Arts Impact

Count Basie Center Arts Impact scholarship program celebrates 2026 recipients

  (RED BANK – MAY 25) This year’s winners of the annual Count Basie Center Arts Impact scholarship program gathered onsite in Red Bank this week, to both receive their scholarship certificates and also meet some of the generous donors behind the Arts Impact college scholarship program. Seventeen Basie Center Arts Impact college scholarships were awarded […]

William “Count” Basie Birthday Block Party - FREE!

Basie Center reveals William “Count” Basie’s birthday weekend festivities

  Free, outdoor “Block Party” set for Basie’s birthday Friday, August 21; legendary Count Basie Orchestra and Broadway TONY stars round out weekend celebrations   (RED BANK | MAY 18, 2026) As it continues its momentous Centennial Celebration, the Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced a weekend of events commemorating the birth of […]

Count Basie Center Call For Artists: Centennial Mural Project

Count Basie Center for the Arts Seeks Artists for Centennial Community Mural Project

“A Guardian of Culture & Creativity” mural initiative will celebrate 100 years of connection, creativity, and community   [RED BANK] Count Basie Center for the Arts is inviting artists and artist teams to submit proposals for a large-scale, community-centered mural project as part of the organization’s Centennial Celebration. Titled A Guardian of Culture & Creativity: […]

Prima Music Camp

Registration open for free Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp

  (MAY 12, 2026 – RED BANK) In another example of creative partnerships designed to empower students through the performing arts, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation will sponsor a free music camp in collaboration with the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Red Bank’s Jazz Arts Project. Open to Monmouth County students entering grades […]

Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest

Official selections announced for the Basie Center’s 2026 Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest

  (RED BANK – MARCH 27) Official selections have been announced for this year’s Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest, the annual competition celebrating New Jersey’s emerging crop of young filmmakers. Selected from a competitive pool of submissions, these films represent a broad range of voices and perspectives and reflect the festival’s mission to elevate […]

Foodtown 2026

Foodtown and Food Circus Supermarkets support arts education at the Count Basie Center

  (RED BANK) The Count Basie Center for the Arts received a donation from Foodtown and Food Circus Supermarkets, Inc following the completion of the stores’ holiday in-store giving program. The donation, totalling more than $4,300, will support the Basie Center’s arts education programming.. “Partnerships like this one play an important role in ensuring that […]

NJPOL

New Jersey Poetry Out Loud announces 2026 state champion

  (RED BANK / MARCH 3, 2026): Joy Ogunsakin, a senior from Trinity Hall in Tinton Falls, was named State Champion at the 2026 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud State Finals, part of the National Poetry Out Loud recitation program. The adjudication took place on March 3rd at Count Basie Center for the Arts in […]

NJPOL

State finalists named for national ‘Poetry Out Loud’ recitation competition

  (RED BANK | 2/12/2026): Following New Jersey’s 2025-26 regional Poetry Out Loud competitions, twelve State Finalists have been named who will vie for this year’s title of New Jersey State Champion at Red Bank’s Count Basie Center for the Arts. Regional competitions took place in early February at the Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College, […]

Holiday Box Office Hours

Count Basie Center Box Office: 2025 Holiday Hours

The Count Basie Center has announced box office hours for the upcoming holiday weeks: Wednesday, December 24: Box office closes at 3pm Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day): Box office is closed. Friday, December 26: Main box office is closed all day; Vogel box office opens at 6pm for Joe Matarese performance Saturday, December 27: Box […]

Basie Center Cinema House powered by OceanFirst Bank announced as part of landmark upgrade 

Also: OceanFirst Foundation awards a separate grant to support the  Basie Center’s Workforce Development Program   RED BANK, NJ— The Count Basie Center for the Arts today announced a new partnership with OceanFirst Bank that includes the official renaming of its cinema to Basie Center Cinema House powered by OceanFirst Bank. The $100,000 sponsorship will support […]

Phoenix Productions

42 Broadwayworld.com nominations for Basie Center’s Phoenix Productions

Phoenix Productions basks in recognition with nods for work in THE COLOR PURPLE, MARY POPPINS, BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL and more   (RED BANK – DECEMBER 1) Phoenix Productions, the community theatre of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, has received 42 nominations in BroadwayWorld.com’s annual New Jersey Awards program. “As a community theatre organization, […]

Basie Center shares local resources offering food assistance and essential services

For those who may need extra support while SNAP benefits are unavailable, we’ve provided a list of local resources, courtesy of Fulfill, offering food assistance and essential services. As always, we are proud to be part of a community that comes together to support each other in times of need. Click here to download Monmouth […]

Phoenix Productions

Phoenix Productions, the Basie Center’s community theatre company, nabs seven Perry Awards

(RED BANK | Sept 22 2025) Phoenix Productions, the Count Basie Center for the Arts’ community theatre company, brought home seven trophies at Sunday evening’s Perry Awards, the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters (NJACT)’s annual celebration honoring excellence amongst 80+ of the state’s community theatre companies. Phoenix’s November 2024 production of The Color Purple […]

Ivy Charmatz

Basie Center names Ivy Charmatz Senior Vice President of Communications & Content Strategy

  (RED BANK) The Count Basie Center for the Arts today announced that Ivy Charmatz, an Emmy® Award-winning storyteller and communications leader, will join the organization as Senior Vice President of Communications & Content Strategy. In this newly created role, Charmatz will lead the Basie Center’s institutional storytelling and strategic communications, ensuring that the organization’s […]

Count Basie Center elects three new community leaders to its Board of Trustees

  (RED BANK – July 31, 2025) The Count Basie Center for the Arts is excited to announce the appointment of Carlina Jessen of Middletown, Kathryn Lissy of Leonardo and Cathy Pugliese-Sivo of Freehold to its Board of Trustees. “Ms. Jessen, Ms. Lissy and Ms. Sivo are true patrons of the arts,” said Adam Philipson, […]

Count Basie Center | Two River Theater

Count Basie Center, Two River Theater Relaunch Bilingual Workforce Partnership

  Program empowers Spanish-speaking community in Monmouth County by providing inclusive employment training and opportunities (RED BANK | JULY 21 2025) – The Count Basie Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Two River Theater are proud to continue their Bilingual Workforce Development Program. The partnership, sponsored by OceanFirst Bank and the Grunin Foundation, provides […]

sun-icon

Basie Center posts new summer box office hours

  The Count Basie Center has posted the following schedule for summer box office hours: On Saturdays without a show at Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, the main box office will be closed. On Saturdays with a show at Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, the main box office will open three hours prior to event time. On […]

Count Basie Center reveals 16-month ‘Centennial Celebration,’ marking 100 years of community impact and entertainment

Walk Of Fame installation, collaborations and community partnerships highlight historic venue’s century (RED BANK | July 10, 2025) Ahead of its 100th birthday on November 11, 2026, the nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced a 16-month long ‘Centennial Celebration,’ commemorating the organization’s century-long presence in Red Bank and impact throughout the Garden […]

ParkStage

Count Basie Center for the Arts and Monmouth County Tourism Announce Plans for ParkStage

The outdoor entertainment venue launches Summer 2026 FREEHOLD, NJ — The Count Basie Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Monmouth County Tourism, proudly announces ParkStage, a large-scale, open-air performance venue set to debut in Summer 2026 at the East Freehold Park Fairgrounds. “ParkStage is a meaningful part of our centennial celebration – a time […]

Prima Music Camp

Registration opens for free Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp

(JUNE 18, 2025 – RED BANK) In another example of creative partnerships designed to empower students through the performing arts, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation will sponsor a free music camp in collaboration with the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Red Bank’s Jazz Arts Project. Open to Monmouth County students entering grades 4-8th […]

Count Basie Center Arts Impact scholarship program celebrates 2025 recipients

  (RED BANK – MAY 29) This year’s winners of the annual Count Basie Center Arts Impact scholarship program gathered onsite in Red Bank this week, to both receive their scholarship certificates and also meet some of the generous donors behind the Arts Impact college scholarship program. Seventeen Basie Center Arts Impact college scholarships – first […]

2025 Basie Awards

Winners announced for 2025 Basie Awards, Honoring Monmouth County High School Theatre

Philanthropists and arts advocates Fran and Paul Turner receive Lifetime Achievement honors; 1500+ pack the Basie Center’s historic theater for annual awards ceremony (RED BANK | MAY 21, 2025) Winners were announced this evening at the 20th annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring the very best in Monmouth County high school theatre. This year’s ceremony took place […]

Basie Center Scholar

Inaugural ‘Basie Center Scholar’ revealed as applications open for next recipient

(APRIL 15) The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to announce the formation of the Basie Center Scholar program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide multi-year support for dedicated high school performing artists. As part of the Basie Center’s Forever For Everyone endowment campaign, this scholarship will empower talented students with financial and […]

Count Basie Center’s Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest announces 2025 Winners

    (RED BANK – APRIL 8) The Count Basie Center’s Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest was held on March 22, with more than 20 official selections being screened and dozens of students from across the state participating in industry networking opportunities, an expert Q&A and workshops designed to give emerging filmmakers an idea of the creative […]

NJPOL

New Jersey Poetry Out Loud announces 2025 State Champion

  (RED BANK / MARCH 12, 2025): Hadassah Broughton, a sophomore from Stuart Country Day School in Princeton, was named State Champion at the 2025 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud State Finals, part of the National Poetry Out Loud recitation program. The adjudication took place on March 12th at Count Basie Center for the Arts […]

Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow will headline the Count Basie Center’s 2025 Summer Gala

  Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy will be special guests; Basie Center Board Members will be honored for their support of the performing arts organization’s mission   RED BANK, MARCH 10, 2025 – The Count Basie Center for the Arts is excited to announce nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow will headline this […]

The Basie Awards

Spring high school productions revealed for Basie Awards consideration

  (RED BANK – MARCH 5) The Basie Awards will mark 20 years of celebrating Monmouth County high school theatre on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the Count Basie Center’s historic Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank. In celebration of the 20th anniversary, this year’s ceremony will feature students, teachers and school […]

Official selections announced for 2025 Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest

(RED BANK – FEBRUARY 28) Official selections have been announced for this year’s Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest, the annual competition celebrating New Jersey’s emerging crop of young filmmakers. The onsite Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest event takes place on Saturday, March 22 on the Count Basie Center campus, 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank. Both […]

NJPOL

State finalists named for national ‘Poetry Out Loud’ recitation competition

  (RED BANK / 2/19/2025): Following New Jersey’s 2024-25 regional Poetry Out Loud competitions, twelve State Finalists have been named who will vie for this year’s title of New Jersey State Champion at Red Bank’s Count Basie Center for the Arts. Regional competitions took place in early February at the Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College, […]

Count Basie Center posts holiday box office hours

  Happy Holidays! The Count Basie Center for the Arts has posted its holiday box office hours, for events happening at both The Vogel and the historic Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre: Tuesday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) – Box office sales for both venues close at 4:00PM Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas day) – Closed Thursday, Dec. […]

48 nominations for Phoenix Productions in annual BroadwayWorld.com NJ Awards

Phoenix Productions basks in recognition with nods for work in RENT, Ragtime, Evil Dead: The Musical, West Side Story and more   (RED BANK – DECEMBER 2) Phoenix Productions, the community theatre of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, has received 48 nominations in BroadwayWorld.com’s annual New Jersey Awards program. “As a community theatre […]

This weekend: ‘The Color Purple’ musical shines onstage at the Basie Center

  RED BANK – Phoenix Productions, the community theatre company at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, is proud to present The Color Purple: The Musical, featuring the company’s first all-Black cast. The production showcases Phoenix’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion through casting and title selections that fulfill a mission to create a […]

The Basie Awards

Basie Awards celebrates 20 years, reveals fall productions under evaluation

(RED BANK – NOV 1) The Basie Awards will mark 20 years of celebrating excellence in Monmouth County high school theatre on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the Count Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank. “When we started the Basie Awards in 2005, our hope was that a community of […]

Food Drive to benefit Lunch Break

Basie Center holding food drive for neighbor nonprofit Lunch Break

  (NOV 1 – RED BANK ) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced a food and supplies drive to benefit Lunch Break, the celebrated food pantry and life skills organization located in Red Bank. Throughout the month of November, Count Basie Center patrons are encouraged to bring an item from the list […]

NJ Hispanic Film Fest

Count Basie Center for the Arts announces Inaugural New Jersey Hispanic Film Festival

Fest will celebrate Hispanic and Latinx/e culture, storytelling, and artistic expression  RED BANK, NJ –  The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to announce the inaugural NJ Hispanic Film Festival, taking place Friday, October 4- Sunday, October 6, 2024, as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event will bring together filmmakers, community members, […]

Basie Center receives $35k Bank of America grant for ‘Critical Conversations’ series

  Funding will help with costs associated with producing noted community lecture program  RED BANK, JULY 17, 2024– The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the region’s premier nonprofit center for the performing arts, has received a $35,000 grant from Bank of America.   The grant will support the Count Basie Center’s Critical Conversations series, a […]

IMPACT: Count Basie Center Arts Impact College Scholarship Winners

  (RED BANK – MAY 29) This year’s winners of the annual Count Basie Center Arts Impact scholarship program gathered onsite in Red Bank this week, to both receive their scholarship certificates and also meet some of the generous donors behind the Arts Impact college scholarship program. Twelve Basie Center Arts Impact college scholarships – […]

Winners announced, high school theatre celebrated at the 2024 Basie Awards

New Jersey Lt. Governor Tahesha Way receives Lifetime Achievement Award Basie Center Arts Impact Scholarship Award Winners Also Recognized In Sold-Out, Three-Hour Celebration (RED BANK | MAY 22, 2024) Winners were announced this evening at the 19th annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring excellence and achievement in Monmouth County high school theatre. This year’s ceremony took place […]

Prima Music Camp

Registration opens for free Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp

(MAY 20, 2024 – RED BANK) In another example of creative partnerships designed to empower students through the performing arts, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation will sponsor a free music camp in collaboration with the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Red Bank’s Jazz Arts Project. Open to Monmouth County students 9-14 years of […]

Nominations: 2024 Basie Awards

Annual ceremony honors excellence in Monmouth County high school theatre; tickets are on sale now for annual awards show May 22 in Red Bank   (RED BANK | APRIL 30, 2023) Nominees have been announced for the 2024 Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre, taking place on Wednesday, May 22, […]

Sunday: Details announced for Basie Center’s ¡Tardeada de Cinco de Mayo! Dance Party

Annual, culturally authentic Cinco de Mayo celebration to feature live performances, Mexican cuisine and artisans (RED BANK – APRIL 29) The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced details for this weekend’s ¡Tardeada de Cinco De Mayo! (Cinco de Mayo Dance Party) event, happening this Sunday, May 5th at The Vogel. “For nearly a […]

Count Basie Center Gospel Choir

Count Basie Center Gospel Choir sets next audition dates

(RED BANK | APRIL 1 2024) The Count Basie Center Gospel Choir has announced a fresh audition opportunity for singers of all vocal categories. Choir Director Gwen Moten will conduct auditions on Saturday, April 6 from 10-11AM and Saturday, April 13 from 10-11AM in Studio 201 (formerly Studio 99) onsite at the Basie Center’s Grunin […]

Phoenix Productions 2024-25 Season

Basie Center community theatre company Phoenix Productions announces ’24-25 season

Renowned, award-winning community theatre company at the Count Basie Center focuses on matters of the heart for its 36th season (RED BANK – MARCH 4) West Side Story, RENT, The Color Purple – The Musical, Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical and Kinky Boots make up community theatre company Phoenix Productions’ 36th season, it was […]

Pearl Jam - Dark Matter

Hear Pearl Jam’s new album ‘Dark Matter’ first at The Vogel

  With a special, one night only global theatrical experience Pearl Jam fans will be among the very first to hear the band’s new record Dark Matter on April 16 in select cinemas around the world with “Dark Matter in The Dark.” Locally, the presentation will be featured at The Vogel, on the campus of […]

The Basie Awards

2024 Basie Awards: See which Monmouth County high school productions are in play

Nearly 50 productions – 22 plays and 27 musicals – will contend for nominations in annual celebration of excellence in high school theatre   (RED BANK – MARCH 20) The Basie Awards, the annual celebration of excellence in Monmouth County high school theatre, has revealed 49 productions in contention for trophies at this year’s ceremony, […]

PRETENDERS set to headline the 2024 Count Basie Center Summer Gala

The organization’s biggest annual fundraiser will raise money for student scholarships and programs in support of the nonprofit Basie Center’s mission (RED BANK – MARCH 19) Rock & Roll Hall Of Famers PRETENDERS will headline the 2024 Count Basie Center Summer Gala on Saturday, July 13th at the Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, 99 […]

NJPOL

New Jersey Poetry Out Loud announces 2024 champion

  (RED BANK / MARCH 15, 2024): Lucas Wilson, a senior from Red Bank Regional High School in Red Bank, was named State Champion at the 2024 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud State Finals, part of the National Poetry Out Loud recitation program. The adjudication took place on March 14th at Count Basie Center for […]

Tony n' Tina's Wedding

National ‘Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding’ tour seeks locals for Basie Center shows

  (MARCH 5, 2023) The folks behind “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding,” the hilarious, dinner-and-a-show immersive theatre experience, is looking for a few good actors. Local ones. Read on: Open Auditions for Tony N’ Tina’s wedding Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is seeking actors and actresses for major roles in the upcoming Off-Broadway, non-Union production of Tony […]

Official selections announced for the Count Basie Center’s 2024 Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest

  (FEBRUARY 23) Official selections have been announced for this year’s Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest, the annual competition celebrating New Jersey’s emerging crop of young filmmakers. The onsite Breakthrough Filmmakers fest event takes place on Saturday, March 23 on the Count Basie Center campus, 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank. Both official selections […]

Basie Center Cinemas

Basie Center Cinemas lines up annual free film series honoring Black History Month

Basie Center Cinemas, the Count Basie Center’s independent twin cinema located on White Street in downtown Red Bank, has announced titles for its annual Black History Month Free Film Series. Tickets for all screenings are free, and are available in advance at www.basiecentercinemas.org and the cinema box office. Friday, February 16 | 7PM BARBERSHOP Starring […]

New Jersey Symphony Masterclass

New Jersey Symphony musicians set for cello, violin masterclass

  (JANUARY 21) The Count Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music has announced an advanced strings masterclass featuring musicians from the New Jersey Symphony (NJS). The session, open to all interested students, takes place on Saturday, February 24 from 5-6PM and features New Jersey Symphony cellist Frances Rowell and violinist / NJS Associate Concertmaster Brennan […]

The Giving Year

The Giving Year wraps with recognition for Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey

  (RED BANK – January 4, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America (BofA) have announced the final area nonprofit to be recognized during THE GIVING YEAR, the yearlong initiative to recognize and reward organizations for their contributions to the regional community. Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey (https://caregivervolunteers.org) will receive […]

Energy

Count Basie Center elects three new community leaders to its Board of Trustees

(RED BANK – December 11, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the state’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, is excited to announce the appointment of Delisha J. Grant of Little Ferry, Steven M. Kaiman of Fair Haven, and Dr. Perry Scaranni, Ed.D of Holmdel to its Board of Trustees. “Dr. Scaranni, Ms. Grant […]

Phoenix Productions nabs 28 Broadwayworld.com Awards Nominations

  The Count Basie Center’s community theatre company gets nods for The Music Man, In The Heights, Evil Dead: The Musical, Once On This Island and Guys And Dolls (RED BANK – DECEMBER 7, 2023) Basie Center community theatre company Phoenix Productions, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this season, has even more cheer for after […]

Black Nativity

Langston Hughes’ ‘Black Nativity’ set for Basie Center return Dec. 30

Dunbar Repertory Company presents the renowned Gospel-inspired story of the Nativity; tickets on sale now at theBASIE.org (RED BANK – DECEMBER 7) Black Nativity, author and poet Langston Hughes’ Gospel-inspired interpretation of the Gospel Of Luke and the birth of Jesus Christ, returns to the historic Riker Family Stage at the Count Basie Center on […]

Freehold Area Open Door is November’s beneficiary in ‘The Giving Year’

$1 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD IN NOVEMBER WILL BENEFIT THE FOOD PANTRY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATION, WHICH HAS SERVED WESTERN MONMOUTH COUNTY SINCE 1987   (RED BANK – November 6, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America (BofA) have announced the next area nonprofit to be recognized during THE GIVING […]

Montclair Film Festival at Basie Center Cinemas

Montclair Film Festival to present three new films at Basie Center Cinemas

Two of New Jersey’s leading arts nonprofits join forces to showcase the importance and impact of independent film   (RED BANK – OCTOBER 6, 2023) For the first time ever, the Montclair Film Festival will extend its reach into central New Jersey with the presentation of three new films at Red Bank’s Basie Center Cinemas. […]

The Giving Year

In Review: The Giving Year

The Count Basie Center’s nonprofit recognition initiative with Bank of America has given nearly $100,000 to area nonprofits As the Count Basie Center crawled from the prolonged, pandemic-fueled shutdown, one thing was clear: The community had kept it going. “We did everything to survive,” said Count Basie Center President and CEO, Adam Philipson. “We held […]

The Basie Center's new William ?Count" Basie statue

Basie Center, Red Bank to celebrate William James “Count” Basie’s birthday

Concerts, dedications – even birthday cake – all set to celebrate the jazz legend’s birth August 21 (RED BANK | AUGUST 9, 2023) The “Kid From Red Bank” – global jazz legend and hometown hero William “Count” Basie – will celebrated throughout Red Bank in events surrounding what would have been his 119th birthday on […]

Back to cool: Project Write Now is August’s beneficiary in The Giving Year

$1 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD IN AUGUST WILL BENEFIT THE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ORGANIZATION; TICKETS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR VOLUNTEERS AND BENEFICIARIES (RED BANK – July 26, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America (BofA) have announced the next area nonprofit to be recognized during THE GIVING YEAR, the […]

Samantha Giustiniani

Basie Center taps longtime arts educator as Vice President, Education and Outreach

  (RED BANK | JULY 18, 2023) The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced the appointment of Samantha Giustiniani to Vice President, Education and Outreach. Giustiniani replaces longtime Count Basie Center education leader Yvonne Lamb Scudiery, who founded the organization’s education department in 1999 before her 2020 retirement. Giustiniani, of Freehold, started […]

Basie Center, Bank of America announce July’s beneficiary in ‘The Giving Year’

$1 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD THIS MONTH WILL BENEFIT THE RED BANK’s RITESH SHAH CHARITABLE PHARMACY; TICKETS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR VOLUNTEERS AND BENEFICIARIES (RED BANK – July 5, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America (BofA) have announced the seventh of twelve area nonprofits to be recognized during […]

Count Basie Center Juneteenth Celebration

Basie Center sets free community Juneteenth celebration for June 14

(RED BANK – JUNE 6)— The Count Basie Center for the Arts will hold a community Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 14 at The Vogel, located at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank. Entry is free with a $10 suggested donation. The community celebration will feature a performance by the Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, […]

Asbury Park’s QSpot named as June’s beneficiary during ‘The Giving Year’

(RED BANK – June 1, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America have announced the sixth of twelve area nonprofits to be recognized during THE GIVING YEAR, the yearlong initiative to recognize and reward organizations for their contributions to the regional community. QSpot (http://www.qspot.org) will receive $1 from every Count […]

Forever For Everyone Endowment

Basie Center Academy opens application for first-ever Charlie Puth Performance Scholarships

  (RED BANK – MAY 30)— As part of its FOREVER FOR EVERYONE endowment campaign, the Count Basie Center has announced the availability of the Charlie Puth Performance Scholarship, named for GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and former student at the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts. Beginning today, interested students may apply for a Charlie […]

National Endowment for the Arts

Basie Center to receive $60k grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

(RED BANK)— The Count Basie Center for the Arts has been approved for a $60,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support its mindALIGNED program. mindALIGNED is a collective impact initiative focused on engaging schools and communities in the arts. The Basie Center project, founded in 2016, […]

2023 Basie Awards, presented by Bank of America

Winners announced at 18th annual Basie Awards, presented by Bank of America

Crowd of 1500+ cheers on actors and performances from the past year; annual ceremony honors excellence in Monmouth County high school theatre   (RED BANK | MAY 24, 2023) Winners were announced this evening at the annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring excellence and achievement in Monmouth County high school theatre. This year’s ceremony, presented by Bank of […]

Winners announced in the 2023 Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest

  (RED BANK | MAY 2, 2023) Winners in the statewide 2023 Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest were celebrated this past weekend during the festival’s annual screening and networking event in Red Bank. Dozens of films were entered into the competition, which announced its official selections in March and showcased each title […]

2023 Basie Awards, presented by Bank of America

Nominees announced for 2023 Basie Awards, presented by Bank of America

(RED BANK | APRIL 25, 2023) Nominees have been announced for the 2023 Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre presented by Bank of America, taking place on Wednesday, May 24, 2022 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. Tickets for this year’s presentation are on sale […]

Count Basie Center Gospel Choir sets next audition date

(RED BANK | APRIL 3 2023) The Count Basie Center Gospel Choir has announced a fresh audition opportunity for singers of all vocal categories. Choir Director Gwen Moten will conduct auditions on Saturday, April 15 from 10-11AM in Studio 302-303 onsite at the Basie Center’s Grunin Arts and Education Building, located onsite at 99 Monmouth […]

NJPOL

New Jersey Poetry Out Loud crowns 2023 Champion at the Count Basie Center

  (RED BANK / MARCH 7, 2023): Lydia Smith, a junior from Henry Hudson Regional High School in Highlands, was named State Champion at the 2023 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud State Finals, part of the National Poetry Out Loud recitation program. The competition took place on March 6th at Count Basie Center for the […]

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide is March’s beneficiary in The Giving Year

  (RED BANK – March 6, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America have announced the third of twelve area nonprofits to be recognized during THE GIVING YEAR, the yearlong initiative to recognize and reward organizations for their contributions to the regional community. Freehold’s Society for the Prevention of Teen […]

irish American Comedy + Film Fleadh

This weekend: Irish-American Comedy + Film Fleadh set for Basie Center Cinemas

  (RED BANK – MARCH 6) Basie Center Cinemas, the independent movie house located on White Street in downtown Red Bank, will present the Irish-American Comedy + Film Fleadh this Saturday, March 11 at 6:30PM. A partnership with the Dublin International Comedy Film Festival (www.dublininternationalcomedyfilmfest.com), the Fleadh – Irish for ‘Festival’ – will feature short […]

Basie Center community theatre company Phoenix Productions announces 2023-24 season

The celebrated community theatre company, now fully merged with the nonprofit Basie Center, announces five new titles and a celebration of its 35th season   (RED BANK | FEBRUARY 22, 2023) Phoenix Productions, the community theatre company of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, announced its 35th season today, with THE MUSIC MAN, IN […]

Count Basie Center welcomes three new community leaders to its Boards of Trustees

  (RED BANK – February 15, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the state’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, is excited to announce the appointment of Puja Choudhry of Old Bridge, Jason Jurgens of Rumson and Nancy Karpf of Fair Haven to its Board of Trustees. “Puja, Jason and Nancy are community-minded professionals […]

Count Basie Center recognizes Black History Month

Count Basie Center recognizes Black History Month

Free film series, Once On This Island + concert performances to run throughout February (RED BANK – JAN 30) The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank will recognize Black History Month with a production of the groundbreaking hit Once On This Island, performances from Incognito vocalist Maysa Leak, musician Trombone Shorty and […]

Horizon Foundation for New Jersey

Basie Center receives $10k grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Grant will fund school programming and general operations (RED BANK – JANUARY 10) – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has received a grant in the amount of $10,000 from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. The donation, made through The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, will be used to fund general […]

Count Basie Center || Holiday Box Office Hours

The Count Basie Center for the Arts box office has posted its amended holiday schedule: 12/23 – Normal hours (10-6 + operations for A Christmas Carol) 12/24, 25, 26 – Box office closed 12/27 – Normal hours (10-6 + operations for A Christmas Carol) 12/28 – Normal hours (10-6 + operations for Baby Shark Live) […]

Cheers Wine Festival

Cheers! Holiday Wine Festival set for the Basie Center Sunday, Dec. 4

  (RED BANK – November 21, 2022) Six of New Jersey’s finest wineries plus holiday vendors, artisans and entertainers are set for CHEERS!, A Holiday Wine Festival taking place at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on Sunday afternoon, December 4. Tickets for the 21+ event, held throughout the Count Basie […]

‘A Christmas Carol’ performances rescheduled for late December

Out of an abundance of caution following several cast cases of COVID-19, Phoenix Productions is rescheduling this weekend’s run of “A Christmas Carol” at the Count Basie Center. Tickets marked for Friday, November 18th at 8PM will be honored on Friday, December 23 at 5pm. Tickets marked for Saturday, November 19 at 3PM will be […]

Count Basie Center welcomes Heather Burke to its Board of Trustees

  (RED BANK – November 4, 2022) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the state’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, is excited to announce the appointment of philanthropist and Impact 100 Jersey Coast co-founder Heather Burke to its Board of Trustees. “In co-founding Impact 100 Jersey Coast, Heather Burke proved herself to be a […]

Forever For Everyone Endowment

Basie Center announces $20m endowment campaign; Charlie Puth named honorary chair

    ‘FOREVER FOR EVERYONE’ ENDOWMENT TO OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS IN PERPETUITY AND PROMOTE STRATEGIC GROWTH, DIVERSITY & EQUITY  (RED BANK – OCT 24) The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced its $20m ‘Forever For Everyone’ endowment campaign. GRAMMY nominated, multi-platinum singer / songwriter / producer Charlie Puth, the onetime student of the […]

Count Basie Center Gospel Choir

Count Basie Center Gospel Choir set to perform at county 9/11 Memorial Sunday

  The Count Basie Center Gospel Choir will join the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the Monmouth County Park System for a time of reflection and remembrance this Sunday during a memorial to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The ceremony will take place this Sunday, Sept. 11 at 9AM at […]

Basie Academy: International Flair

Summer ’22 at the Basie Center Academy came with international flair

  Mexican and Portuguese students spent part of their summer vacations honing – and discovering – their respective acting bugs (RED BANK) Sunshine, the shore and tourists are practically synonymous. But for three international visitors this summer, it was the stage – and not sand – that filled their vacations with memories to last a […]

Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp

Registration opens for free Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp

  RED BANK – In another example of creative partnerships designed to empower students through the performing arts, the Gia Maione Prima Foundation will sponsor a free music camp in partnership with the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Red Bank’s Jazz Arts Project. Open to current 3-7th grade students in Monmouth and Ocean […]

2022 Basie Awards, presented by Bank of America

Winners announced, high school theatre celebrated at 2022 Basie Awards

  (MAY 25 – RED BANK) Winners were announced this evening at the annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring excellence and achievement in Monmouth County high school theatre. This year’s ceremony, presented by Bank of America, took place live and in person for the first time since 2019, drawing a capacity crowd to the historic performing arts center. “After […]

Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest

Winners announced in the 2022 Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest

Winners have been announced for this year’s 2022 Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest: – Middle School Best Film: ‘A Dog’s Day: Featuring Luna’ (Pilar Jacobs, Grover Cleveland Middle School) – High School Best Documentary: ‘The STARS Program’ (Arielle Vidalina Borges, Holmdel High School) – High School Best Narrative: ‘Short’ (Sam Chuck, Mahwah […]

Count Basie Center Gospel Choir sets new round of auditions

  (RED BANK | MARCH 16, 2022) The Count Basie Center Gospel Choir has announced a fresh set of auditions for singers of all vocal categories. Choir Director Gwen Moten will conduct auditions on Saturday, March 26 and Saturday, April 2 from 11-12PM at the Basie Center’s Grunin Arts and Education Building, located onsite at […]

NJPOL

New Jersey Poetry Out Loud crowns its 2022 State Champion

  Italy Whitehead, a junior from Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy in Elizabeth, was named State Champion at the 2022 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud State Finals competition. The virtual adjudication took place on March 1st and a compilation video broadcast the following day, March 2nd on the NJPOL YouTube channel. Italy Whitehead will represent New […]

Stephen Sondheim

‘Putting It Together’: Two-night celebration of Sondheim set for Red Bank

  (RED BANK | MARCH 1, 2022) Phoenix Productions, the community theater arm of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, will present Putting It Together, a musical revue showcasing the music of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12 at The Vogel, the new performance venue located at […]

Who We Are

Basie Center, Monmouth U Social Justice Academy set free screening of ‘Who We Are: A Chronicle Of Racism in America’

Documentary’s subject, directors will be on hand for live, post-screening discussion (RED BANK | FEBRUARY 1, 2022) The Count Basie Center for the Arts Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, in conjunction with Monmouth University’s Social Justice Academy and Intercultural Center, will host a special screening of the new Sony Pictures Classics documentary Who We […]

Phoenix Productions, Count Basie Center announce merger

Count Basie Center, Phoenix Productions announce merger

Two of the state’s most prolific nonprofit performing arts organizations to join forces in Red Bank (RED BANK | FEBRUARY 1, 2022) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Red Bank-based Phoenix Productions today announced their intentions to merge, allowing the community theatre company to officially become part of the organization which has hosted […]

The Vogel and Bank of America

Count Basie Center, Bank of America Announce Strategic Partnership

  (RED BANK | DEC. 6 2021) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America have announced a partnership designating the financial institution as The Preferred Banking and Financial Partner at The Vogel, the Basie Center’s new performance venue, while also providing support to the nonprofit Basie’s arts education and outreach programs. […]

Basie Center Cinemas announces opening of THE MUSTANGS – AMERICA’S WILD HORSES

  Executive Producers Robert Redford, Patti Scialfa Springsteen and Jessica Springsteen take viewers to the American West and show how the survival of the wild horse is at stake  (OCTOBER 11) The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses, the incredible story of America’s wild horse population from their turbulent history to their uncertain future, opens at Basie […]

NJPOL

Count Basie Center selected as lead partner for New Jersey Poetry Out Loud

  (OCT 12, 2021) The Count Basie Center for the Arts today announced it has been selected as the lead partner for New Jersey Poetry Out Loud (NJPOL), the statewide high school recitation program which provides students with a platform to showcase and share their interpretation of poetry. In partnership with the New Jersey State […]

DiNizio

Basie Center announces details for 2022 Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarship

(RED BANK – SEPT 17) On the day The Smithereens perform their first New Jersey show in since the onset of the pandemic, details have been announced for the 2022 Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarship, named in honor of the New Jersey band’s legendary frontman, who passed away in December 2017. Beginning today, interested students […]

Basie Center Academy Student Productions

Basie Center Academy student productions revealed for inaugural 2021-’22 season

  RED BANK – For the first time ever, the Count Basie Center Academy’s School of Performing Arts has revealed an entire slate of student productions, taking place over the next three sessions on the Basie Center’s big stages. The Addams Family, A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Little […]

Broadway at the Basie Center

2021-22 ‘Broadway at the Basie Center’ lineup revealed; on sale 10am Friday

Annual slate of touring Broadway productions sponsored by World Subaru RED BANK – The 2021-22 BROADWAY AT THE BASIE CENTER series has been announced, featuring an eclectic slate of touring productions live at the Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre. Sponsored by World Subaru, this season’s BROADWAY AT THE BASIE CENTER schedule brings some of the […]

2021 Basie Awards presented by Bank of America coming to YouTube, Facebook June 17

  The 2021 Basie Awards presented by Bank Of America will take place on Thursday, June 17 at 8:00PM on Facebook, YouTube and theBASIE.org. In light of the pivots, maneuvers and challenges faced by our area’s high school theater community over the past year, the theme of this year’s Basie Awards is “creativity.” Not just […]

Count Basie Center welcomes three new community leaders to its Board of Trustees

(RED BANK – June 2, 2021) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the state’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, is excited to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees. Joining the Basie Board are Jerry W. Conaty, CPA, CFE, RMA of Lanoka Harbor, a partner of the Holman Frenia […]

Dogecoin

Basie Center adds Dogecoin to its crypto donation options

  Move allows more crypto donors than ever to take advantage of the currency’s tax advantages  (MAY 5, 2021 | RED BANK) As it continues to recover after a now year-long disruption due to the pandemic, the Count Basie Center for the Arts today announced it can now accept donations of Dogecoin, deepening its options […]

Winners announced in the 2021 Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest

  (RED BANK – APRIL 14, 2021) Winners of the 2021 Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest were announced on Wednesday, following an online industry panel which allowed all officially-selected festival filmmakers to hear from experts working in television and film. In a tumultuous year for students and artists alike, 2021 saw a […]

Count Basie Center announces ‘Concerts On The Green’ outdoor summer concert series

  (RED BANK and EATONTOWN, NJ – MARCH 29, 2021) – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced Concerts On The Green, an outdoor, socially-distanced concert series kicking off in mid-May at the historic Suneagles Golf Club in Eatontown. All Concerts On The Green tickets include a pre-show dinner reservation. Full COVID-19 safety […]

Basie conservatory students participate in New Jersey Symphony Orchestra masterclass

  Students at the Count Basie Center Academy’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music were treated to a professional, virtual masterclass on Friday courtesy of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. NJSO Associate Concertmaster Brennan Sweet and Assistant Principal Violinist Izia Weyman spent more than two hours with the Basie’s conservatory students, who took in an invaluable amount […]

Basie Center announces 2021 ARTS MADNESS tourney, sponsored by Bank of America

  The Count Basie Center for the Arts, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, is turning downtime into game time: It’s ARTS MADNESS 2021. Launched last year at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ARTS MADNESS was an effort to give young artists a chance to showcase their skills, despite the area’s initial lock-downs […]

‘STATUE SEASON’ comes to Basie Center Cinemas with Hollywood’s best of 2020

  Nomadland, The Father, Minari and others set to screen in Red Bank as Hollywood celebrates the year’s best films and performances Tickets, showtimes, trailers + information on all films film available at basiecentercinemas.org [RED BANK] The Count Basie Center’ Basie Center Cinemas, located at 36 White Street in Red Bank, is celebrating Hollywood’s best […]

Count Basie Center to receive $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

  [RED BANK | FEB. 4 2021] The Count Basie Center for the Arts has been approved for a $100,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support mindALIGNED, the organization’s collective impact initiative in the areas of professional development for educators, creative teaching strategies, artist residencies and arts experiences. The Basie Center’s project is among […]

Count Basie Center Gospel Choir sets workshop, spring auditions

  (RED BANK | FEBRUARY 4, 2021) The Count Basie Center has announced a virtual workshop and a fresh set of online auditions for singers of all vocal categories interested in learning more and making a play at joining the organization’s new gospel choir. On Saturday, Feb. 20, choir director Gwen Moten will conduct an […]

DiNizio

Basie Center announces recipients of annual Pat DiNizio Music Performance Scholarships

  (RED BANK – DEC 23) The Count Basie Center for the Arts today announced the recipients of this year’s Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarships. Alejandra Morales, 15, of Bayville and Gabriel McGivern-Jiminez, 16, of Wall, were selected from dozens of applicants for this year’s awards. Each will receive $500 towards programs as part of […]

In a first, Count Basie Center can accept cryotpcurrency donations

  Gifts of Bitcoin, Ether and other cryptocurrencies now accepted as part of the Basie Recovery Fund (OCT. 22 2020 | RED BANK) As it attempts to emerge from a 7+ month closure due to the global pandemic,  the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts announced today it has become one of the first […]

New Count Basie Center Gospel Choir announces auditions

  RED BANK – The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has set virtual audition dates for the new Count Basie Center Gospel Choir. Virtual auditions for voices in all vocal categories – soprano, alto, tenor and bass – will be held between 10AM – 2PM on Saturday Dec. 12 and Saturday, December 19. […]

Vogel Preview

Count Basie Center for the Arts unveils The Vogel

  New, state-of-the-art performance venue opens in October with social distancing and safety measures in place; performance announcements kicking off shortly (SEPT. 29 | RED BANK) The Count Basie Center for the Arts today unveiled its long-awaited second performance venue: The Vogel. With Governor Murphy’s decree that indoor venues may open to limited capacities – […]

GALLERY: Introducing The Vogel

  The Count Basie Center for the Arts has unveiled its long-awaited second performance venue: The Vogel. Here’s a sneak-peek at The Vogel, which will start safe, socially-distanced indoor concerts in October:

Jeremy Grunin named Chairman, Count Basie Center Board Of Trustees

  Philanthropist and Grunin Foundation president has served on the Basie Center board since 2015 (SEPT. 17 | RED BANK) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “Inspire, Educate and Entertain,” announced today that Jeremy Grunin has accepted the role of Chairman of its Board of […]

Kevin Hart original dates changing; new performances added by popular demand

(RED BANK / OCEANPORT | AUG 31 2020) Due to an unforeseen conflict, KEVIN HART’s performances at the Blu Grotto at Monmouth Park are changing dates: Thursday, September 3rd’s 6:30pm performance will now take place on Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) with a 7pm showtime** Thursday, September 3rd’s 9:30pm performance will now take place on […]

Basie Center sets golf, tennis outing fundraiser for Sept. 29

  The Count Basie Center for the Arts is adding a new twist to its annual golf outing in September: tennis! The Basie’s annual golf (and tennis!) outing takes place Tuesday, September 29 at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, 20 Shore Oaks Drive in Farmingdale. This year’s outing features morning and afternoon shotguns, with […]