This inspiring event not only presents world-class jazz in a beautiful theater setting but also helps support transformative arts education and jazz programming in communities across our greater Monmouth County, NJ region.
—Joe Muccioli, Founder & Artistic Director of the Jazz Arts Project
Jazz Arts Project presents “The Joys of Jazz with special guest artist, jazz great Jon Faddis: A 'Legends & Lions' Concert Event. Each winter, this gala concert & fundraiser brings together our Jazz Arts Academy students (the young Lions) with world-class professional jazz artists (the Legend) for a delightful afternoon of live music and joy.
This inspiring event—set for December 14, 2025 at 5:00pm— not only presents world-class jazz in a beautiful theater setting but also helps support transformative arts education and jazz programming in communities across our greater Monmouth County region. The students will alternate tunes and trade solos with the legends, showcasing the musical skills they have honed during the fall semester of the Jazz Arts Academy, the region's premier jazz education program. Many of the world-class jazz artists we have engaged with over the years have been integral to our music education program, some serving as instructors, clinicians, and mentors to up-and coming young musicians. This event puts those relationships front and center on the main stage of the Robert & Joan Rechnitz Theater at the Two River Theater in Red Bank.
Get Tickets
The performance lasts ninety minutes with no intermission. In addition to general admission tickets, VIP tickets are available, which include premier seating and a pre-show private lounge experience with food and drinks. After the show, Jazz Arts Project will offer a “fun-raising” reception and an opportunity to meet and greet the artists and the student stars of the show. Tickets are available for Students with Student ID: $15, General Admission: $55, and Special VIP seating $100. Post concert reception included for all ticket holders. (Box office fees apply)
As a young trumpet student in Oakland CA. Jon Faddis had an encounter with his hero, Dizzy Gillespie, that led to a lifelong friendship and musical partnership that lasted until Gillespie’s death in 1993. Jon joined vibraphonist Lionel Hampton’s band at 18 and went on to work with a litany of major names, including the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Charles Mingus, Oscar Peterson, George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, Grant Green, and dozens more.
In addition to his extensive work as a sideman and session artist, Faddis has released 11 albums as a leader, including the GRAMMY-winning 1998 Chesky session Remembrances. He has directed orchestras, including the Grammy-winning United Nations Orchestra, the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, the Carnegie Hall Centennial Big Band, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra of New York. He has also served as guest conductor and featured guest with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Jon also has an enduring commitment to the education of young musicians and frequently conducts clinics and masterclasses, devoting personalized attention to teaching the next generation of jazz musicians.
The Jon Faddis Award for Musical Excellence is presented each year to the most promising jazz trumpet player in the New York area. He is a full-time faculty member and Director of Jazz Performance at the Conservatory of Music, Purchase College-SUNY, and holds the first-ever honorary doctorate in Jazz from Manhattan School of Music, as well as numerous other accolades and awards. Whatever the context – classroom or concert hall – and whatever the style, Jon Faddis epitomizes the best in Jazz.
This inspiring event—set for December 14, 2025 at 5:00pm— not only presents world-class jazz in a beautiful theater setting but also helps support transformative arts education and jazz programming in communities across our greater Monmouth County region. The students will alternate tunes and trade solos with the legends, showcasing the musical skills they have honed during the fall semester of the Jazz Arts Academy, the region's premier jazz education program. Many of the world-class jazz artists we have engaged with over the years have been integral to our music education program, some serving as instructors, clinicians, and mentors to up-and coming young musicians. This event puts those relationships front and center on the main stage of the Robert & Joan Rechnitz Theater at the Two River Theater in Red Bank.
Get Tickets
The performance lasts ninety minutes with no intermission. In addition to general admission tickets, VIP tickets are available, which include premier seating and a pre-show private lounge experience with food and drinks. After the show, Jazz Arts Project will offer a “fun-raising” reception and an opportunity to meet and greet the artists and the student stars of the show. Tickets are available for Students with Student ID: $15, General Admission: $55, and Special VIP seating $100. Post concert reception included for all ticket holders. (Box office fees apply)
About Jazz Arts Project
Jazz Arts Project is now celebrating 20 years as a unique non-profit model: The organization curates and produces world-class jazz performances to fund transformative 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.About Jon Faddis
Jon Faddis is a complete and consummate musician, conductor, composer, and educator. As a trumpeter, he possesses an unparalleled range and full command of his instrument, making the near impossible seem effortless.As a young trumpet student in Oakland CA. Jon Faddis had an encounter with his hero, Dizzy Gillespie, that led to a lifelong friendship and musical partnership that lasted until Gillespie’s death in 1993. Jon joined vibraphonist Lionel Hampton’s band at 18 and went on to work with a litany of major names, including the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Charles Mingus, Oscar Peterson, George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, Grant Green, and dozens more.
In addition to his extensive work as a sideman and session artist, Faddis has released 11 albums as a leader, including the GRAMMY-winning 1998 Chesky session Remembrances. He has directed orchestras, including the Grammy-winning United Nations Orchestra, the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, the Carnegie Hall Centennial Big Band, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra of New York. He has also served as guest conductor and featured guest with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Jon also has an enduring commitment to the education of young musicians and frequently conducts clinics and masterclasses, devoting personalized attention to teaching the next generation of jazz musicians.
The Jon Faddis Award for Musical Excellence is presented each year to the most promising jazz trumpet player in the New York area. He is a full-time faculty member and Director of Jazz Performance at the Conservatory of Music, Purchase College-SUNY, and holds the first-ever honorary doctorate in Jazz from Manhattan School of Music, as well as numerous other accolades and awards. Whatever the context – classroom or concert hall – and whatever the style, Jon Faddis epitomizes the best in Jazz.
