(NEWARK, NJ) -- Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA), in partnership with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), present the second annual Jazz in the Streets event on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Clinton Avenue Sound Stage as part of CHCA and NJPAC's collaborative ArtsXChange series. The event runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and features Vocalist Carrie Jackson, who hails from the South Ward and is a Weequahic High School grad and will delight with her genre-bending style that includes jazz classics, blues, pop and some surprising renditions that are uniquely her own.

Jazz in the Streets, held as the kickoff event of CHCA’s 5th anniversary, is a celebration of live jazz music, culture, and community spirit. Following the incredible success of last year’s event, which drew praise from residents and local leaders, this year’s edition promises to be even more vibrant and inspiring. Once again, the evening will feature live performances by renowned jazz musicians, bringing the smooth, soulful sounds of jazz right to the heart of the Clinton Hill neighborhood.

“It was absolutely fabulous,” said Donyea Hoffman, a Clinton Hill resident, speaking of last year’s event. “Last night was something that Clinton Hill didn’t expect to happen. Everybody’s talking about it.” This year’s event will continue the tradition of offering high-quality entertainment in a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, giving neighbors the opportunity to enjoy great music, delicious food, and the company of one another.

As Hoffman noted, “Events like this always take place downtown, but having such quality entertainment right in the heart of our neighborhood was amazing.” The Clinton Avenue Sound Stage provides the perfect backdrop for this community celebration.

Jazz in the Streets is more than a concert; it’s a testament to the power of arts and culture to uplift and unite communities.

The event is free and open to the public, and residents are encouraged to bring their friends, families, and neighbors for a night of unforgettable performances, dancing, and celebration. South Ward councilman Patrick Council and other community leaders will once again show their support for this important neighborhood initiative.

For more information about Jazz in the Streets or upcoming events, click here. 

Clinton Hill Community Action (CHCA) is a nonprofit, community development organization that engages residents and partners to revitalize the Clinton Hill neighborhood in Newark’s South Ward. We believe this work must be led by residents, alongside partners who understand the centrality of the role of residents in naming challenges, identifying solutions that are most responsive to their hopes and aspirations, and collaboratively acting for sustained progress. CHCA facilitates this collaborative action and advocacy with a focus on quality, affordable housing, food security, economic empowerment, and environmental justice. Since our founding in 2019, we have worked to build trust in the community and engage residents to address long standing issues.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  As New Jersey’s Town Square, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.  Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts.  NJPAC has attracted 11 million visitors (including almost two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.