RED BANK, April 2026— Jazz Arts Project is celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month with a series of exciting live performances and fun community events. Each Monday evening is the Jazz Arts Jam session 6 - 8 PM at Triumph Restaurant & Brewery, a free “Open Mic” style event; if you play, bring your “ax”; if not, just come for the hang, have a cocktail or two, and enjoy.. Then on Wednesdays, beginning April 8th, the organization will host a series of its popular Jazz Café Nights at Triumph’s event room. Finally, to celebrate UNESCO’s International Jazz Day, we will present a fun-filled 20th Anniversary Gala Concert and Fundraiser on Wednesday, April 29^th.

Jazz Café Nights @ Triumph Brewery

This ever-popular series takes place in an intimate setting, offering close‑up performances, cabaret‑style seating, and a warm, club‑like atmosphere that highlights the artistry and spontaneity of live jazz. As a follow-up to National Women's History Month, this year’s café features an all-women lineup of headliners. On April 8th gifted pianist and organist, Leonieke Scheuble, voted best up-and-coming young artist by Hot House Magazine, kicks off the series. On April 15th, jazz trombonist Mariel Bildsten will take the stage; she is internationally acclaimed, having performed with Jon Batiste, Roy Hargrove, Jennifer Hudson, and The Mingus Big Band. And on the 22nd is vocal virtuoso and radio host Lezlie Harrison. Harrison is a multi-talented vocalist, curator at WBGO jazz radio, and co-founder of The Jazz Gallery, a premier performance venue in NYC.

April 29, Havana Nights Gala Concert and Fundraiser

On Wednesday, April 29th, in association with UNESCO’s International Jazz Day, Jazz Arts Project presents its 20th Anniversary Gala, a festive evening inspired by the culture and panache of Havana in its heyday and the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Cuban Jazz. The evening also includes the presentation of the annual Jazz Arts Hero Awards, honoring individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced jazz and supported or coincided with Jazz Arts Project’s mission. This year’s recipients are Triumph Brewery owner Adam Rechnitz and celebrated Latin-Jazz artist Arturo O’Farrill, who will be the evenings headline performance. The gala’s theme transports guests to the vibrant streets of Havana of the 1940’s & 50’s, where Afro‑Cuban rhythms, tropical elegance, and the spirit of celebration come alive in an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and community.

Guests will enjoy performances by six-time GRAMMY winner two-time Latin GRAMMY winner Arturo O’Farrill and his Afro-Latin Ensemble. Named as "one of our greatest living pianists” by Downbeat Magazine, O’Farrill is a prolific pianist and composer, as well as a dedicated social justice advocate. Other performers will include La Manga, an all-female Latin percussion ensemble based in Afro-Caribbean Colombian tradition. The Jazz Arts Academy Allstars will also be performing, composed of talented students from Jazz Arts’ transformative music education programs. Guests can certainly expect Cuban-inspired cuisine, festive décor, live music, and additional surprises throughout the evening.

Also, beginning at 5:00 PM, there will be a free car show open to the public, in association with the Antique Motoring Club of Monmouth County (AMCOMC), just outside Triumph Brewery on Edmund Wilson Plaza. Keep an eye out for that ‘57 Chevy Bel Air.

Classic Cars, Cuban Flair and Cuisine, and more surprises! Perfect for raising a glass to over 20 years  of jazz excellence and helping to support transformative music education programs for area youth.

Support the Mission — Celebrate the Music

All proceeds from the Havana Nights Gala and Jazz Café Nights directly support Jazz Arts Project’s acclaimed youth education programs, including the year‑round Jazz Arts Academy, free summer camps, workshops, and school partnerships. Your participation helps ensure that young musicians receive high‑quality training, mentorship, and performance opportunities.

About Jazz Arts Project

Founded in 2006 by Artistic Director Joe Muccioli, Jazz Arts Project is dedicated to preserving, presenting, and celebrating jazz as a transformative force in the community. The organization produces professional concerts and festivals throughout the year, including Jazz in the Park, the Summer Jazz Café, the West Side Music Series, and the annual Joys of Jazz Holiday Concert.

Its educational initiatives—including the Jazz Arts Academy for high school students and free summer programs for middle schoolers—have shaped a new generation of musicians and jazz lovers. Through partnerships with local schools, expanded workshops, and community engagement, Jazz Arts Project continues to broaden its reach and deepen its impact.

“As the birthplace of Count Basie, We in Red Bank have a special responsibility to honor and advance America’s great musical legacy. Music education can change a young person’s life, and we are committed to making that opportunity accessible to all.” — Joe Muccioli, Founder & Artistic Director,

Thank you!

Jazz Arts Project thrives thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners. Those who value world‑class performance and meaningful arts education are encouraged to join the mission and help shape the future of jazz.