(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- New Jersey vocalist, bandleader and former Trans-Siberian Orchestra featured vocalist Chris Pinnella will bring his acclaimed 14-piece Big Band Project to the Grunin Center for the Arts in Toms River on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 7:00pm for a special benefit concert supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and its charitable work throughout the Diocese of Trenton.
The one-night-only concert will combine the power of a full big band with Pinnella’s genre- spanning arrangements, moving from the great American songbook into some of the most recognizable pop and rock music of the past several decades.
Audiences can expect music associated with artists ranging from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé to The Beatles, Billy Joel, Queen, Chicago, Tears for Fears, James Taylor, The Eagles and more — all reimagined for Pinnella’s modern big-band lineup.
But behind the music is a larger purpose.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Trenton Diocesan Council serves individuals and families in need throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, working through a network of parish-based conferences, volunteers and community outreach.
The November 6th concert provides audiences an opportunity to enjoy a major live performance close to home while helping support that mission.
“Bringing people together through music is something I’ve been fortunate enough to do for most of my life, but nights like this take on a completely different meaning when the music can also help people in our own communities,” said Pinnella. “We want this to be an incredible night at the Grunin Center, but we also want to shine a spotlight on the work St. Vincent de Paul is doing every day throughout the Diocese.”
Pinnella is a vocalist, pianist, arranger and bandleader who toured nationally as a featured vocalist with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and appears on the group’s platinum-selling album The Lost Christmas Eve. His career has also included work with legendary performer Julie Andrews and performances alongside Tony, Grammy, & Oscar Award-winning artists.
His Big Band Project takes the scale and musicianship of the traditional big-band format and pushes it beyond the expected repertoire. The result is a concert that can move from Sinatra and swing to classic rock, pop and contemporary music — backed by a full horn section, rhythm section and some of the region’s top musicians.
The November 6th performance will feature 14 musicians live on stage.
With the concert taking place in Toms River, organizers are encouraging residents throughout Ocean, Monmouth and surrounding counties to make the evening both a night out and an opportunity to support neighbors in need.
Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the Grunin Center for the Arts box office (732) 255-0500. The Grunin Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Ocean County College at 1 College Drive in Toms River, New Jersey.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay organization dedicated to serving individuals and families in need through person-to-person assistance and local community outreach. Within the Diocese of Trenton, its network serves communities throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties.
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