The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) will present a series of free jazz concerts in Newark from February to May 2026. These events, co-presented with local institutions like Bethany Baptist Church and Rutgers University, aim to enrich the community through live jazz performances featuring acclaimed musicians such as Joe Locke and James Carter.
Saturday, 2.07 at 6:00 p.m. Baptist Church Jazz Vespers | Joe Locke Trio
Co-presented by Bethany Baptist Church and NJPAC, the free monthly Bethany Vesper Concert Series continues combining jazz music and worship. February welcomes the Joe Locke Trio. It’s always “good vibes” when jazz vibraphonist Joe Locke takes the stage. He plays with personality, emotion and incredible skill, practically dancing with his instrument. This unique combo features force-of-nature Allyn Johnson on the organ and master drummer Tim Horner.
Tickets: FREE. This event will be held at Bethany Baptist Church, 275 W. Market Street, Newark, NJ.
Thursday 2.19 at 7:30 p.m. Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place
Co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers RU_N’s Institute for Jazz Studies, Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place is a monthly Jazz Jams Session concert series featuring top-flight New Jersey musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr. T. Audience members immerse themselves in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the player’s and listeners’ minds. All novice and seasoned jazz musicians and singers are welcomed to jam and improv with the professional band throughout the night. Co-producers: Wayne Winborne, Executive Director, IFJS and Eyesha Marable, AVP, Comm Engagement, NJPAC.
Tickets: FREE. This event will be held at Clement’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ.
Saturday 3.07 at 6:00 p.m. Baptist Church Jazz Vespers | James Carter Quartet
Co-presented by Bethany Baptist Church and NJPAC, the free monthly Bethany Vesper Concert Series continues combining jazz music and worship. March welcomes saxophonist James Carter and his formidable quartet: pianist Sharp Radway, bassist Hilliard Greene and drummer Kahlil Kwame Bell. The New York Times lauds Carter as “one of the most charismatic and powerful soloists in jazz” with “access to every riff ever recorded.”…