Member News: March 2026
Though 2026 got off to a cold start, things are just
heating up at the Count Basie Center!
Here comes summer!
We’ve already started planning for summer with ParkStage, our new outdoor venue at East Freehold Park Showgrounds. ParkStage is just one way we’re celebrating our 100th birthday, as well as America, New Jersey and Monmouth County’s own 250 celebrations!
ParkStage Shows:
SUBLIME w/ Pepper, The Movement and Codefendants (Friday, June 19; Buy Tickets)
DARK STAR ORCHESTRA (Saturday, June 20; Buy Tickets)
THE HEAD AND THE HEART w/ Wilderado (Friday, June 26; Buy Tickets)
THE B-52’s w/ The English Beat (Saturday, July 11; Buy Tickets)
LAKE STREET DIVE w/ The Dip (Saturday, August 11; Buy Tickets)
PLUS! Two more announcements set for this week!
As a Count Basie Center member, you’re getting access to ParkStage tickets before anyone else! Stay tuned for additional ParkStage concert announcements in the weeks to come.
Member Events
This year’s member event schedule is set! Invites will be going out to qualified levels in the weeks to come; in fact, invites to our upcoming Star Reception are out and awaiting your RSVP:
Star Reception: BLUE MOON (2025)
Featuring a discussion with 2026 Oscar-nominated Blue Moon screen writer Robert Kaplow
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
5:30pm Reception | 6:30pm Showtime
The Vogel
Open to All Member Levels
Chairperson Reception: BEAUTIFUL – The Carole King Musical
Friday, May 1, 2026
6:00pm Reception
7:30pm Showtime
Open to members in the Family, Visionary and Ambassador levels)
SECRET All-Members Event!
Wednesday, June 3
Open to all member levels
Details coming soon!
Rock N’ Rohl Rooftop Party
Thursday, September 17, 2026
6:00pm-7:30pm
Open to members in the Advocate, Visionary and Ambassador levels)
You won’t want to miss out on all the opportunities to network and meet people who share the love of the arts! Contact me if you are interested in upgrading your membership at cjimenez@thebasie.org.
Come Check Us Out!
Friends of the Basie Tours
New to the Basie Center? Interested in an exclusive behind-the-scenes look? Join us on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 1-3pm for tours of our entire campus. You’ll get an immersive history lessons as you walk through both our historic theater and The Vogel, stepping both onstage and backstage at each performance venue. You’ll also visit the studios and classrooms of our Turner Academy of the Arts, and more.
Tours are scheduled for 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Email membership@thebasie.org with your preferred time and to confirm your attendance.
It’s here! Count Basie Center Merchandise
You asked, you shall receive: The Count Basie Center Centennial Shop, located just next door to our box office, is currently stocked with Count Basie Center and The Vogel hoodies, retro logo t-shirts and a whole host of merch related to our Centennial Celebration. The store is open before many shows, with an auxilliary kiosk located inside the historic theater at all events.
Members receive a 15% discount with valid membership card.
Tell Us Your Basie Center Story
With 100 years of history comes some interesting stories — and we’d like to hear yours. If you’re attending a show in our historic theater, stop by our Centennial story booth to tell us your favorite Basie Center story – be it a first date or kiss, a memorable show with your favorite group of friends, or even to just reminisce about your favorite all-time concert. We’ll be sharing the very best of these stories as our Centennial year progresses, as well as debuting the ability to tell us your story from the comfort of your own home. Stay tuned!
Count Basie Center Centennial Gala
The Count Basie Center Centennial Gala takes place on Saturday, June 13, with headline artists Josh Groban and special guest Jennifer Hudson. This year’s gala honorslongtime Count Basie Center chairperson Jeremy Grunin, and also celebrates the ten year anniversaries of both our student productions program, and the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s community programs here at the Basie Center. The gala evening includes a pre-show dinner reception, a post-show dance party, and more.
Click here for gala tickets or contact Gabriella LaFata at glafata@thebasie.org
News & Notes:
- Connect Us with Your Workplace! Do you work for an organization that offers grants or corporate sponsorships? We’d love to partner with you! Many of our most meaningful collaborations begin with a simple introduction from a member. If your company supports the arts, education, or community outreach programs in New Jersey, please email Whitney Stone at wstone@thebasie.org
- Share your birthday with us! Share your birthday with us and receive 2 complimentary drink tickets! Email us at membership@thebasie.org
- Volunteers Needed: Please email cjimenez@thebasie.org for more information.
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.
