Following an eventful spring, which celebrated Jazz Appreciation Month, Jazz Arts Project is gearing up for a busy summer of live music, music camps for kids, jam sessions, and many surprises along the way. 

This year, there will be a nearly non-stop lineup of world-class jazz artists performing at events across Red Bank, including park concerts, café nights, masterclasses, and community jam sessions. Throughout July and August, music lovers of all ages will have the opportunity to experience the joy of live music through performances by acclaimed artists. Jazz Arts Project is proud to present the return of Summer Jazz Café at Triumph Restaurant & Brewery, The Jazz in the Park series at Riverside Gardens Park, and The West Side Concert Series at Johnny Jazz Park. 

Tickets and more info at jazzartsproject.org/summer 

Our ever-popular Summer Jazz Café will once again bring exceptional live jazz to Red Bank weekends. Each featured artist will perform on both Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM.  Named a Tri-City News’ "Pick of the Year," Summer Jazz Café has previously presented a myriad of jazz luminaries including Bucky Pizzarelli, The Les Paul Trio, Wycliff Gordon, Joe Locke, Champian Fulton, The Ellington Legacy Band, and Jon Faddis, among countless others. Jazz Arts Project is honored to be a trusted curator of world-class jazz performances in Red Bank for over 20 years. Mark your calendars for the following dates!

• July 10/11 - Paul Jost Quartet (Vocalese and Passionate Storytelling)

• July 17/18 - Ava Preston presents “Ava + The Hitmen” (2026 Ella Fitzgerald Vocal competition)

• July 24/25 - Brandon McCune Quintet (Celebrating Miles Davis at 100)

  • Jazz Arts Academy students' opening set on 7/25 ONLY

• July 31 - Winard Harper & Jeli Posse 

• August 1 - Special Performance at Two River Theater: Winard Harper & Jeli Posse 

                   (Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Summer Jazz Café)

Jazz Arts Project also presents performances on Thursday evenings at 7 PM in Riverside Gardens Park. 

These free Jazz in the Park concerts are in partnership with Red Bank Boro Parks & Recreation. Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets for a summer evening of live music for the whole family. 

Jazz in the Park lineup for 2026

• July 16 - Dave Stryker's Organ Quartet (Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, Freddie Hubbard etc.) 

• July 23 - Marty Scott Quintet (Trombone-led jazz) 

• July 30 - Jeremy Pelt / David O'Rourke Quintet (Straight Ahead)

• August 6 - Swingadelic (Swing)

• August 13 - United Rhythms & Visions (Latin)

• August 20 - Kal Ferretti Quintet (2026 ITG Trumpet Solo Winner)

And in August, the free West Side Park series takes place each Sunday at 4 PM in Red Bank’s Johnny Jazz Park. 

• August 9 - Eddie Allen Quintet

• August 16 - Arturo O'Farrill Quintet

• August 23 - Chuck Lambert Band

Also, the Jazz Arts Jam sessions take place each Monday evening at 6 PM at Triumph Restaurant & Brewery. The sessions are always free to attend, and musicians of all levels are invited to sit in and play with our house band. Whether you bring your instrument or just your ears, everyone is welcome!

Do you know any high school students interested in music? The Jazz Arts Academy is a year-round jazz education program for teens (ages 13-18) who already have at least a few years of instrumental/music experience. The Jazz Arts Academy Summer Session is a one-week intensive jazz studies program for aspiring high school musicians, taking place July 20 - July 24! The curriculum includes performing ensembles, improvisation training, general musicianship coaching, workshops, masterclasses, jam sessions, and the study of jazz history. https://www.jazzartsacademy.org/summer 

For aspiring elementary school musicians with little to no experience, join our Middle School Music Camp August 3-7 & August 10-14 for a camp in partnership with the Louis & Gia Maione Prima Foundation. 

For more information, visit here: https://www.jazzartsproject.org/middle-school-camp 

About Jazz Arts Project: Jazz Arts Project was founded in 2006 as a unique non-profit model: The organization curates and produces world-class jazz performances to fund transformative education programs for area youth and to build future generations of musicians, enthusiasts, and informed audiences for this historically significant art form. Founder and Artistic Director Joe Muccioli leads an organization that has gained a distinct reputation for excellence through two decades of curated performances and effective music education programs. Visit www.jazzartsproject.org  

Tickets and more info at jazzartsproject.org/summer