New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



The Chris Pinnella Big Band Project

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm



Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754

Tickets run from $54 - $59

Directions  |   Restaurants  |   Bars  |   Hotels

RENTAL EVENT - Join acclaimed vocalist Chris Pinnella and the 14- Piece Big Band Project for an extraordinary evening of music benefiting The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Trenton Diocesan Council—an unforgettable concert that helps support the important work of serving individuals and families throughout our community.

Following a string of sold-out performances across the Northeast, Pinnella brings his celebrated Big Band Project to the Grunin Center for a one-night-only event featuring an all-new production created exclusively for the 2026 season.

More than a tribute to the Great American Songbook, The Big Band Project is a thrilling reimagination of some of the most beloved music ever recorded. Backed by a 14-Piece, powerhouse ensemble of exceptional musicians, Pinnella blends the timeless elegance of a classic big band with fresh, contemporary arrangements that are bold, unexpected, and uniquely his own.

Throughout the evening, audiences will experience an exciting musical journey spanning generations and genres with unforgettable performances of songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Bublé, Billy Joel, Chicago, The Beatles, Eagles, James Taylor, Queen and many more.

Most importantly, this special concert serves a greater purpose. Proceeds from the evening will benefit The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Trenton Diocesan Council, helping advance a mission rooted in compassion, dignity, and service. As a voice for the voiceless, St. Vincent de Paul works tirelessly to feed the hungry, clothe those in need, provide shelter for the homeless, alleviate suffering, and promote human dignity and social justice throughout our communities. Guided by the belief that no work of charity is foreign to the Society, their volunteers offer hope and practical assistance to thousands of individuals and families facing hardship each year.

Come experience an unforgettable night of world-class music while helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Every ticket purchased supports this organization that continues to bring hope, healing, and compassion to our neighbors when they need it most. Come experience an unforgettable night of world-class music while helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Events marked as “Rental Presenter” are presented by a Rental Presenter – an individual and/or organization renting our theater. The presenter determines ticket prices, program content, and other event details.




For information on how your event can be listed, click here



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info

UPCOMING EVENTS





 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month,
click here for info


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 4 through October 15, 2026 (except for July 2), Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents Tales at the Dormer House in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting.



Bergen

Bergen County Players to open 94th season with "The Producers"

(ORADELL, NJ) -- Fresh off being named the #1 Theater Venue in Bergen County by (201) Magazine's Best of Bergen poll, the Bergen County Players (BCP) will open its 2026/27 season with Mel Brooks' The Producers. As one of America's longest-running little theater companies, BCP returns for its 94th season to present this area premiere at the Little Firehouse Theatre from September 19 through October 10, 2026.



Five

Five For Fighting String Quartet Tour to Play Shows in NY/NJ/PA

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Grammy® nominated, platinum-selling artist, Five For Fighting (aka John Ondrasik) will bring his ever popular Five For Fighting String Quartet Tour back out on the road this September and October. There are several shows coming to the local area including two in New Jersey: Sunday, September 20 at The Newton Theatre and Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at The Vogel in Red Bank.



American

American Theater Group to present East Coast Premiere of "Destroying David" as 2026-27 Season Opener

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG) presents the East Coast premiere of Destroying David at the DMK Theater at Union Arts Center from October 9-18 and at the Sieminski Theater from October 23-25, 2026. Destroying David is a thrilling, witty and heartfelt solo show about the power of art to help us through our darkest hours. The play is written and performed by Emmy Award-nominee Jason Odell Williams. ATG's new Producing Artistic Director Charlotte Cohn will direct.



Catsbury

Catsbury Park Cat Convention to Take Place October 10-11, 2026

(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Catsbury Park announces the return of the Catsbury Park Cat Convention, taking place October 10–11, 2026 for two full days of feline fun at Bell Works in Holmdel. The beloved annual event brings together cat lovers from across the region for a weekend filled with adoptable cats, educational presentations, celebrity guests, interactive activities, shopping, and community. Attendees can browse a bustling Vendor Village featuring artists, makers, and pet-focused businesses, meet local rescue organizations, and learn more about cat welfare and adoption efforts.












LATEST COLUMNS


BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/10/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Des & the Swagmatics, Bamberdost, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Jonny Couch, Sean Henry Tonight!, and Ava LaMonte. Plus a look back at "Duluth" by Particle Zoo.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Soaked" by Kiaura Rose

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Soaked" from Kiaura Rose's debut seven-song debut album, "Vagrant."




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 08/06/2026

"I am great! I was in California last weekend and just got back, I have the day off and I'm getting to chat with you so everything is great," says Monster Jam monster truck driver Angelina Nock as she let us in on the profession, her background and what we can expect when she gets behind the wheel of Megalodon at Newark's Prudential Center August 14 through 16.




This Week in Music

Here is a look at shows taking place this week along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas






UPCOMING EVENTS