TD JAMES MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL

"Our TD James Moody Jazz Festival celebrates its fifth year in November! This season, I'm especially looking forward to leading all-star concert tributes to two of Newark's legendary musicians-the "Divine" Sarah Vaughan and saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter-and hosting an afternoon of music and conversation with four-time Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding.

I'm also beyond excited to be part of a very special reunion of James Brown alumni in Prudential Hall with guests including Sharon Brown, Bettye Lavette and more to come. Now and throughout the season, you'll be hearing from Cecile McLorin Salvant, The Buena Vista Social Club, Wynton Marsalis, the greats of GRP Records, and many others.

That's the kind of company we keep. Expect big turnouts and I recommend you get yourself to the box office early."

- Christian McBride
Multi_GRAMMY Award winner, NJPAC Jazz Advisor

The festival also pays homage to another Newark jazz legend, Sarah Vaughan. On a Wednesday night in 1942, teenager Sarah Vaughan went to the Apollo Theater to compete in an amateur singing contest. Her win helped launch a career that would transform America's original art form and an icon who elevated the craft of jazz vocal music and garnered the respect and adoration of millions. After a yearlong search, the finalists of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition (the Sassy Awards) will dazzle audiences.

TD James Moody Jazz Festival swings into action November !