New Jersey's cultural corridors will come alive from July 12-19, 2026 as the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree – Horizontal Edition returns with a vibrant multi‑town celebration stretching from Jersey City to the Jersey Shore. The reimagined expanded format brings seven days of concerts, community gatherings, jazz showcases, jazz bashes and festival‑style programming designed to unite neighborhoods through music.
The Jamboree, produced by Gregory Burrus Productions, continues its mission of delivering free, community‑centered live music across the Garden State. What began in 2017 as a 24‑hour marathon has evolved into a statewide musical journey featuring top‑tier artists, beloved local venues, and cross‑town partnerships.
The event begins on Sunday, July 12th with a Grand Kickoff from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Brightside (141 Bright Street) in Jersey City. The 2026 Jamboree launches with a thrilling 17‑piece big band led by internationally renowned composer and conductor Hyeseon Hong. This powerhouse ensemble ignites the week with a sweeping, cinematic sound—an opening night designed to announce, unmistakably, that the Jamboree has arrived. Admission is free.
Tuesday, July 14th, Lynette Sheard performs from 6:00pm-8:00pm in Downtown Cranford (Eastman Clock Plaza Park). The Signature event features acclaimed vocalist and longtime Jamboree host Lynette Sheard returns for a special appearance during NJPAC's community programming in partnership with Cranford's Summer Sounds series. Sheard's performances blend soul, jazz, and Broadway‑infused storytelling, continuing her tradition of uplifting audiences across New Jersey. Admission is free.
Wednesday, July 15th - Bradley Beach Summer Jazz Bash from 4:00pm to 9:00pm in Riley Park. Hosted by Bradley Beach Tourism, the event honors the Jamboree, transforming Riley Park into a seaside music hub. Expect a mix of jazz ensembles, beach‑town energy, and family‑friendly programming. Admission is free.
Thursday, July 16th, AMANI – The Music of Burt Bacharach performs at the Morris Museum Back Deck from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. A vibrant Marti Egan tribute that transforms Bacharach's classic songbook into a modern jazz experience, filled with soulful reinterpretations, bright harmonies, and irresistible feel‑good energy. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available for purchase online. The Morris Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown, New Jersey.
Friday, July 16th - NJPAC Jazz Tuesdays with the Jared Paparozzi Group in Eastman Clock Plaza Park in Cranford from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The Jared Paparozzi Group brings its dynamic jazz‑fusion energy to Cranford Summer Sounds! Join us under the historic Eastman Clock for a summer evening of soulful grooves, bold improvisation, and community vibes that make Cranford shine. NJPAC Community Engagement Collaboration features Artists in the community. Admission is free.
Friday, July 17th, Newark Keeps the Groove Alive at Newark’s Clements Place Jazz at Newark Express (54 Halsey St. 2nd Floor) from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Express Newark lights up Halsey Street with a powerhouse night of jazz, bringing stellar musicians together in celebration of Newark's dynamic and ever‑growing arts community.
Saturday, July 18 - The Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival rolls into Monte Irvin Park in Orange from 11:00am to 10:00pm. This is the Jamboree’s signature event: an 11‑hour celebration of music, wellness, and community. Emerging from their remarkable journey, the Gemini‑Dragon Duo joins a powerhouse roster that defines the Jamboree’s coast‑to‑coast musical spirit—the soaring saxophone of Bradford Hayes, the explosive trumpet fire of James Gibbs, the raw blues intensity of GeminiiDragon, the soul‑deep storytelling of the Ma Rainey Tribute, the masterful elegance of Nat Adderley Jr., the timeless swing of Houston Person & Matt Chertkoff, the radiant vocal brilliance of Alexis Morrast, and the chart‑topping, high‑energy finale delivered by Lin Rountree—plus the artistry of Phil Bingham and a moving Barry Harris Choir tribute honoring the legendary Barry Harris. Admission is free.
Sunday, July 19 - Jamboree Closing event with Linwood Taylor and Christeon Simeon the Gemini‑Dragon Duo at Mt. Zion AME Church in Millburn from 11:30am to 10:00pm. This final gathering serves as a festival wind‑down—a space for gratitude, reflection, and community uplift as we welcome the Duo from their long journey north and send them safely back home after their performances and ministry. Mt. Zion AME in Millburn becomes a sanctuary of sound as the Geminii Dragon Duo weaves their jazz, blues and rich cultural storytelling into a beautifully resonant closing experience. Admission is free.
Across seven days, the 2026 Jamboree brings together big bands, vocalists, jazz innovators, community ensembles, and festival‑style activations. With events spanning Jersey City, Cranford, Bradley Beach, Newark, Morristorwn, Orange, and Millburn, the Jamboree continues to expand its reach while staying rooted in its mission: Listen. Vibe. Repeat.
For full schedules and updates, Click to visit your live music ambassador at GregoryBurrusProductions.com
The 24 Hours of Music Jamboree began in 2017 in South Orange as a continuous 24‑hour celebration of community and live music. It shifted online in 2020 during the COVID‑19 pandemic, returned as a two‑day hybrid event in 2021, and has now evolved from 2 days into 2021 to an eight‑day “horizontal edition” stretching from Jersey City to the Jersey Shore. This expanded format allows the Jamboree to reach more towns, more audiences, and more stages while remaining rooted in its mission of free, community‑centered live music events.
