Member News: July 30, 2025
Happy Summer! It’s red-hot outside (and a little rainier than usual), but we’re keeping cool
at the Count Basie Center with some news and notes for our members!
A Party 100 Years in the Making!
The historic theater at the Count Basie Center turns 100 in 2026, and we’re commemorating the milestone with a 16-month long “Centennial Celebration“!
Announced to the public in a ceremony earlier this month, the Centennial Celebration will contain dozens of moments and of initiatives, including:
- The installation of the Count Basie Center Walk of Fame, a block-long sidewalk promenade celebrating the region’s biggest stars, all of whom got their start or took a big bow on our historic stage. Our first two Walk Of Fame members will be inaugurated on September 25, and while we know one will be William “Count”
Basie himself, the identity of our other inaugural star is still under wraps. Any guesses? Stay tuned for news in the weeks to come. - Collaborations with community businesses and partners, like Newark-based Brix City Brewing’s new Basie Center CentenniALE IPA and Bridging The Gap’s Basie Center Centennial Swing coffee, sales of which will benefit the Basie Center as well as support groups and services for veterans.
- ParkStage, the previously announced outdoor venue partnership with Monmouth County Tourism, opening Summer 2026 at the East Freehold Showgrounds.
- Stamped Stories, an initiative with Monmouth Arts to commission designs for a commemorative, 12-month postcard set celebrating the Basie Center by decade. The first design, from Red Bank artist and muralist Michael White, depicts the present-day façade of the Basie Center’s historic marquee and main entrance.
- A decade-by-decade celebration of film at Basie Center Cinemas, whose White Street exterior will also serve as the space for a new community mural commemorating the Basie Center’s centennial.
- A three-day “throwback” finale in November 2026 to feature prices, fashion and other bits of 1926 pop culture, including a screening and live musical accompaniment of The Quarterback, originally shown on opening night at the then Reade’s Carlton theater.
“We’re excited for all of the moments the community will experience during our Centennial Celebration,” said Adam Philipson, CEO / President, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “This 16-month effort will celebrate and recapture our legacy, by inviting the community to not only share their experiences here over the last century, but also to be part of commemorating that heritage — from concerts, community gatherings and activations, plus partnerships with area businesses and fellow nonprofits.”
Raising The Roof
It’s that time of year again! Advocate through Corporate members will be receiving invites soon for our annual Rooftop party, high above The Vogel at the Rock n’ Rohl Rooftop Lounge on Wednesday, September 10th. There’s free food, drinks and live music, and the annual soiree has turned into one of our favorite member celebrations of the year.
It’s always a picturesque evening with views of the mighty Navesink and often a cool, late-summer breeze — so once you’ve received your invitation, RSVP quickly! If you’re interested in upgrading your membership to get an invite to the party and other year-round, events, be sure to reach out.
Gallery: Chairperson’s Reception
Seems like just yesterday we were gathered for our annual Chairperson’s Reception, which this year featured a performance from the Basie Center’s community theatre company, Phoenix Productions.
Kinky Boots was the final performance of Phoenix’s 38th season — its third as an official part of the Count Basie Center family. Relive some of that evening with a gallery of photos here.
New Shows coming to the Basie Center
Mid-summer heat brings a whole new crop of Basie Center shows for fall and beyond. Here’s some new ones announced recently at theBASIE.org:
Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson (August 30; on sale now)
98 Degrees (August 24; on sale now)
Aziz Ansari (August 21; on sale now)
Michael W. Smith (Oct. 1; on sale now to members; on sale Friday to the general public!)
Champions Of Magic Holiday Spectacular (Fri. Nov 28; on sale now to members + on sale Friday to the general public!)
Matteo Bocelli: Falling In Love Tour (December 17; on sale now!)
A big summer weekend at Basie Center Cinemas
SUPERMAN
(2025) • PG-13 • 2h 9m
“Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.
THURSDAY 7/31: 4PM • 7PM | FRIDAY 8/1 4:45pm | SATURDAY 8/2: 2PM • 4:45PM • 7PM | SUNDAY 8/3: 2PM • 4:45PM • 7PM
THE NAKED GUN
(2025) • PG-13 • 1h 25m
Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the case are cast Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.
FRIDAY 8/1: 2:15PM • 4:30PM | SATURDAY 8/2: 2:15PM • 4:30PM • 7:30PM | SUNDAY 8/3: 2:15PM • 4:30PM • 7:30PM
Membership News & Notes
STAYING UP TO DATE: Would you like to update your mailing address or email address? Or do you have questions about your benefits or looking for ways to get more out of your Count Basie Center membership? You can email us at any time at membership@thebasie.org and we’ll get back to you in a span.
MATCHING GIFTS: Does your employer financially match philanthropic donations to nonprofit organizations? Request a matching gift form from your employer and double your donation to the Count Basie Center. Contact Cindy with any questions.
DO YOU HAVE A DONOR ADVISED FUND (DAF)? Use your charitable investment account to continue to support the Count Basie Center. Contact your advisor and let them know Count Basie Center is a charitable organization you would like to support. Contact Cindy with any questions.
MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: Our Centennial Celebration will be offering members of the community to record their Basie Center stories to share with the public. In the meantime, if you have a story to share with our members, feel free to do so by sending your words and photos at membership@thebasie.org. We’d like to feature them in an upcoming newsletter!
And that’s all this month from the Count Basie Center membership department. Remember, whenever you have a question or need other information about your membership, feel free to send me an email, or call me direct at 732-224-8778 x 145.
