Arts & Entertainment
24 Hours of Music Jamboree Returns: From Jersey City to the Jersey Shore
A statewide celebration of jazz, big‑band power and community culture hits Jersey City, Cranford, Newark, Orange, Millburn and Bradley Beach
New Jersey Lights Up With a Week of Free Live Music
New Jersey’s cultural corridors will come alive this July as the 2026 Reimagined version of 24 Hours of Music Jamboree – Horizontal Edition returns, after a 5 year hiatus with a vibrant multi‑town celebration stretching from Jersey City to the Jersey Shore and back. The reimagined expanded format brings seven days of concerts, community gatherings, jazz showcases, jazz bashes and festival‑style programming designed to unite neighborhoods through music.
The Jamboree, produced by Gregory Burrus Productions, continues its mission of delivering free, community‑centered live music across the Garden State. What began in 2017 as a one town, one day, 24‑hour non-stop vertical marathon has evolved into an across the state musical journey featuring top‑tier artists, beloved local venues, and cross‑town partnerships.
Festival Highlights & Featured Events
Are you ready - join us!
Find out what's happening in South Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Grand Launch Event - Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra
“Feel the thunder of a 17‑piece orchestra igniting Jersey City with world‑class jazz power.”
The week opens with a cinematic blast as internationally acclaimed composer‑arranger Hyeseon Hong leads her powerhouse 17‑piece jazz orchestra in Jersey City. Known for her global jazz innovations and orchestral writing, Hong sets the tone for the festival with a sweeping, high‑energy performance that signals the 24 Hour of Music Jamboree’s arrival.
Date: July 12, 2026
Day: Sunday
Time: 3 pm to 6 pm
Admission: Free Entry / No Cover
Location: The Brightside Tavern 141 Bright St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Find out what's happening in South Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Join Us:gregoryburrusproductions.com/event/24-hours-of-music-presents-hyeseon-hong-orchestra-in-brightside/
Brightside becomes a glowing stage for Hyeseon Hong’s 17‑piece orchestra, filling the room with lush harmonies and the kind of jazz magic usually reserved for the world’s grandest halls.”
NJPAC Live Music Tuesdays - Lynette Sheard – Cranford Summer Sounds
Acclaimed vocalist and longtime Jamboree host Lynette Sheard returns for a special appearance during NJPAC’s community programming in partnership with Cranford’s Summer Sounds series. Sheard’s performances blend soul, jazz, and Broadway‑infused storytelling, continuing her tradition of uplifting audiences across New Jersey.
Date: July 14, 2026
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Admission: Free
Location: Eastman Clock Plaza Park, Downtown Cranford
Learn More :gregoryburrusproductions.com/event/24-hours-of-music-cranford-and-njpac-jazz-tuesdays-featuring-lynette-sheard-live/
“Under the charm of Cranford’s historic clock, the welcoming spirit of NJPAC’s Community Engagement partnership fills the plaza as Lynette Sheard brings her soulful, uplifting sound to a summer afternoon that feels both timeless and beautifully close.”
Bradley Beach Tourism- 24HMJ Spotlight Event - Bradley Beach Summer Jazz Bash
Bradley Beach Tourism hosts a lively Summer Jazz Bash honoring the Jamboree, transforming Riley Park into a seaside music hub. Expect a mix of jazz ensembles, beach‑town energy, and family‑friendly programming.
Date: June 15,
Day: Wednesday
Time: 4pm - 9 PM
Admission: Free
Location: Riley Park, Bradley Beach
Learn More: gregoryburrusproductions.com/event/24-hours-of-music-jamboree-bradley-beach-summer-jazz-bash-at-riley-park/
“Riley Park on Main Street becomes the heart of summer as Bradley Beach Tourism, the NJPAC Jazz Council, and the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies bring top‑notch jazz musicians to the shore — creating a warm, open‑air celebration filled with music, community connection, and relaxed summertime charm.” — Amy, Bradley Beach Tourism Director
Cranford Summer Sounds & NJPAC CE Featured Artist – Jared Paparozzi Group
“The Jared Paparozzi Group brings their dynamic jazz‑fusion sound to NJPAC’s community programming in partnership with Cranford’s Summer Sounds series. NJPAC’s tradition of spotlighting exceptional artists continues across New Jersey.”
Date: July 16, 2026
Day: Thursday
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Admission: Free
Location: Eastman Clock Plaza Park, Downtown Cranford
“Under the charm of Cranford’s historic clock, the welcoming spirit of NJPAC’s Community Engagement partnership fills the plaza as the Jared Paparozzi Group brings their jazz fusion sound to a summer eve that feels both timeless and beautifully close.”
AMANI – The Music of Burt Bacharach
A stylish, feel‑good Marti Egan tribute that brings Bacharach’s unforgettable melodies to life with fresh jazz‑driven arrangements.
Date: July 16
Day: Thursday
Time: 7:30–9 PM
Admission: Ticketed - See Website
Location: Morristown Morris Museum Back Deck
A stunning outdoor back deck overlooking the museum’s scenic grounds, the Back Deck offers an elegant, intimate setting where summer evenings feel magical. Guests enjoy comfortable seating, beautiful views, and a refined arts‑centered atmosphere perfect for a premium concert experience.
Learn More: Back Deck 2026 Amani: The Music of Burt Bacharach
Jazz Artist Spotlight Night -- Express Newark on Halsey Street -
Don’t Miss Buster Williams & Lenny White, Steve Wilson, Stefon Harris, Brandon Mccune Live!
Clements Place Jazz stands as one of New Jersey’s most respected listening rooms, a cultural gem operated by the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies. Proud to partner with Express Newark which hosts dynamic nights of jazz featuring top‑tier stellar musicians amid Newark’s thriving arts community.
Date: July 17
Day: Friday
Time: 7:30–10 PM
Admission: Free
Location: Express Newark, 54 Halsey Street. Newark
Clements Place Jazz known for its intimate atmosphere, exceptional acoustics, and deep commitment to preserving jazz history, Clements Place has become a trusted home for both legendary performers and rising innovators. The venue’s programming reflects the richness of Newark’s artistic community, offering audiences world‑class musicianship in a warm, elegant setting that honors the legacy of America’s greatest jazz traditions.
“Halsey Street has long been a center of Newark’s artistic soul, and tonight’s spotlight brings that legacy forward with exceptional musicians who embody the creativity, history, and community spirit that define jazz in our city.” — Wayne Winborne, Executive Director, Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies
Signature Event - 11‑Hour Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival
The Jamboree’s flagship event returns with a full‑day outdoor celebration combining live jazz, wellness activations, and food trucks. This community favorite blends music with health‑focused programming and family activities.
Date: July 18
Day : Saturday
Time: 11 AM - 10 PM
Admission: Free
Location: Monte Irvin Park, Orange, NJ
“Monte Irvin Park comes alive as top‑notch jazz musicians, community wellness partners, and a vibrant lineup of food trucks turn the day into a welcoming celebration of music, health, and summertime joy — a full‑day gathering where the spirit of New Orleans meets the heart of New Jersey.” — Rev. Eyesha Marable, NJPAC Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement
Closing Celebration – Jesus and Jazz featuring Geminii Dragon Duo
Millburn’s Mt. Zion AME hosts a spiritually charged performance featuring Geminii Dragon Duo blending sacred music, jazz, and cultural storytelling.
Date: July 19
Day: Sunday
Time: 11:30 AM - 10 PM
Admission: Free
Location: Mt. Zion AME, 56 Church St., Millburn, NJ
Join us - All Are Welcome: gregoryburrusproductions.com/event/24-hours-of-music-jamboree-jesus-jazz-w-geminii-duo-linwood-taylor-live-at-mt-zion-ame-millburn-july-19/
“In the welcoming glow of Mt. Zion AME, the Geminii Dragon Duo carries the soulful heartbeat of New Orleans into Millburn, creating an uplifting blend of jazz, worship, and cultural storytelling that brings the Jamboree to a beautifully spiritual close.” — Gregory Burrus, Live Music Ambassador
A Week of Community, Culture & Connection
Across seven days, the 2026 Jamboree brings together big bands, vocalists, jazz innovators, community ensembles, and festival‑style activations. With events spanning Jersey City, Cranford, Bradley Beach, Newark, Morristown, Orange, and Millburn, the Jamboree continues to expand its reach while staying rooted in its mission: Listen. Vibe. Repeat.
For full schedules and updates, visit your Live Music Ambassador GregoryBurrusProductions.com
