocal style made a splash on hits like “Cause I Love You” and “So Very Hard to Go.”

Blues guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and entertainer … just a few of the titles that describe the phenomenon of Mississippi native Theodis Ealey. After four successful albums with Ichiban Records, he founded IFGAM Records, launching his song “Stand Up in It” to #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart. Location: NJPAC’s Prudential Hall.

SUN. 11.16 @ 2:00 p.m. JAZZ SALSA SUNDAY
Luisito Rosario – vocals
Luisito Rosario Orchestra

As part of NJPAC’s ArtsXChange initiative, this concert is a FREE innovative collaboration between NJPAC and Newark neighborhoods to produce arts and cultural programming. ArtsXChange spotlights local talent and nurtures the creativity of residents of all ages and abilities. The Luisito Rosario Orchestra will be led by New Jersy’s own leading Salsa singer Luisito Rosario. All are welcome to join the salsa party in the South Ward! Location: Feldman Middleton Community Center.

SUN 11.16 @ 7:00 p.m. RACHAEL & VILRAY
Rachel Price – vocals
Vilray Bolles – guitar + vocals

“Rachael and Vilray are a perfect example of the idea that sometimes what that once seemed old fashioned can actually resonate as new again.” – All About Jazz 

Brooklyn-based jazz duo Rachael Price and Vilray Bolles, known as Rachel & Vilray, makes their NJPAC debut. Performing works from their latest album West of Broadway (Concord Jazz), the two friends offer a contemporary take on tin pan alley, the Great American Songbook, and vintage small combo jazz. Fusing West Coast jazz with Broadway musicals, they turn the idea of “Everything old is new again” on its head.

Rachael Price is one of contemporary pop’s great vocalists, who when she isn’t singing cabaret jazz with Vilray, fronts the headlining rock band Lake Street Dive. The guitarist/singer/songwriter Vilray exists in that rare intersection of jazz, pop, and singer-songwriter fare. They met at college two decades ago. But it would take them years before they discovered their mutual love of the American songbook standards from the 1930s and 40s and subsequently create a project to showcase Vilray’s special gift of channeling classic songwriters in his original music. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

THU 11.20 @ 7:30 p.m. JAZZ JAMS

Co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers Institute for Jazz Studies, Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place is a FREE Jazz Jams Session concert series featuring top-flight New Jersey musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr.  Audience members immerse themselves in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the players’ 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, IFJS and Eyesha Marable, AVP, Comm Engagement, NJPAC. Location: Clement’s Place.

THU 11.20 @ 8:00 p.m. REPRESENT! A NIGHT OF JAZZ, HIP HOP, AND POETRY with CHUCK D, SLICK RICK, RAKIM AND MORE
Chuck D – hip-hop artist
Rakim – hip-hop artist
Slick Rick – hip-hop artist
Raina Simone – rapper
DJ Spinna
Tyehimba Jess – poet
Nuyorican Poets Café Slam Team – poets
Caridad de la Luz- poet

“A once-in-a-lifetime grouping of artists, presented in a unique way. No two numbers were really alike and yet, due to the vocalists’ and the musicians’ skill, everything flowed together seamlessly.” – NJarts.net

Back by popular demand is the fan-favorite jazz-meets-spoken word show Represent! Curated by Bill Stephney, part of the pioneering Def Jam Records team and responsible for launching rap group Public Enemy, this celebratory concert comprises MCs and poets performing their hit. For one unmissable night, NJPAC unites the leading voices in jazz, hip-hop and poetry.

 

Blaring horns and baring souls, these masterful artists exclaim their vision of justice, change, and joy. The incredible lineup includes hip-hop stars Chuck D (Public Enemy), Rakim (Paid in Full), Slick Rick, and rapper Raina Simone; Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tyehimba Jess; one of the top poetry slam teams in the nation, Nuyorican Poets Café Slam Team featuring Caridad de la Luz, Executive Director of Nuyorican Poets Café; spoken word performers; leading jazz artists and more. Complete line-up to be announced soon! Location: NJPAC’s Prudential Hall. This performance is part of Dodge Poetry.

 

FRI 11.21 @ 7:30 p.m. CARLOS VARELA with JACKSON BROWNE, DIANA FUENTES & RODRIGO TOSCANO
Carlos Varela – vocals + guitar
Diana Fuentes – vocals
Jackson Browne – guitar + vocals
Rodrigo Toscano – poet

“The music of Cuba’s Carlos Varela feels as timely as ever.” – Los Angeles Times

Known as the “Poet of Havana” or the “Bob Dylan of Cuba”, the immensely popular Cuban singer-songwriter Carlos Varela has dedicated his 30-year music career to expressing “the problems of my people.” His poetic lyrics speak to the promise and pain of Cuba across generations, with complex emotion and powerful imagery. His message has been banned and censored by Cuban authorities, but his songs, like 2000’s “Una Palabra,” continue to resonate around the world. As Carlos explains: “Words can transform. They can reach your soul and your heart. They can shake your bones. They can change your life, and that can’t be lost.”

Special guest Diana Fuentes is a Cuban singer-songwriter known for her sparkling voice and her fusion of pop, R&B and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. She began as a vocalist in Síntesis and Carlos Varela’s band, earning Latin GRAMMY® nominations. She was the first Cuban female artist signed to Sony Music Latin since Celia Cruz, earning two Gold Records and one Platinum Record.

A member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, special guest Jackson Browne has defined a genre of songwriting that is charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. As influential and enduring as his music is, Browne’s legacy as an advocate for social and environmental justice has been equally central to his career.

Opening the concert is Rodrigo Toscano, an author of 12 books of poetry, dialogist, essayist and labor-environmental activist.

Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater. This performance is part of Dodge Poetry and receives additional support from the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.

FRI 11.21 @ 8:00 p.m. CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE BIG BAND with ANDRA DAY, JOSÉ JAMES, and LEDISI
Christian McBride – bass/bandleader
Christian McBride Big Band
Andra Day – vocals
José James – vocals
Ledisi – vocals

“one of modern jazz’s most innovative musicians” – Glide Magazine

Montclair resident Christian McBride is a nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist/composer/producer, NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor, Artistic Director of the Montclair Jazz Festival, Board Member and Artistic Chair of Jazz House Kids. He makes his return as a bandleader with his latest project featuring his acclaimed Big Band and several special guest vocalists including: contemporary R&B innovator José James, the unparalleled GRAMMY® Award-winning Ledisi, and Andra Day who won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the biopic The United States vs. Bille Holiday.

Most of the vocalists appearing on his latest album Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 (Mack Avenue Records) have performed with him on the NJPAC stage. As told to WBGO Radio, “The impetus for this recording actually stems from the annual gala at NJPAC. So since 2012, I’ve been NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor and my Big Band has been the house band for the gala ever since. We’ve invited all kinds of great singers to come and sing at those galas. Between the gala and the James Moody Festival, we’ve had Al Jarreau, Dianne Reeves, Jeffrey Osborne, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Lizz Wright, Fantasia, Cynthia Erivo, Philip Bailey, every singer you could possibly think of. Every year I had to write these arrangements for these singers and they only got played once. After more than 10 years, I’m looking at my library and I got this huge pile of big band music that’s only been played once. I thought they shouldn’t go to waste.” Location: NJPAC’s Prudential Hall.

SAT 11.22 @ 7:30 p.m. STANLEY JORDAN PLAYS JIMI
Stanley Jordan – guitar

“one of the world’s finest guitarists” – Downbeat

 

World-renowned jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan channels the blues-rock legend in this can’t-miss tribute. “This is my fantasy Jimi Hendrix concert if Jimi were still alive and playing today,” he explains. It was Jimi’s death in 1970 that first moved 11-year-old Stanley to take up the guitar. His jazz career took flight, with four GRAMMY® nominations and the development of his signature two-handed touch technique, which was inspired by Jimi’s left-handed tapping. In this performance, Stanley channels Jimi while allowing his own style to shine through. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

 

SUN 11.23 @ 11:30 a.m. + 1:30 p.m. DORTHAAN’S PLACE: NAT ADDERLEY JR. QUARTET
Nat Adderley Jr. – piano

“The finest in jazz is on the menu… anticipation runs high at Dorthaan’s Place, whether you’re there for the music, the food, the scene, Dorthaan, or all of the above.” – All About Jazz

NJPAC continues Dorthaan’s Place, its popular Sunday jazz brunch series at NICO Kitchen + Bar curated by Newark’s First Lady of Jazz, Dorthaan Kirk. The series made its debut during NJPAC’s 2012-13 season and has grown ever since. This edition presents New Jersey’s Nat Adderley, Jr. — pianist, composer, arranger and longtime music director for Luther Vandross. Inspired by greats like Chick Corea, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk, his quartet will have you bopping along with upbeat rhythms and playful solos.

There are two brunch seatings: 11:00 a.m. (music begins at 11:30 a.m.) and 1:30 p.m.
Location: NJPAC’s NICO Kitchen & Bar.

Sun 11.23 @ 3:00 p.m. 14th ANNUAL SARAH VAUGHAN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ VOCAL COMPETITION

Gary Walker – host

Ann Hampton Callaway – judge

Jon Faddis – judge

Nnenna Freelon – judge

Christian McBride – judge

Janis Siegel – judge

Tyreek McDole – vocalist

 

The divine Sarah Vaughan—Newark’s greatest musical gift to the world—got her start as the winner of a talent contest. NJPAC honors her legacy every year with the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, the only global jazz vocal contest of its kind, open to all genders and nationalities. This event offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business—and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow. For this 14th annual “The SASSY Awards” event, WBGO Radio’s Gary Walker will host and 2023 SVVC winner Tyreek McDole will perform. A panel of all-star judges—Ann Hampton Callaway, Jon Faddis, Nnenna Freelon, Christian McBride, and Janis Siegel—will select the winner. Gifted young contestants from around the world are evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize. Past winners include Samara Joy, Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, and more. For more information or to enter the competition, visit SarahVaughanCompetition.com. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

 

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