NJPAC Announces Top Five Finalists of the 15th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced the top five finalists of the 15th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Selected from a record-breaking pool of more than 360 entrants spanning 38 different countries, these gifted young singers represent the next generation of great jazz vocalists. The 2026 finalists are: Alyssa Allgood (Chicago, IL), Vahn Black (Detroit, MI), Nathan Farrell (New York City, NY), Angélique Nicolas (Paris, France), and Jackie Ribas (New York City, NY).
Westfield Garden State Plaza to Blend Musical Nostalgia with Today's Hits at Annual Big Santa Celebration
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Westfield Garden State Plaza, a destination for fashion, dining, and entertainment located in Bergen County, is ushering in the holiday spirit with iconic musical groups from the 80's, 90's, 00's and today at its annual Big Santa celebration taking place Sunday, November 22, 2026. The lineup includes Ryan Cabrera, All-4-One, TKA, Spice Wannabe, and JYT.
Monty Alexander at Kean Stage
by Andrew Schinder
published 2026-11-01
Monty Alexander grew to become one of the most legendary pianists in jazz, in part, by marrying the pleasure points of two musical worlds. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Alexander grew up listening to the island's celebrated local music – reggae, calypso, folk. At the same time, he became a huge jazz fan at an early age, influenced by his music enthusiast parents, and was sure to catch heroes, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole, whenever they crossed the Caribbean into Jamaica. By blending Jamaica's native sounds with traditional American swing, Alexander became an icon, creating a unique -- and irresistible -- take on jazz music.
American Repertory Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" in Princeton, Red Bank, and New Brunswick
American Repertory Ballet (ARB) invites you to experience The Nutcracker, a timeless story filled with magic, beauty, and the spirit of the season. For more than 60 years, this cherished production has captivated audiences of all ages, enchanting first-time visitors while remaining a treasured holiday tradition for thousands of families. With its breathtaking dancing, unforgettable music, and beloved characters, The Nutcracker continues to create memories that last a lifetime.
State Theatre New Jersey presents A Magical Cirque Christmas
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents A Magical Cirque Christmas on Friday, November 27, 2026 at 4:30pm and 7:30pm. In this show, the cast of world-class acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists will mesmerize, twist, flip, and push the boundaries of imagination where gravity is defied, and human potential knows no limits.
FEATURED EVENTS
Mozart Requiem - Kean University Fall Choral Concert
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 7:30pmKean Stage - Enlow Recital Hall
Hillside, NJ
Mozart Requiem
Rick Braun plays Chuck Mangione
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 5:00pmBell Theater
Holmdel, NJ
Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione marks an auspicious beginning for Rick Braun’s fourth decade of recording.
Rick Braun plays Chuck Mangione
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 8:00pmBell Theater
Holmdel, NJ
Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione marks an auspicious beginning for Rick Braun’s fourth decade of recording.
OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy presents "Present Laughter"
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 2:00pmGrunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ
Step into the dazzling, chaotic world of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter—a sparkling, laugh-out-loud comedy about fame, love, and the art of always being on display.
OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy presents "Present Laughter"
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 7:00pmGrunin Center - Main Stage
Toms River, NJ
Step into the dazzling, chaotic world of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter—a sparkling, laugh-out-loud comedy about fame, love, and the art of always being on display.
Tangled Vows
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 3:00pmAvenel Performing Arts Center
Avenel, NJ
Tangled Vows is a hilarious, heartfelt, way too relatable stage play about love, forgiveness, and what really happens after "I do."
Tangled Vows
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 7:00pmAvenel Performing Arts Center
Avenel, NJ
Tangled Vows is a hilarious, heartfelt, way too relatable stage play about love, forgiveness, and what really happens after "I do."
2026 Princeton Dance Festival
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 2:00pmMcCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
Princeton, NJ
The 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
2026 Princeton Dance Festival
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 8:00pmMcCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
Princeton, NJ
The 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
Charles Lloyd Quartet
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 3:00pmNJPAC - Victoria Theater
Newark, NJ
At 88, NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd has a lifetime of achievements to look back on — but looking back isn’t his style. He’s forever moving forward, earning his crown again and again as “one of America’s most influential, experimental and spiritual musicians” (Memphis Music Hall of Fame). Over his career, the sax/flute artist has played everything (free jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, world music, psychedelia) with everyone (B.B. King, Cannonball Adderley, Jimi Hendrix and Brian Wilson, just to name a few). Among his many accolades, he won DownBeat’s 2024 quadruple crown: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Tenor Saxophonist of the Year and Hall of Fame. He’s joined by his quartet: Bill Frisell (guitar), Larry Grenadier (bass) and Kweku Sumbry (drums).
