NJPAC Jazz Festival Taking Place This Weekend

The James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival continues this weekend at NJPAC.

The weeklong festival pays tribute to longtime Newarker and late great jazz artist James Moody.

Headliners for Friday night's 7 p.m. show include George Benson, The Manhattan Transfer and David Sanborn as well as special guests Kenny Barron, Jon Faddis, Jimmy Heath, Paquito D’Rivera, Christian McBride, and more.

On Saturday, there will be an 8 p.m. show featuring an all-star performance of the original Gil Evans arrangements of three classic Miles Davis recordings. Those performers include trumpeter Terence Blanchard, bassist Christian McBride, drummer Peter Erskine, and many more. In addition, there will be a jazz orchestra under the direction of Vince Mendoza.

Newark residents can buy $10 tickets in Tier 4 to either show. Details can be found here.

Additional jazz performances will continue throughout the weekend:

• On Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m. there will be a New Orleans-themed musical drawing on the popular "Magic Tree House" book series for young audiences. The show is called "A Night in New Orleans" and is the story of two children who travel back to 1915 New Orleans where they meet Louis Armstrong 

• Sunday's events begin at 12 and 1:30 p.m. with a jazz brunch at NICO Kitchen + Bar inside the NJPAC building. the brunch will be hosted by WBGO programmer Dorthaan Kirk, Newark's "First Lady of Jazz." 
• At 3 p.m. on Sunday, there will be a tribute to Newark-born jazz legend Sarah Vaughan. NJPAC is hosting the inaugural Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, culminating with a special concert featuring the finalists.