(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts hosted a celebration on Friday, August 21, 2026, honoring Red Bank native and musical legend, William "Count" Basie on what would have been his 122nd birthday. The event included the unveiling of a marker designating the historic building as a spot on the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, the ceremonial naming of the street to Basie Center Way, the presentation of the Count Basie Jazz Vanguard award to concert promoter Jerry Bakal, and a performance from the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra.
The program, which included remarks from Lt. Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell and several other elected officials, as well as a video message from Governor Mikie Sherrill, was part of the Basie Center’s Centennial Celebration.
“The reality is that to bring people together, we need to celebrate everyone’s heritage,” said Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell. “By celebrating our heritage, by celebrating the people, the ancestors that we’re standing on, we come together as people.”
Assemblywoman Margie Donlan and Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul presented a ceremonial resolution to honor the occasion. Senator Andy Kim sent a congressional recognition ahead of the day's events.
“For us, bearing Basie’s name comes with a wonderful responsibility,” said Adam Philipson, CEO and President of the Basie Center. “To tell his story honestly, to preserve what he built, and to make sure the next generation knows that one of the giants of American music started out right here.”
“Thank you for nominating this site to join the trail,” said Sara Cureton, Executive Director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. “Our Black Heritage Trail really reveals the diversity and depth of the Black experience in New Jersey.”
Following the unveiling of the trail maker, the celebration of Count Basie’s birthday continued when Jerry Bakal, jazz concert promoter, received the Count Basie Center for the Arts Jazz Vanguard Award.
“Jazz is documentary and it tells it like it is,” said Bakal, who has been collaborating with the Basie Center for more than 20 years. “That type of music has to be authentic.”
The stretch of Monmouth Street between Pearl Street and Maple Street was then ceremoniously renamed Basie Center Way to acknowledge the organization’s impact on Red Bank, the community and the region.
“People don’t realize what one great institution can bring to the whole community," said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone.
“It is amazing,” said Red Bank Mayor Billy Portman. “A lot of people’s first impression of Red Bank is obviously coming to a show here”.
The celebration concluded with a performance from the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, which was free to the public.
“Every year, this moment gives us two things to hold onto at once: gratitude for what Count Basie left behind, and a reminder that his legacy stays alive because people carry it forward,” said Jeremy Grunin, Chair of the Count Basie Center Board of Trustees & NJ Arts Council Member. “We honor the musicians, educators, producers and promoters who keep this music in front of new audiences, generation after generation.”
The Count Basie Center for the Arts creates shared educational, artistic, and community experiences that ignite curiosity, understanding, and joy. As a nonprofit organization, the Basie Center is committed to its responsive and inclusive programming, which reflects the diverse spirit and aspirations of its patrons, students, artists, and staff. The Basie Center has hosted an array of world-class artists, including Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band, Jon Bon Jovi, John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Crosby Stills & Nash, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross and Ringo Starr. Count Basie Center programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Keitaro Harada conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Eric Jacobsen conductor
Christian McBride double bass
Chris Komer horn
New Jersey Symphony
