(RED BANK – OCTOBER 12, 2026) The Count Basie Center for the Arts will be holding a “Food + Wellness” drive to assist its fellow Red Bank nonprofit, Lunch Break. Now through November 13, patrons attending a performance or class at the Count Basie Center are asked to bring an item from the list […]

  RED BANK, OCTOBER 7, 2026 – The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Charlie Puth Musical Performance Scholarships are Kyla Puryear, 16, of Red Bank, and Siena Marino, 18, or Middletown. Both students will receive $1500 to be used toward any Basie Center Turner Academy […]

RED BANK, NJ – The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to welcome Tony Award-winning actor, author and advocate Ali Stroker for a Community Conversation exploring mental health, well-being and the power of the arts on Tuesday, October 6 at 7 p.m. at The Vogel. Stroker won a Tony Award for her performance […]

  The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to announce the appointment of five new community and business leaders to its Board of Trustees: Kara Kopach of Eatontown, Erica Saldívar García, EdD of Lincroft, Ryan Blake of Fanwood, Shawn Emamjomeh of Asbury Park and Evan P. Zimmerman, Esq of Lincroft. “Kara, Erica, Ryan, […]

(RED BANK) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced its 2026-27 season of national Broadway tours, opening with an exclusive, one-night-only performance of Waitress on December 14. Additional Broadway tours making stops in Red Bank include The Who’s TOMMY: The Musical on January 7 and 8, Mystic Pizza: A New Musical on March 30 […]

  RED BANK, NJ – The Count Basie Center for the Arts added two more honorees to its Walk of Fame on Friday, inducting Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson of The B-52s and Dramarama during a special ceremony outside the historic venue in Red Bank. The induction came ahead of bands’ concert at ParkStage in […]

  RED BANK, NJ – The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10 at 12pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, […]

  (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 […]

Senator Vin Gopal honored for lifetime achievement; 50+ Monmouth Country high school productions represented   (RED BANK | MAY 19, 2026) Winners were announced this evening at the 21st annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring the very best in Monmouth County high school theatre. This year’s ceremony took place at the historic Count Basie Center for the […]

  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 […]

“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: […]

  (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 […]

  (RED BANK | APRIL 27, 2026) Nominees have been announced for the 2026 Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre, taking place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. Tickets for this year’s presentation go on sale next Friday, May 8 at […]

  (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 […]

  (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 […]

  (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 […]

  (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, […]

(RED BANK – FEBRUARY 5) The Basie Awards, the Count Basie Center’s annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre, has revealed the complete slate of student productions under consideration for this year’s program. A total of 57 high school productions will vie for nominations at this year’s ceremony, set for May 19th at the […]

Shopping at Super Foodtown locations in Red Bank, Port Monmouth, Atlantic Highlands or Sea Girt this season?  You can help change the lives of students interested in the performing arts.  Between now and December 22, shoppers will be invited to donate at checkout, to help benefit scholarships for students interested in programs at the Basie […]

‘ROASTMASTER GENERAL’ JEFF ROSS TO HOST  COMEDIANS JOEY ‘COCO’ DIAZ, IMPRACTICAL JOKERS STAR BRIAN ‘Q’ QUINN, TIKI BARBER, RICH VOS, CHRIS GETHARD, BONNIE McFARLANE, DONNELL RAWLINGS, NATALIE CUOMO, JOE GORGA, VINNIE BRAND + MORE ON THE DAIS PART OF THE COUNT BASIE CENTER’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION TICKETS ON SALE 10AM FRIDAY   RED BANK, December 8, […]

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 […]

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 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, […]

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 […]

(RED BANK) — The Count Basie Center for the Arts today launched its Walk of Fame with an inaugural ceremony honoring two legendary artists with deep ties to the historic venue: Jon Bon Jovi and William “Count” Basie.  “I really do appreciate you inducting me along with the great Count Basie, who was the original […]

(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 […]

  (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 […]

  RED BANK, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 – The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Charlie Puth Musical Performance Scholarships are Abigail Kistler, 17, of Middletown and Emerson Granata, 15, of Holmdel. Both students will receive $1500 to be used toward any Basie Center Turner Academy musical […]

  (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, […]

  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 […]

  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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

(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 […]

Due to expected inclement weather,  Wednesday’s free, outdoor community performance with the New Jersey Symphony in Red Bank has been moved inside to the Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street. Doors for the event will open at 5PM, with a performance from the Count Basie Center Conservatory of Music Orchestra at 5:45. […]

  (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 […]

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 […]

  Dear Friends, A message like this one is hard to write. But today, I’m reaching out to you not just as President and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, but as a believer in the power of the arts to transform lives and strengthen communities. As you may have heard, arts […]

Free event, sponsored by Bank of America, takes place June 2 (RED BANK | MAY 6 2025)  The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to present A Community Conversation with Michelle Williams on Monday June 2, 2025 at 7pm at The Vogel. The evening will be a heartfelt conversation about mental health and a candid look at […]

Tickets on sale next Friday, May 9 for the annual ceremony, taking place on May 21 in Red Bank (RED BANK | APRIL 30, 2025) Nominees have been announced for the twentieth-annual Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre, taking place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the historic Count Basie […]

(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 […]

    (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 […]

  (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 […]

  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 […]

  (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 […]

(MARCH 4 – RED BANK) The Count Basie Center has announced the opening of spring and summer enrollment at its Turner Academy of the Arts, while over at Phoenix Productions, the Basie Center’s community theatre company, news is out on its 2025/26 season. The Count Basie Center Turner Academy of the Arts Registration opens today […]

(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 […]

  (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, […]

RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts is excited to announce that Michelle Hurd, celebrated actress and National Board Member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), will serve as a judge for the 10th annual Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival, taking place in March of […]

RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts is excited to announce the Basie Center Day of Giving this Friday, December 20th. Radio station 107.1 The Boss will kick off the daylong event at 6:00 AM with Robby and Rochelle in the Morning. Ross Britain and Cane Peterson will host for the midday […]

  (DECEMBER 16) – Shoppers at Circus Super Foodtown locations in Atlantic Highlands, Port Monmouth, Red Bank and Sea Girt can help bring joy to students of the Count Basie Center’s Turner Academy of the Arts. From now until December 23, shoppers at these locations are invited to make a donation at checkout to help […]

  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. […]

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 […]

  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 […]

(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 […]

  (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 […]

Basie Center Launches Bilingual Workforce Development Program, in Partnership with Two River Theater Program Empowers Spanish-speaking Community in Monmouth County by Providing Inclusive Employment Training and Opportunities RED BANK, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 – The Count Basie Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Two River Theater, is proud to announce the successful launch of its […]

Count Basie Center for the Arts celebrates young filmmakers, prepares them for variety of career opportunities in film and entertainment industry RED BANK, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 – The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to announce the 10th annual Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival will take place in March of 2025. Young filmmakers are encouraged […]

Students awarded $1500 scholarships to music programs at Basie Center Academy RED BANK, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 – The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Charlie Puth Musical Performance Scholarships are Sienna Kay, 15 of Fair Haven and Marel Hidalgo, 16 of Neptune. Both students will receive […]

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, […]

Funding will support community events celebrating the birthplace of performing arts in Monmouth County RED BANK, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 – The Count Basie Center for the Arts, is excited to announce a $500,000 line item appropriation in the 2024-25 New Jersey State Budget that will fund programming to celebrate the theatre’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026. […]

  [RED BANK – JULY 22 2024] – The KFC Foundation is giving back to the Red Bank-based non-profit Count Basie Center for the Arts, granting them $10,000 to make a project on their wish list come true. Kentucky Fried Wishes, one of the KFC Foundation’s community giving programs, invites non-profit organizations to apply for […]

  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 […]

  (RED BANK – JUNE 6)— The Count Basie Center for the Arts will hold a community Juneteenth celebration next Wednesday, June 12 at The Vogel, located at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank. Entry is a $10 suggested donation. The celebration will be hosted by community leader Gilda Rogers, Executive Director of Red Bank’s […]

  (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 – […]

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 […]

(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 […]

  (MAY 7 – RED BANK) – Basie Center Cinemas, the historic, independent twin cinema on White Street operated by the nonprofit Count Basie Center, has announced the start of alcoholic beverage service to patrons aged 21+. “Basie Center Cinemas is now the only area indie movie house that can offer patrons a glass of […]

  With the scent of mole poblano and gorditas in the air and the sound of Banda, Latin dance hits and mariachi filling the room, hundreds gathered at The Vogel Sunday night for the Count Basie Center’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration – this year, presented as a tardeada, or dance party. The event, a […]

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, […]

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 […]

(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 […]

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 […]

  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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

  (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 […]

  (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 […]

  (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 […]

  (RED BANK | FEBRUARY 23): Following New Jersey’s 2024 Poetry Out Loud Regional Competitions, twelve finalists 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 Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, Grunin Center for the […]

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 […]

NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ‘ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE,’ ONE OF THE NATION’S MOST CENSORED TITLES IN SCHOOLS, TO LEAD IN DISCUSSION ON BOOK BANNING AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION *** COMPANION TEEN WRITING COMPETITION SET WITH PROJECT WRITE NOW (RED BANK – FEBRUARY 2) The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced the latest […]

  (RED BANK – JANUARY 19) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced three new students set to receive performance scholarships established in memory of Pat DiNizio, late singer and co-founder of New Jersey Hall of Fame band The Smithereens. Marel Hidalgo of Neptune, Middletown’s Abigail Kistler and Nicole DiBlasi of Holmdel were […]

  (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 […]

  (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 […]

(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 […]

  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 […]

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 […]

$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 […]

(OCTOBER 25) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Count Basie Center Academy is asking patrons and students to assist with its coat drive to benefit Jersey Shore Rescue Mission. Now through November 15, the Basie Center is hoping everyone – be it students attending classes at the Count Basie Center Academy or the […]

[RED BANK – OCT 16] – The nonprofit 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 the organization’s ‘Curtains Up For Kids’ school shows […]

$1 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD IN OCTOBER WILL BENEFIT THE VOLUNTEER HEALTH CLINIC, WHICH HAS SERVED THE UNINSURED IN RED BANK AND SURROUNDING AREAS SINCE 2000 (RED BANK – October 12, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America (BofA) have announced the next area nonprofit to be recognized during THE […]

Students to receive $1500 scholarships to music programs at the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts   (RED BANK | OCTOBER 11) The Count Basie Center Academy has announced the first recipients of the Charlie Puth Musical Performance Scholarships. The scholarships, which will be awarded in perpetuity to students interested in attending classes at […]

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. […]

$1 from every ticket sold in September will benefit the library’s Hispanic outreach efforts; tickets to be made available for volunteers and beneficiaries   (RED BANK – September 21, 2023) As America celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America (BofA) have announced the next area nonprofit […]

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 […]

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 […]

$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 […]

  (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 […]

$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 […]

(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, […]

(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 […]

  (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 […]

(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, […]

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 […]

(RED BANK | MAY 4, 2023) 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 […]

  (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 […]

  (RED BANK – May 2, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America have announced the fifth 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. No Limits Cafe (http://www.nolimitscafe.org), a Red Bank-area […]

(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 […]

(RED BANK | APRIL 11, 2023) The Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest has announced its 2023 finalists, all of which will be screened next weekend at Basie Center Cinemas, 36 White Street in Red Bank. Screenings will take place on Friday, April 21 at 4PM, on Saturday, April 22 at 1PM and at 4PM on […]

$1 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD THIS MONTH WILL BENEFIT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ORGANIZATION; TICKETS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR VOLUNTEERS AND BENEFICIARIES (RED BANK – April 3, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America have announced the fourth of twelve area nonprofits to be recognized during THE GIVING YEAR, the yearlong […]

(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 […]

  (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 […]

  (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 […]

  (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 […]

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 […]

(RED BANK | FEBRUARY 16, 2023): Following New Jersey’s 2022-23 regional Poetry Out Loud competitions, ten 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 Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts, Grunin […]

  (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 […]

$1 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD THIS MONTH WILL BENEFIT ASBURY PARK-BASED YOUTH AND FAMILY EMPOWERMENT ORGANIZATION; TICKETS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR VOLUNTEERS AND BENEFICIARIES   (RED BANK – February 7, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America have announced the second of twelve area nonprofits to be recognized during […]

Pulitzer Prize winning Canedy’s story is the basis for the Denzel Washington-directed film (RED BANK – FEBRUARY 2) The Count Basie Center for the Arts kicks off its recognition of Black History Month this Saturday, February 4 with its free film series at Basie Center Cinemas, 36 White Street in downtown Red Bank. A Journal […]

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 […]

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 […]

$1 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD THIS MONTH WILL BENEFIT MENTAL WELLNESS NONPROFIT SHORE HOUSE; TICKETS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR VOLUNTEERS AND BENEFICIARIES (RED BANK – January 3,2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America have announced the first of twelve area nonprofits to be recognized during THE GIVING YEAR, the […]

(RED BANK – DEC 22) Basie Center Cinemas, the independent movie house located on White Street in downtown Red Bank, has announced a slate of cult classic films to kick off its new Basie Center Cinemas ‘Film Club’ series. The Boxer, Million Dollar Baby, Run Lola Run, The Breakfast Club, Taxi Driver, The Big Lebowski, […]

  (RED BANK – DEC 12) On the fifth anniversary of the passing of The Smithereens vocalist Pat DiNizio, the Count Basie Center for the Arts today announced two new students set to receive performance scholarships established in the New Jersey singer’s memory. Madison Torres, 16, of Farmingdale and Emerson Granata, 12, of Holmdel, were […]

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) […]

  $1 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD EACH MONTH WILL BENEFIT AREA ORGANIZATIONS; TICKETS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR VOLUNTEERS AND BENEFICIARIES (RED BANK – GIVING TUESDAY – Tuesday, Nov. 29) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Bank of America have announced THE GIVING YEAR, a yearlong initiative to recognize and reward twelve area […]

  (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 […]

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 […]

  (RED BANK – November 4, 2022) Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball, lead singer and founding member of the GRAMMY-nominated and 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winners Tank and The Bangas, is set to perform Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Count Basie Center’s ‘Brunch At The Vogel’ concert series, sponsored by the Gia Maione Prima Foundation. Tickets, […]

  (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 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 […]

  (OCT 12- RED BANK) – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has released information for schools interested in participating in the Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre presented by Bank of America, set to take place May 24, 2023 in Red Bank. Schools interested in having their production […]

  (RED BANK – OCT 3) The Count Basie Center for the Arts is now accepting submissions for its Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest, with the mission to locate, showcase and recognize New Jersey student filmmakers from 7th grade all the way through college. Students can submit their films now via FilmFreeway. […]

  (RED BANK – SEPT 16) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and New Jersey Hall Of Fame band The Smithereens have announced details on the 2023 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 aged 18 […]

  (RED BANK – SEPT. 16) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced a set of events scheduled in commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) and National Coming Out Day on October 11: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations: Free Latin Dance Lesson Nights with Fred Astaire Studios: Samba Dance […]

  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 […]

  Tickets for Anastasia, Annie, On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Hairspray go on sale 10am Friday  Broadway at the Basie Center, sponsored by World Subaru (RED BANK – AUGUST 15, 2022) The Count Basie Center for the Arts’ 2022-23 BROADWAY AT THE BASIE CENTER series has been announced, with […]

  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 […]

  (RED BANK) In commemoration of the 118th anniversary of his birth, a number of Red Bank organizations will join forces on Sunday, August 21 to celebrate the legacy of William James “Count” Basie. The Jazz Arts Project, in conjunction with the Red Bank 365 Westside Jazz Committee, T. Thomas Fortune Foundation & Cultural Center […]

Spring Awakening and Phoenix’s production of The Wizard Of Oz cited as some of the state’s best work in community theatre (RED BANK | July 25) Phoenix Productions, the Count Basie Center for the Arts’ community theatre company, has received nine nominations in the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters (NJACT)’s annual Perry Awards, the […]

  (RED BANK – July 18, 2022) The Count Basie Center For The Arts has named violinist and longtime strings instructor Laura Petillo as Manager of Music Programs at its Academy of the Arts and the Count Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music. Petillo’s history at the Monmouth Conservatory – and as a musician – […]

  (RED BANK – July 1, 2022) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the state’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, has announced changes to its Board of Trustees. Claudia Dulac, a Bank of America executive who has served on the Basie board since 2020, has been named Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, while board […]

  (RED BANK | JUNE 25) Phoenix Productions, the community theatre company of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, has announced auditions for its autumn production of HAIR, being presented at the Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25. Auditions will be held on July 6 and 7 […]

  Tickets on sale this Friday, June 17 at 10am  Co-sponsored by the Basie Center, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Monmouth University’s Social Justice Academy and Intercultural Center   (RED BANK | JUNE 14, 2022) The Count Basie Center for the Arts’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, in conjunction with Horizon Blue […]

  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 […]

  (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 […]

  Memorial Day weekend at the movies in Red Bank includes two of the year’s most anticipated films   (RED BANK | MAY 23) Basie Center Cinemas, located at 36 White Street in Red Bank and one of Monmouth County’s oldest independent movie houses, hosts two of the year’s most anticipated films in what’s quickly […]

  Community theatre company looks to assemble musically talented, diverse lineup for rock musical headed to Red Bank (RED BANK | MAY 9) Phoenix Productions, the community theatre company of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, has announced auditions for its summer production of School Of Rock – The Musical, being presented at the […]

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 […]

  ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTATION PRESENTED BY BANK OF AMERICA LIVE AT THE BASIE CENTER MAY 25; TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT THEBASIE.ORG   (RED BANK | APRIL 27, 2022) Nominees have been revealed for the 2022 Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre presented by Bank of America, taking place on […]

  (RED BANK | APRIL 18, 2022) The Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest has announced its 2022 finalists, all of which will be screened this weekend at Basie Center Cinemas, 36 White Street in Red Bank. Tickets, priced at just $5, are on sale now at www.basiecentercinemas.org. Screenings will take place at […]

  TICKETS ON SALE, NOMINEES TO BE REVEALED LATER THIS MONTH ▪▪▪ ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY PRESENTED BY BANK OF AMERICA   (RED BANK | APRIL 11, 2022) The Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre presented by Bank of America, will return to the Basie Center stage on Wednesday, May 25, […]

  RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has formally announced the complete slate of its annual Arts Impact scholarships, which are available to Monmouth County high school seniors graduating in 2022. The application deadline for this year’s scholarships is next Friday, April 15. Interested students can apply and learn more about […]

  (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 […]

  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 […]

  (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 […]

  The Count Basie Center for the Arts has a number of prerecorded and live events available for schools seeking education-based assemblies and school trips. The Basie Center’s Curtains Up For Kids program, presented by Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, typically welcomes more than 10,000 students to the performing events venue every year. For many […]

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 […]

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 […]

  (RED BANK – JAN 18) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and New Jersey Hall Of Fame rockers The Smithereens today announced the recipients of this year’s Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarships. Taylor Bruno, 16, of Oceanport and Olivia Conti, 15, of Morganville, were selected from dozens of applicants for this year’s awards. […]

  DEC. 17) News12, the cable news network with outposts in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, has a special gift for tri-state performing arts fans who haven’t yet experienced the new, expanded Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Sounds Of The Season,” the network’s heralded, annual presentation of holiday music performed by New Jersey […]

  (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. […]

(RED BANK | OCT 16) The Count Basie Center for the Arts’ 2021 Gala was a night honoring Janet & Tom Widener and included a headlining performance by Train. (Photos by Amanda Stevens for the Count Basie Center)

  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 […]

  (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 […]

(RED BANK – SEPT 20) The Count Basie Center for the Arts is accepting submissions for its Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Festival, with the mission to locate, showcase and recognize student filmmakers from 7th grade all the way through college. Students can submit their films now via FilmFreeway. In April, official selections […]

(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 […]

  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 […]

  Summer’s in full swing, movies are back — and Basie Center Cinemas on White Street has a doozy of a weekend for film lovers. Space Jam: A New Legacy, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain and The Rocky Horror Picture Show all screen at the twin cinema this weekend, with advance tickets already available […]

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 […]

  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 […]

(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 […]

    (MAY 17, 2021 | RED BANK) The Count Basie Center for the Arts today launched its “Back To The Basie” initiative, anticipating increased capacities and a resumption of normal operations following more than a year of shuttered and reduced operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Vaccinations and a year of careful […]

  (MAY 10, 2021 | RED BANK) As the Count Basie Center awaits permission to operate its historic theater at a feasible capacity, the prolific promoters of the arts – with nearly 70 shows set for its ‘Concerts On The Green’ series at Suneagles Golf Club and dozens of shows at its second performance venue, […]

  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 […]

  (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 […]

  (RED BANK and EATONTOWN, NJ – APRIL 12, 2021) – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced 5 additional concert events to take place at its summer Concerts On The Green series, an outdoor, socially-distanced concert experience kicking off in mid-May at the historic Suneagles Golf Club in Eatontown. Artists announced today […]

  (RED BANK and EATONTOWN, NJ – APRIL 6, 2021) – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced an additional 9 concert events to take place at its Concerts On The Green concert series, an outdoor, socially-distanced concert experience kicking off in mid-May at the historic Suneagles Golf Club in Eatontown. Artists announced […]

  Lakehouse Music Academy’s ‘Big Gig’ to be presented at The Vogel in June ••• Lakehouse at the Basie Center open houses scheduled for April and May (RED BANK – APRIL 1, 2021) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Asbury Park’s Lakehouse Music Academy have announced a strategic partnership that brings Lakehouse’s renowned […]

  (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 […]

  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 […]

  The Count Basie Center for the Arts and its President / CEO Adam Philipson will be the subject of a report Sunday morning on CBS News New York. Weatherman John Elliott – one of the channel’s best-known personalities and himself a fan of the arts – stopped by the Basie this week to learn […]

  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 […]

  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 […]

  [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 […]

  (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 […]

  (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 […]

  (DEC. 11 | RED BANK) Students from the Count Basie Center Academy will participate in News 12 New Jersey’s annual “Sounds Of The Season” broadcast, airing on the statewide news network beginning December 19. The Basie Center Academy students will join other musical performance organizations from around the state, including Asbury Park’s Lakehouse Music […]

Elevated flooring platform takes audiences above the seats and creates a ballroom-like atmosphere (DEC 8. 2020 | RED BANK) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced the reopening of Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, employing an elevated flooring platform which will allow patrons to sit at seated, socially-distant tables and enjoy performances in the […]

Lysa Israel joins the state’s leading nonprofit performing arts center effective Nov. 30 (NOV. 30 2020 | RED BANK) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, New jersey’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, announced today that Lysa Israel, of Belle Meade, has joined the organization as its Senior Director of Development. “Lysa’s career and her […]

  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 […]

  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. […]

  (RED BANK – OCT 12) On what would have been the Smithereens’ lead singer’s 65th birthday, details were announced today for the 2021 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 may apply by completing the online […]

  Tickets go on sale 10am Friday; Punch Brothers’ Chris Thile, Dead On Live, Brian Kirk + The Jirks and comedian Vic DiBitetto also on tap (Oct 5 | RED BANK) The Vogel, the new performance venue located at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, announced its first […]

  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 – […]

  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:

  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 […]

  40+ YEAR OLD WHITE STREET COMPLEX IN RED BANK TO REMAIN HAVEN FOR INDEPENDENT FILM; EXPANDED SLATE TO OFFER DISCUSSIONS, FESTIVALS & MORE ❖ VENUE OFFERS OPTIMAL SOLUTIONS TO SOCIAL DISTANCING AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS   (SEPT. 8 2020 | RED BANK) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the not-for-profit performing arts organization with […]

(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 […]