24 Hours of Music is where New Jersey’s communities come alive — one continuous celebration of artistry, unity, and the joy of live music.
—Gregory Burrus
The 24 Hours of Music Jamboree began in 2017 in South Orange as a continuous 24‑hour celebration of community and live music. It shifted online in 2020 during the COVID‑19 pandemic, returned as a two‑day hybrid event in 2021, and has now evolved from two days in 2021 to an eight‑day “horizontal edition” stretching from Jersey City to the Jersey Shore. This expanded format allows the Jamboree to reach more towns, more audiences, and more stages while remaining rooted in its mission of free, community‑centered live music events.
A ticketed performance at the Morris Museum featuring Marti Egan with Amani.
A free Summer Sounds Series concert in Cranford with the Jared Paparozzi Group, continuing the Jamboree’s commitment to accessible community music.
Newark’s Clements Place Jazz carries the momentum into Friday with an evening that celebrates the city’s deep jazz legacy.
The Three Doctors Foundation Health Festival returns from 11 AM, offering screenings, resources, and family‑centered wellness programming alongside the day’s full slate of musical performances.
The Gemini‑Dragon Duo Journey
A special narrative threads through this year’s closing weekend: The Gemini‑Dragon Duo will depart from New Orleans and document their musical pilgrimage across 11 states as they travel to New Jersey. Their journey becomes part of the Jamboree’s story—an odyssey of music, faith, and connection that culminates in their arrival for the festival’s final weekend.
Lenny Green — the iconic WBLS personality — returns for Year Two, hosting from Noon to 3 PM with his signature warmth, storytelling, and grown‑and‑sexy radio presence.
Lynette Sheard — acclaimed vocalist, MHANJ ambassador, and the official Jamboree MC since 2019 — will host the entire event with her trademark grace, power, and community spirit.
Wayne Winborne — Executive Director of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies — will sponsor, support, and introduce rising phenom Alexis Morrast, spotlighting her as one of New Jersey’s brightest young stars.
Rev. Eyesha Marable — AVP of NJPAC and Associate Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, Millburn — will introduce chart‑topping trumpeter Lin Rountree, bringing both artistic authority and spiritual grounding to the moment.
Dorthaan Kirk — NEA Jazz Master and Newark’s “First Lady of Jazz” — will introduce the legendary Houston Person, adding historic weight and generational continuity to the festival.
Jacqueline Mestre — the celebrated Latin‑music broadcaster known as JacQuiTÒMAsalsa! — returns to conduct exclusive artist interviews, bringing decades of cultural storytelling and deep musical insight.
Chelsea Burrus — East Coast talent scout and digital correspondent — provides live social media coverage all day, capturing behind‑the‑scenes moments, artist arrivals, and real‑time festival energy.
Billy Prest — DJ, club manager, and online radio host — will promote the festival in advance on his broadcast platforms and be on‑site throughout the day, amplifying the music and the movement.
Festival Photographers — the event’s visual documentarians, including Robert Wasilewski, Albert Clarke, and others — will capture the performances, crowds, and signature moments that define the 11‑hour celebration.
Festival Videographer — on site from start to finish — will document the full arc of the festival, preserving the music, movement, and community spirit for future storytelling.
Campanella Godfrey — representing City of Orange Community Services — provides essential coordination, civic support, and cultural stewardship that help anchor the Jamboree in the heart of the community.
The Three Doctors Foundation — returning with its annual Health Festival — brings vital wellness resources, screenings, and family‑centered health programming to the event.
Bradley Beach Tourism — presenting the Wednesday Jazz & Blues Celebration in Riley Park — expands the Jamboree’s reach to the Jersey Shore.
Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies — the world’s largest jazz archive — supports the festival’s cultural mission and champions rising artists.
NJPAC Community Engagement — connecting neighborhoods through arts and education — strengthens the festival’s community impact.
Gregory Burrus Productions — producer and curator — brings together artists, partners, and audiences for a vibrant, inclusive celebration.
2026 Festival Week Overview
Stretching from Jersey City to the Jersey ShoreSunday, July 12 – Grand Kickoff
The 2026 Jamboree launches with a thrilling 17‑piece big band led by internationally renowned composer and conductor Hyeseon Hong. This powerhouse ensemble ignites the week with a sweeping, cinematic sound—an opening night designed to announce, unmistakably, that the Jamboree has arrived.Tuesday, July 14 – Lynette Sheard Returns
On Tuesday, Lynette Sheard—acclaimed vocalist, MHANJ ambassador, and the official MC/host of the Jamboree since 2019—returns to lead, uplift, and perform with her band, continuing her long tradition of guiding audiences through the heart and spirit of the festival.Wednesday, July 15 – Bradley Beach Summer Jazz Bash
On Wednesday, Bradley Beach Tourism transforms Downtown Bradley Beach’s Riley Park into a vibrant Summer Jazz Bash honoring the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. The park becomes a lively hub of music, community, and summer energy featuring an array of stellar jazz musicians.Thursday, July 16 – Ticketed & Free Events
Thursday offers two parallel experiences:A ticketed performance at the Morris Museum featuring Marti Egan with Amani.
A free Summer Sounds Series concert in Cranford with the Jared Paparozzi Group, continuing the Jamboree’s commitment to accessible community music.
Friday, July 17 – Newark Keeps the Groove Alive
Artist: TBD something special comingNewark’s Clements Place Jazz carries the momentum into Friday with an evening that celebrates the city’s deep jazz legacy.
Saturday, July 18 – The Orange Jazz, Health & Food Truck Festival
Saturday brings the Jamboree’s signature event: an 11‑hour celebration of music, wellness, and community.The Three Doctors Foundation Health Festival returns from 11 AM, offering screenings, resources, and family‑centered wellness programming alongside the day’s full slate of musical performances.
The Gemini‑Dragon Duo Journey
A special narrative threads through this year’s closing weekend: The Gemini‑Dragon Duo will depart from New Orleans and document their musical pilgrimage across 11 states as they travel to New Jersey. Their journey becomes part of the Jamboree’s story—an odyssey of music, faith, and connection that culminates in their arrival for the festival’s final weekend.
Signature Festival Lineup
Emerging from their remarkable journey, the Gemini‑Dragon Duo joins a powerhouse roster that defines the Jamboree’s coast‑to‑coast musical spirit—the soaring saxophone of Bradford Hayes, the explosive trumpet fire of James Gibbs, the raw blues intensity of GeminiiDragon, the soul‑deep storytelling of the Ma Rainey Tribute, the masterful elegance of Nat Adderley Jr., the timeless swing of Houston Person & Matt Chertkoff, the radiant vocal brilliance of Alexis Morrast, and the chart‑topping, high‑energy finale delivered by Lin Rountree—plus the artistry of Phil Bingham and a moving Barry Harris Choir tribute honoring the legendary Barry Harris.Featured Hosts & Distinguished Introductions
The 2026 Jamboree is elevated by an exceptional team of hosts, MCs, and cultural leaders whose presence brings stature, credibility, and deep community connection:Lenny Green — the iconic WBLS personality — returns for Year Two, hosting from Noon to 3 PM with his signature warmth, storytelling, and grown‑and‑sexy radio presence.
Lynette Sheard — acclaimed vocalist, MHANJ ambassador, and the official Jamboree MC since 2019 — will host the entire event with her trademark grace, power, and community spirit.
Wayne Winborne — Executive Director of the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies — will sponsor, support, and introduce rising phenom Alexis Morrast, spotlighting her as one of New Jersey’s brightest young stars.
Rev. Eyesha Marable — AVP of NJPAC and Associate Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, Millburn — will introduce chart‑topping trumpeter Lin Rountree, bringing both artistic authority and spiritual grounding to the moment.
Dorthaan Kirk — NEA Jazz Master and Newark’s “First Lady of Jazz” — will introduce the legendary Houston Person, adding historic weight and generational continuity to the festival.
Media & Festival Coverage Team
The Jamboree’s story is captured, shared, and amplified by a dynamic media team working throughout the day:Jacqueline Mestre — the celebrated Latin‑music broadcaster known as JacQuiTÒMAsalsa! — returns to conduct exclusive artist interviews, bringing decades of cultural storytelling and deep musical insight.
Chelsea Burrus — East Coast talent scout and digital correspondent — provides live social media coverage all day, capturing behind‑the‑scenes moments, artist arrivals, and real‑time festival energy.
Billy Prest — DJ, club manager, and online radio host — will promote the festival in advance on his broadcast platforms and be on‑site throughout the day, amplifying the music and the movement.
Festival Photographers — the event’s visual documentarians, including Robert Wasilewski, Albert Clarke, and others — will capture the performances, crowds, and signature moments that define the 11‑hour celebration.
Festival Videographer — on site from start to finish — will document the full arc of the festival, preserving the music, movement, and community spirit for future storytelling.
Festival Supporters & Community Partners
The Jamboree is made possible through the leadership and partnership of organizations and individuals committed to arts, culture, and community uplift:Campanella Godfrey — representing City of Orange Community Services — provides essential coordination, civic support, and cultural stewardship that help anchor the Jamboree in the heart of the community.
The Three Doctors Foundation — returning with its annual Health Festival — brings vital wellness resources, screenings, and family‑centered health programming to the event.
Bradley Beach Tourism — presenting the Wednesday Jazz & Blues Celebration in Riley Park — expands the Jamboree’s reach to the Jersey Shore.
Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies — the world’s largest jazz archive — supports the festival’s cultural mission and champions rising artists.
NJPAC Community Engagement — connecting neighborhoods through arts and education — strengthens the festival’s community impact.
Gregory Burrus Productions — producer and curator — brings together artists, partners, and audiences for a vibrant, inclusive celebration.
