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 […]

  Presented by World Subaru and Bank of America ❖ TICKETS FOR BOTH EVENTS ON Sale 10am THURSDAY ❖ NEW DRIVE-IN LIVE CONCERTS TO benefit the Count Basie Center for the Arts with a portion of proceeds to the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund   (JUNE 29 – RED BANK and OCEANPORT, NJ) […]

NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS *** BANK OF AMERICA-SPONSORED CEREMONY VIEWED BY THOUSANDS ON FACEBOOK AND THEBASIE.ORG *** PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING HERE (RED BANK | JUNE 10, 2020) – The old Broadway adage that “the show must go on” shined brighter than ever Tuesday evening, as the 2020 Basie […]

  GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS *** BANK OF AMERICA-SPONSORED CEREMONY TO BE SHOWN EXCLUSIVELY ON THEBASIE.ORG AND FACEBOOK (RED BANK MAY 28, 2020) – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced the 2020 Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre presented by Bank of […]

(JUNE 3 – RED BANK and OCEANPORT, NJ) The Count Basie Center for the Arts will present the nation’s first drive-in concert events at Monmouth Park in July, starring Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jules on Saturday, July 11 and comedian Jim Gaffigan on Sunday, July 12. Tickets for both Jim Gaffigan ($165 per vehicle, $225 […]

  (RED BANK MAY 29, 2020) – “The Crooner Meets The Piano Man,”  an online concert to take place Tuesday, June 2nd at 8pm on theBASIE.org and www.facebook.com/basiecenter, will benefit the nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts. Starring Michael Martocci, whose Memories Of Frank Sinatra birthday performances have dazzled Basie Center audiences, the broadcast […]

  GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS *** BANK OF AMERICA-SPONSORED CEREMONY TO BE SHOWN EXCLUSIVELY ON THEBASIE.ORG AND FACEBOOK   (RED BANK MAY 28, 2020) – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced the 2020 Basie Awards, the annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre presented by Bank […]

  Students from the Count Basie Center Academy‘s schools of music and performing arts will join forces on Friday for an online concert to raise awareness for Lunch Break, the Red Bank not-for-profit with a mission to provide life’s basic necessities of food, clothing, life skills and fellowship to financially insecure individuals and families in […]

  Count Basie Center for the Arts President and CEO Adam Philipson appeared on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” broadcast Tuesday, warning host Tyler Mathisen that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will reap devastating losses for the arts without government assistance. “Survival does not look great for us — in fact, it doesn’t look great for […]

  Today, the Count Basie Center for the Arts joins forces with more than 1,000 independent venues as members of the new National Independent Venue Association. As both an independent and not-for-profit organization, the Count Basie Center for the Arts relies on support from the public and our legislators to help continue our mission to […]

  “Now Showing: A dose of optimism.” So rang a recent headline on NJ.com, describing the intent of the Count Basie Center for the Arts of using its marquee – a shining beacon on an otherwise empty, socially distanced Monmouth Street in Red Bank – to spread words of hope and expressions of thanks during […]

Originally broadcast on Saturday, April 18, 2020

Poetry Out Loud, the national recitation competition supported regionally by the Count Basie Center Academy since 2015, has made a series of online resources available to celebrate words and verses. Released in early April to kick off National Poetry Month, the resources recognize the world’s pivot to distance learning. For example, 30 Ways to Celebrate […]

The Count Basie Center Conservatory will present a free, online web program Saturday on the magic of making noise. “The Science Of Sound” is a free, hour-long web session for students interested in learning about vibrations, sound waves, pitch and frequency. Advance registration is required, along with access to a phone, desktop, laptop or tablet […]

  (RED BANK – APRIL 6, 2020) Winners were announced today in the 2020 Count Basie Teen + College Film Fest, following a weeks’ worth of public screenings and ‘Audience Choice’ voting in the competition’s pivot online following social distancing guidelines in light of the COVID-19 crisis. More than 6,200 viewers watched this year’s selections. […]

  RED BANK – The Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts has introduced more than two dozen online, “virtual learning” classes, pivoting on a dime to meet the demands of parents and patrons desperate to keep their arts alive with quarantining, home schooling and social distancing. Registration is open now at www.thebasie.org/VIRTUAL. Sessions begin […]

  The Count Basie Center for the Arts, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, is turning downtime into gametime: It’s ARTS MADNESS. Beginning today, the Basie’s three-week ‘tournament’ sill solicit one-minute videos from musicians, local bands, dancers, actors, comedians, musical theatre performers and all others aged 10-25. 32 of the best videos will be […]

  On Saturday, March 21st, the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts has the perfect gift for parents worn down after a week of teaching: A break. The Count Basie Center Academy, home to the Monmouth Conservatory and the Academy’s new School Of Music, will present a free, online “Make Your Own Instrument” session […]

  Dear Patrons, During this incredibly difficult moment in our history, we are thankful to have you as part of the Basie family. I am writing to you to give an update on what is happening at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Currently, the historic theater is dark, and performances are postponed until […]

  It’s not just K-12 classrooms adjusting to virtual learning this week. At the Count Basie Center’s Conservatory, music lessons have gone interactive, with instructors offering an array of lessons to students via conference call sites, private meeting software – anything to keep performances sharp. Quoting the violin virtuoso Jascha Heifetz, Conservatory director Dr. Lucy […]

The health and well-being of patrons, artists, and staff is our top priority. To that end, the Count Basie Center for the Arts has heightened its rigorous cleaning and sanitation procedures facility-wide. We are working with health agencies for information and guidance, and at this time, we are continuing to stress the importance of preventative […]

  (March 9, 2020) Students this week at the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts spent time running down their dreams: Strike the Right Chord for College The Basie Academy School of Music had a fantastic turn out of students and parents at its “Strike the Right Chord for College” workshop.  Students with a […]

  (RED BANK – MARCH 2)  The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced the availability of its annual Arts Impact scholarships available to Monmouth County high school seniors graduating in 2020. The Basie will proudly offer three scholarships: the Moser Taboada Arts Impact Scholarship, the Monmouth County Freeholders Basie Scholarship for Continuing Education […]

  (March 1, 2020) Winter at the Academy of the Arts continues, with two of our Conservatory students making a huge splash at the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra’s 3rd annual Concerto Competition, February recitals,  participation in the Tri-District Music Festival and more! New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra’s 3rd annual Concerto Competition Congratulations to Conservatory […]

  (January 29, 2020) Winter at the Academy of the Arts is in full swing, with the return and hosting of Poetry Out Loud’s Regional Contest at the Count Basie Center and our School of Music students taking part in a multitude of performances, the Academy is as busy as ever! Monster Concert at Brookdale […]

(RED BANK – JAN. 24) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Riverview Medical Center will present HearthealthExpo at the Basie’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, on Sunday, February 9 from 1-5pm. Joy Bauer, the noted NBC Today Show expert, best-selling author and leading health authority, will headline the […]

  (RED BANK – JAN. 17) The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced its 2020 Awards Season Screenings series, celebrating films and performances recognized by this year’s Golden Globes, Oscars and other Hollywood awards programs. This year’s Awards Season Screenings series is sponsored by World Subaru and the Asbury Park Music + […]

  (January 17, 2020) A new year has arrived at the Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts! The Academy’s winter session began earlier this week, with the start of classes in our School of Performing Arts, individual and ensemble lessons in our School Of Music, tryouts and early rehearsals for our upcoming Broadway junior […]

  (RED BANK – JAN. 10) The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts finished 2019 as New Jersey’s top ticket-selling theater venue, in a tally released by Pollstar, the official publication of the live events and concert touring industry. The Basie sold more than 220,000 tickets in 2019, and placing the historic landmark as […]

  (January 8, 2020) The Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts is gearing up for the winter 2020 session, with programs in both the Academy’s schools of Performing Arts and Music tipping off January 13th. Among this session’s highlights: – The Basie Academy continues its partnership with Actors Playground, offering weekly classes on Wednesdays […]

  Two violinists, a flautist and a pianist. It’s an orchestra in the making, but for four talented students enrolled at the Count Basie Center Academy’s Conservatory, it’s the beginning of a life enriched with sound. Students Rafael Estrada and Ian Kenny (violin), Oliver Schrenk (piano) and Diego Ruiz (flute) were celebrated this week as […]

  Earlier this year, the Count Basie Center Academy brought on its first full-time teaching artist, Jess O’Brien. An accomplished choreographer, director and performer, Jess handles the Academy’s junior productions, teaches dance classes as part of the Basie’s outreach program at Red Bank Primary School, and helps facilitate the Basie Center’s mindALIGNED program, which incorporates […]

  (RED BANK – NOV. 26) “Giving Tuesday,” founded in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd St. YMCA and the United Nations Foundation, was originally a “response to commercialism and consumerism” during the holiday season. It has since turned into an international day of giving. This Tuesday, December 3, the nonprofit Count Basie Center for […]

  (RED BANK – NOV 21) Fall high school theater productions have started throughout Monmouth County, and that can mean just one thing: The 15th Annual Basie Awards can’t be too far behind. This year’s Basie Awards program and ceremony, presented by Bank of America, is slated for May 20, 2020. Tickets for the perennially […]

  (RED BANK – NOV 1) The Count Basie Center for the Arts’ Teen + College Film festival today announced a collaboration with Italy’s John Cabot University and Rome’s Accademia di Belle Arti. The partnership, which will culminate in an event called “JerseyFest,” features screenings of winning student films from 2019’s Basie Center Teen + […]

  (RED BANK – OCTOBER 30, 2019) Brian Kirk and The Jirks, the quintessential ‘Jersey Shore party band, showed up to the Basie Center last month and did what few have done: sold out two, back-to-back shows within a matter of hours. The occasion? The 70th birthday of The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. The cause? […]

  The Count Basie Center Performing Arts Academy offers a host of arts education options for parents and children alike — from private and group vocal and acting lessons, to guidance in acting for television and film, productions like Seussical, Jr. and Shrek, Jr. and more. Today, we introduce Marjorie Enerson, one of the Basie […]

  The Count Basie Center Performing Arts Academy offers a host of arts education options for parents and children alike — from private and group vocal and acting lessons, to guidance in acting for television and film, productions like Seussical, Jr. and Shrek, Jr. and more. Today we introduce Broadway veteran Deb Lyons (Smokey Joe’s […]

  (RED BANK – OCT 21) Details were announced today for the 2020 Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarship, named in honor of the legendary frontman of The Smithereens who passed away in December 2017. Beginning now, interested students may apply by completing the online form and submitting an audition video at thebasie.org/dinizio. Deadline for submissions […]

(RED BANK – OCT 15) The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has extended its fundraising efforts to include unique lifestyle, sports and entertainment experiences via Charitybuzz.com, the premier online auction site which benefits charities and nonprofit organizations. Two high-end items are currently available to benefit the Basie: • Five VIP, front-row, “on the […]

  (RED BANK – OCT 7) 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. On Saturday, April […]

  (RED BANK – OCT 2, 2019) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced new performers as part of its Comedy At The Basie stand-up comedy series, sponsored by Urban Coalhouse. Tickets for the following stand-up comedy performances are on sale now through theBASIE.org, phone charge at 732.842.9000 and the Basie Center box […]

  (RED BANK – SEPT. 4 2019) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced the appointment of Dr. Lucy Chen its Head of Music Programs and Director of the organization’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music. The public is invited to welcome Dr. Chen at the Monmouth Conservatory’s fall open house, happening next Monday, Sept. […]

  (SEPTEMBER 4 – RED BANK, NJ) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Freehold’s Actors Playground School Of Theatre have announced a new partnership to make the renowned acting school’s program available in Red Bank through the Basie Center’s Performing Arts Academy.   “We’re excited to add another key partner to complement and […]

(AUGUST 29 – RED BANK, NJ) The Count Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music has announced orchestra auditions for the 2019-20 session. Auditions will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30 pm at Red Bank Middle School, 101 Harding Road in red Bank. Students interested in auditioning should visit www.monmouthconservatory.org/mcmo to fill out an […]

  (RED BANK | AUGUST 15) Super Foodtown locations in Red Bank, Ocean, Port Monmouth, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Girt have joined forces to raise money for arts education programs at the nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts. From now through August 25, shoppers can make a donation to the Basie upon checkout. It’s […]

(AUGUST 13 – RED BANK, NJ) The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts announced today the appointment of Lauren Goldfarb and Yvonne Grayson to its Board of Trustees. Lauren Goldfarb, AIF, is Senior Vice President at Newport Capital Group, a national independent investment advisory firm. Upon graduating with honors from Rutgers Business School with […]

  (RED BANK – JULY 23) – Joy Bauer, the New York Times #1 best-selling author, world-renowned nutritionist and star of NBC’s Today show and Health + Happiness, has announced an event titled “Yummy Yoga” for Sunday afternoon, October 13th at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank. Tickets, starting from $25, go […]

The Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music offers four fun-filled nights – for kids and parents alike (RED BANK – JULY 30) – The Count Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music is pleased to announce four nights of freedom for parents – nights cleverly disguised as opportunities for their budding instrumentalists to experience an evening […]

  RED BANK – The Monmouth Conservatory of Music, part of the Count Basie Center for the Arts’ musical performance programs, will be featured in a kickoff concert to celebrate the expansion of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation into Monmouth County. The concert takes place this Saturday, July 20th at 7:00PM at Shore […]

  RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced its 2019-20 BROADWAY AT THE BASIE series, 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 brings some of the Great White Way’s most beloved titles […]

(RED BANK | JUNE 22) The Count Basie Center’s 2019 summer gala was a night filled with great friends, great music and incredible generosity toward the arts! The night honored Karey & Mark Hogan and BCB Bank and included a headlining performance by Blondie. (Photos by Amanda Stevens & Mark Sullivan for the Count Basie […]

  Free summer music camp to run weeks of July 8 and 15 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 […]

  (MAY 22 – RED BANK) Winners were announced this evening at the 14th annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring excellence and achievement in Monmouth County high school theatre. This year’s ceremony, presented by Bank of America, once again drew a sold-out crowd of 1,500+ to the historic performing arts center. “We spend months evaluating high school productions,” said Yvonne […]

  Strings students at the Count Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music gathered last weekend to pay a final farewell to Westeros, with a student and instructor performance of the theme song from HBO’s “Game Of Thrones.” “Game Of Thrones,” HBO’s smash hit based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy series A Song of Ice and […]

  RED BANK – The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has been designated as a Community Partner by Red Bank’s Open Heart Yoga, itself a nonprofit organization with a mission of enriching the community through greater access to yoga and mindfulness. For every single, weekly, monthly, or yearly yoga package purchased by Open […]

 Annual celebration of Monmouth County high school theatre to celebrate producer behind the season’s most-celebrated show on Broadway The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced that Dale Franzen, one of the lead producers of the Broadway smash Hadestown, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during its 14th annual Basie Awards ceremony on May […]

Bank of America sponsors annual awards ceremony to take place May 22nd at the Count Basie Center for the Arts   (APRIL 29, 2019 – RED BANK) Nominees have been announced for the 14th annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring excellence in high school theatre in Monmouth County. This year’s ceremony, presented by Bank of America, takes place at the […]

  RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced audition dates for this year’s Basie Center Summer Opera Camp. This year’s presentation is Then I Stood Up, a one-act youth opera written by Los Angeles Opera playwright Leslie Stevens, which honors the contributions of young people to the Civil Rights movement. […]

  RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts and the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company have announced a one-night-only production of Puebla: The Story Of Cinco de Mayo on May 6th at the Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, located at 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank. Tickets, priced at $25, are on sale […]

  RED BANK – The Count Basie Center crowned the best of the best in New Jersey student filmmaking on Saturday, April 6th at the organization’s first-ever Basie Teen + College Film Fest. More than 80 films were submitted to the festival, a record for Basie student film competitions. This year marked the first time […]

  (RED BANK – MARCH 26) Registrations are open for spring 2019 classes, workshops, music instruction and more offered by the Count Basie Center’s renowned Performing Arts Academy The Basie Academy spring 2019 brochure can be downloaded here (PDF Details and registration opportunities for all all classes, workshops, musical performance programs is located here The […]

  RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced official selections for its 2019 Teen + College Film Fest. The following films were selected from a record number of submissions for a Basie Center student film competition. Each film will be shown on the Basie big screen during the official Teen […]

  The following was released by the offices of Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblypersons Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey. The morning of Monday, March 18, Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling joined Red Bank residents and the Count Basie Center for the Arts to present a legislative proclamation recognizing the grand opening of the […]

  RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced that trumpeter Chris Botti will return to Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre on Friday, October 4, 2019, the latest performance in the organizations Basie Jazz Series, sponsored by the Monmouth County Freeholders. Tickets for the Botti concert, priced between $30 and $99, go […]

  (RED BANK – FEBRUARY 22) – The Count Basie Center Performing Arts Academy has announced auditions for one of the first junior Broadway productions of Disney’s Frozen in the nation. Two Frozen JR. opportunities are available for young actors: the first, a “studio prep” experience, is built for aspiring actors aged 6-9 and feature […]

  (RED BANK – FEBRUARY 14, 2019) Poetry Out Loud, the national recitation contest sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, crowned its New Jersey – Region 3 winners at the Basie Center on Tuesday, February 5. Nathan Magno of Toms River, a student at Ocean County Vocational Technical School […]

RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced the availability of its annual Arts Impact scholarships available to Monmouth County high school seniors graduating in 2019. The Basie will proudly offer four scholarships: the Moser Taboada Arts Impact Scholarship, Steven and Jaime Schultz Arts Impact Scholarship, the Siciliano Landscape Company Arts […]

  The Count Basie Center recognizes the importance of the arts in relieving stress and helping those facing adversity. We also understand the hardships being faced by our area’s furloughed government workers and their families. For those affected, we are pleased to offer a limited number of free tickets to the shows below. Tickets are […]

  POAC Autism Services and the Parker Family Health Center were this year’s beneficiaries (RED BANK – JAN 18) The tenth and final HOPE concert, the renowned charity concert series helmed by musician Bobby Bandiera, ended on a high note December 23 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, raising $112,000 each for POAC […]

  Photos from HOPE 10 – THE FINAL HOPE CONCERT on December 23, 2018 at Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center for the Arts (Photos by Amanda Stevens)

  (RED BANK – JAN 15) The Count Basie Center for the Arts will host screenings of this year’s most celebrated films during its 2019 “Awards Season Screenings” program. Titles set to screen are Roma, Crazy Rich Asians, Mary Poppins Returns, Stan & Ollie, VICE, BlacKkKlansman, The Favourite and Green Book. Tickets for all screenings […]

  (RED BANK – JAN 14) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, Townsquare Media top 40 station 94.3 The Point and Citi joined forces in November on “Giving Tuesday,” raising money to underwrite free tickets to Basie Center holiday shows for area first responders and their families. Today, the Basie Center announced an extension […]

  (RED BANK – JAN 7) Registrations are open for winter 2019 classes, workshops, music instruction and more offered by the Count Basie Center’s renowned Performing Arts Academy. The Basie Academy winter 2019 brochure can be downloaded here (PDF) Details and registration opportunities for all all classes, workshops, musical performance programs is located here. The […]

  (RED BANK – JAN 4) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced a free community presentation of actor Damien Sneed’s multimedia performance, We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 17th at 7:30pm at the Basie Center’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre. Free tickets can be acquired by […]

  (RED BANK – DEC 19) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has received a $10,000 School Readiness grant from United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, allowing the nonprofit Basie Center to launch a pilot program to engage parents, grandparents and caregivers of preschool students in Red Bank and Freehold boroughs. “For more […]

  Grateful donors, a daylong broadcast and a generous match from Citi help underwrite free tickets to holiday shows for first responders and their families (RED BANK – NOV. 29) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, Townsquare Media top 40 station 94.3 The Point and Citi joined forces on “Giving Tuesday” to raise nearly […]

  (RED BANK | NOV. 21) Select students and teachers from the Count Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music will open the show this Friday, November 23 at Red Bank’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony. Monmouth Conservatory performers take the stage at Broad and Canal Streets at 6:45pm, performing an assortment of holiday compositions and […]

  (RED BANK – NOV. 21) “Giving Tuesday,” founded in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd St. YMCA and the United Nations Foundation, was originally a “response to commercialism and consumerism” during the holiday season. It has since turned into an international day of giving. Next Tuesday, Nov. 27, the nonprofit Count Basie Center for […]

  (RED BANK – NOV 9) Legendary Garden State radio personality Big Joe Henry is ringing in 2019 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts on Saturday, December 29th as host of a special concert starring Felix Cavaliere and Gene Cornish’s Rascals. Tickets for “Big Joe Henry’s New Jersey New Year’s Celebration,” priced between […]

  Construction at the Basie Center starts to take shape, with the placement of the final beam on the west side of the Center’s expansion project. Watch now!

  (RED BANK – NOV 2) Super Foodtown shoppers in Red Bank, Ocean, Port Monmouth, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Girt helped raise nearly $8,000 last month for the Count Basie Center’s arts education programs. “We were pleased to facilitate the ‘ask’ on behalf of the community to support the Count Basie Center,” said Philip J. […]

  (RED BANK – NOV 2) Fall high school theater productions have started throughout Monmouth County, and that can mean just one thing: The 14th Annual Basie Awards can’t be too far behind. This year’s Basie Awards program and ceremony, presented by Bank of America, is slated for May 22, 2019 at the historic theater. […]

  (RED BANK | OCTOBER 26) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Hackensack Meridian Health unveiled the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, the new name for the historic venue housed on the Center’s growing campus.  

  (October 26, 2018) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Hackensack Meridian Health unveiled the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, the new name for the historic venue housed on the Center’s growing campus. “The Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre will hold a special place on our creative campus,” said Tom Widener, chairman, Count Basie Center […]

  Competition and onsite festival will locate and showcase the Garden State’s best student filmmakers – at home and out-of-state (RED BANK – OCT 15) The Count Basie Center for the Arts today announced the first-ever Count Basie Center Teen + College Film Fest, with the mission to locate, showcase and recognize student filmmakers from […]

Bobby Bandiera & Friends set historic night to benefit Parker Family Health Center and POAC Autism Services (RED BANK – OCT 15) Musician, bandleader and community icon Bobby Bandiera and the Count Basie Center for the Arts have announced details for HOPE 10 – THE FINAL HOPE CONCERT. The annual charity concert, which has raised […]

  (RED BANK – OCT 12) On the occasion of what would have been his 63rd birthday, details were announced today for the Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarship, named in honor of the legendary frontman of The Smithereens who passed away last December. Beginning today, interested students may apply by completing the online form and […]

  (RED BANK | OCT 2) The nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced a big-screen showing of Disney’s Coco as part of its annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos, sponsored by Basie’s partner program Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. The screening, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11am, will also […]

  (RED BANK | SEPTEMBER 28) Super Foodtown locations in Red Bank, Ocean, Port Monmouth, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Girt have joined forces to raise money for arts education programs at the nonprofit Count Basie Center for the Arts. From now through October 8th, shoppers can make a donation to the Basie upon checkout. It’s […]

  (RED BANK | SEPTEMBER 28) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, New Jersey’s premier nonprofit performing arts venue, has announced an exclusive dining program for Basie patrons. Beginning today, ticket buyers can purchase deals from three of Red Bank’s most popular dining destinations: Pazzo Restaurant on West Front Street, The Bistro at Red […]

  (RED BANK | SEPTEMBER 26) Comedian Jon Stewart makes a surprise appearance serving lunch on a food truck to the Count Basie Center’s local construction workers in support of the $27 million expansion project.  

  It’s happening. Work on the expansion of the Count Basie Center for the Arts reached a major milestone this week, as steel construction beams started protruding from the west side of the project – an area which will house the Jay and Linda Grunin Arts and Education Building, plus the Basie Center’s new second […]

  (RED BANK | JULY 13) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced an initial round of programming for the 2018 holiday season. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 20th at noon for A Charlie Brown Christmas (Saturday, Nov. 24; 1 & 4pm), the renowned Nebraska Caravan Theatre Company’s production of A Christmas […]

(RED BANK | JUNE 30) The Count Basie Center’s 2018 summer gala was a night that will live down in history! Honoring The Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation and a headlining performance by “Hamilton” Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. The night ended with a first time ever Count Basie Center duel featuring battling philanthropists […]

  (RED BANK | JUNE 11) The Count Basie Center for the Arts today announced it has received a grant from The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) for its work in area schools. The $7,500 grant is just one of PBF’s First Cycle 2018 Major Grants, which give more than $200,000 across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, […]

(RED BANK | JUNE 11) The Count Basie Center for the Arts has announced the slate for its 2018-19 Broadway At The Basie series presented by World Subaru. National touring productions of The Wizard Of Oz (Oct. 21 – Nov. 1), Elf: The Musical (Nov. 12), Monty Python’s Spamalot (Two shows on Dec. 1), Legally […]

  (RED BANK | JUNE 6) Comedian Jon Stewart will participate in an onstage interview and audience Q&A on Sunday, June 17th at 8pm at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank. Tickets for the event, a benefit for the Basie Center’s capital campaign project, go on sale tomorrow (Thursday, […]

  (RED BANK | MAY 23) Every year, the Basie’s Education department forms an evaluation committee of theater lovers, performers and educators, who then attend and score upwards to 50 local productions. Buzz for the Basie’s kicks off in early May, with the announcement of nominees in 25 categories recognizing excellence in everything from acting and […]

  [RED BANK | MAY 18] – The Count Basie Center for the Arts has received a grant in the amount of $20,000 from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. The grant will fund the Basie’s “Curtains Up For Kids” school bus-in program, as well as its “Kids Shows at the Basie” series of family […]

  RWJBarnabas – Monmouth Medical Center-sponsored ceremony attracts crowd of 1,500+ (MAY 23, 2018 – RED BANK) Winners were announced this evening at the 13th annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring excellence in high school theater in Monmouth County. This year’s ceremony, presented by RWJBarnabas Health – Monmouth Medical Center, once again drew a sold out crowd of more than […]

  The name of jazz legend and Red Bank native William James “Count” Basie ascends to represent the sum of the nonprofit organization’s work in arts, education and the community (MAY 14, 2018 – RED BANK) With construction underway on its celebrated, $26 million expansion, officials Monday night at the Count Basie Theatre – the top-selling […]

  MONTCLAIR U, SUSSEX COUNTY TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE TOP PRIZES RED BANK – PROJECT FX, the Count Basie Theatre’s statewide student film festival presented by Bank of America, announced last Saturday the winners of this year’s competition. “Dali Schonfelder: The Nalu Story,” a film by Sussex County Technical High School junior Madison Rambowski, […]

  RWJBarnabas-Monmouth Medical Center sponsors annual awards ceremony to take place May 23rd at the Basie (MAY 9, 2018 – RED BANK) Nominees have been announced for the 13th annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring excellence in high school theater in Monmouth County. This year’s ceremony, presented by RWJBarnabas Health – Monmouth Medical Center, takes place on the Asbury Park […]

  (RED BANK | APRIL 23) PROJECTFX, the Count Basie Theatre’s statewide student film festival sponsored by Bank Of America, today announced its 2018 finalist films as well as its panel of esteemed judges. The competing films – ten entries from Garden State high schoolers and an additional six from students attending New Jersey colleges […]

  (RED BANK | MARCH 28) As we approach April and Autism Awareness Month, the Count Basie Theatre is proud to present three mainstage, sensory-friendly programs and a new Basie Performing Arts Academy workshop geared specifically for parents, caregivers and children in the autism community. Onstage, the Basie will present three sensory-friendly performances: Goodnight, Goodnight […]

  (RED BANK | MARCH 27) The Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy is proud to announce the return of its Basie Summer Opera camp program, a two-week, audition-based program in August under the direction of Eli Villanueva of the Los Angeles Opera and music director Jasom Tramm. Auditions are set for Saturday, April 14th from […]

(RED BANK | MARCH 23) Drawing on years of successful and renowned Cinco de Mayo concert celebrations, the Count Basie Theatre today announced its first-ever mariachi festival, to take place on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the historic nonprofit theater. Tickets for the BASIE MARIACHI FESTIVAL, priced at $25, are on sale now through theBASIE.org, […]

  (RED BANK | MARCH 9 2018) PROJECT FX 2018, the Count Basie Theatre’s statewide student film competition presented by Bank of America, has announced an extension deadline for this year’s competition. From now until Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 11:59pm, students enrolled at any New Jersey high school or college can visit https://thebasie.org/fx to […]

  (RED BANK | MAR 5) The historic Count Basie Theatre, the state’s top-selling performing arts theater and the namesake of jazz great William J. “Count” Basie, has announced Tony ® and Grammy ® award winning “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom, Jr. as headliner for its annual summer gala, which honors the Jay And Linda Grunin […]

  (RED BANK | FEB 26) The historic Count Basie Theatre, the state’s top-selling performing arts theater and the namesake of jazz great William J. “Count” Basie, has announced its second-ever Basie Summer Jazz Fest, starring Michael Franks, Lee Ritenour + Dave Grusin, Bob James Trio and Lizz Wright on Saturday, June 2, plus Snarky […]

  (RED BANK, NJ | FEB. 20) – The Citi-presented Little Steven’s Underground Garage at the Basie is back! Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees will visit the Count Basie Theatre June 25th for their first-ever national tour as a duo, with E-Street Band guitarist, Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer and Disciples […]

  (RED BANK, NJ | FEBRUARY 13) — The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre announced today receipt of a $10,000 contribution from White Castle Management Company towards the Pat DiNizio Musical Performance Scholarship fund, launched in January in honor of the late singer of New Jersey rockers The Smithereens. “The music of the Smithereens continues to […]

  (RED BANK, NJ | FEBRUARY 7) — National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $25 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2018. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $100,000 to the nonprofit Count Basie Theatre for […]

  RED BANK – The Count Basie Theatre has announced the availability of its annual Arts Impact scholarships available to Monmouth County high school seniors graduating in 2018. The Basie will proudly offer four scholarships: the Moser Taboada Arts Impact Scholarship, the Monmouth Medical Center – RWJBarnabas Health Arts Impact Scholarship, the Steven and Jaime Schultz […]

  On Saturday, January 13th, the Count Basie Theatre payed tribute to Pat DiNizio, not only a consummate performer, singer, songwriter and front man of The Smithereens — but a son, a father, a bandmate and a friend. We will miss one of New Jersey’s kindest and mightiest musical icons. In his honor a portion of ticket sales went […]

  The Count Basie Theatre’s 2018 winter gala was a magical evening of theatrical performances to awe, seduce and inspire; celebrating the hard work, commitment and grit that ushered the Basie’s construction project from a vision to a reality. We thank and honor the Restoration and Renovation Committee including Steven M. Schultz (co-chair), Stephen H. […]

  (RED BANK – JAN 9) This weekend’s Time And Time Again: A Celebration of Pat DiNizio concert at the historic Count Basie Theatre will be streamed live on theBASIE.org beginning at 8PM EST on Saturday, January 13th. “Time And Time Again: A Celebration of Pat DiNizio” came together following DiNizio’s passing last month. With […]

The landmark center for the performing arts and arts education continues as one of the metropolitan area’s three best ticket-selling theater venues (RED BANK – JAN. 8) The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre finished 2017 as New Jersey’s top ticket-selling theater venue, in a tally released by Pollstar, the official publication of the live events and […]

The annual day of philanthropy to focus on veterans; funds to be raised for Vet Tix and the New Jersey Run For The Fallen (RED BANK) “Giving Tuesday,” founded in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd St. YMCA and the United Nations Foundation, was originally a “response to commercialism and consumerism” during the holiday season. […]

Citi presents Little Steven’s Underground Garage at the Basie Saturday, Dec. 23; tickets on sale Friday, Oct. 27 (OCT. 20 | RED BANK, NJ) Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul have announced a special, tour-ending ‘Holiday Homecoming’ performance at the Count Basie Theatre on Saturday, December 23. Tickets go on sale to the general […]

  (RED BANK – OCT. 18) The historic Count Basie Theatre and Hackensack Meridian Integrative Health & Medicine have joined forces for the Basie Health & Wellness Series, a group of programs designed to promote physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual and environmental wellness through the arts. Author and renowned alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra returns […]

  Earlier this year, I played the Basie and paid tribute to legendary supergroup The Traveling Wilburys. We performed Wilburys songs, and we played music from Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, and Tom Petty. Tom Petty. God bless Tom Petty. He was one of the great American singer-songwriters, maybe one of the […]

  (RED BANK – SEPT. 27) The Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, a Queens-based troupe whose mission celebrates the rich diversity of Mexican and Mexican-American cultural heritage through dance-based programming and live music, will team with the nonprofit Count Basie Theatre for a series of Mexican dance classes and a celebration of Mexico’s Day of the […]

(RED BANK – SEPT. 21) Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Pearl Jam will unleash the documentary film Let’s Play Two in early October — and the Count Basie Theatre will proudly be part of the celebration. An area exclusive, the Basie screens Let’s Play Two on Tuesday, October 3 as part of the film’s […]

Nonprofit performing arts center also announces $2 million gift to create the Jay and Linda Grunin Arts and Education Building (RED BANK – SEPT. 20, 2017) The Count Basie Theatre today broke ground on a historic $23 million expansion, a project which will see the facility nearly double in size and become one of the […]

  EXCLUSIVE SONY PICTURES CLASSICS INTERNSHIP, FILM EQUIPMENT AND CASH PRIZES AT STAKE; LAST YEAR’S COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL RECOGNIZED 20 COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL FILMS FROM THROUGHOUT THE GARDEN STATE   (RED BANK – SEPTEMBER 12, 2017) PROJECT FX 2016, the Count Basie Theatre’s statewide student film competition presented by Bank of America, is live […]

  This article, written by Count Basie Theatre President / CEO Adam Philipson, originally appeared in the Sunday, August 20 edition of the Asbury Park Press.   As a youngster, my school lacked a sports program. I was admittedly undisciplined, and I wasn’t book smart – at least not until later. However, my school did […]

  (AUGUST 7, 2017 | RED BANK) The historic, nonprofit Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank has announced the events making up its 2017-18 Broadway at the Basie series. Tickets for the following performances go on sale Friday at noon through theBASIE.org, phone charge at 732.842.9000 and the Count Basie Theatre box office: A Night […]

  (RED BANK) The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre announced this week the receipt of a generous grant from the OceanFirst Foundation. “It is so meaningful to have OceanFirst Foundation continue its support of the Count Basie Theatre,” said the Basie’s Maria Sorensen, Vice President of Development. “OceanFirst has a longstanding commitment to the arts in […]

  Performances set for the weekend of August 19th in Red Bank and Toms River; cast culled from Basie Performing Arts Academy camp with famed Los Angeles Opera director Eli Villanueva and musical director Jason Tramm   (RED BANK, NJ | JULY 12, 2017) The Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy has revealed the names […]

  (JULY 10 – RED BANK, NJ) The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre announced today the appointment of Mark Landesman, Mark Rohl and Philip Scaduto to its Board of Trustees. Mark Landesman, a Certified Public Accountant, is President of ML Management Associates, Inc. (MLM), which oversees Eddie Murphy Productions, Inc. as well as affairs for Arsenio […]

  The Count Basie Theatre’s 2017 summer gala starred Huey Lewis and the News, celebrating the theater’s capital campaign as part of a $20 million expansion plan and honoring our supporters Carol Stillwell and Mary Ann Larkin. (Photos by Amanda Stevens for the Count Basie Theatre)  

On Saturday, May 27th, the Count Basie Theatre was proud to host Little Steven and the Disciples Of Soul for CITI PRESENTS: LITTLE STEVEN’S UNDERGROUND GARAGE AT THE BASIE. The concert was broadcast around the world on the NextVR and Sirius Satellite Radio platforms, and as a special treat, Steven’s “Boss” – Bruce Springsteen, who […]

  Every year, the Basie’s Education department forms an evaluation committee of theater lovers, performers and educators, who then attend and score upwards to 50 local productions. Buzz for the Basies kicks off in early May, with the announcement of nominees in 25 categories recognizing excellence in everything from acting and directing to set and […]

  (MAY 27, 2017 – RED BANK) Winners were announced this evening at the 12th annual Basie Awards, the yearly celebration of excellence and achievement in Monmouth County high school theater. “This year’s roster of musicals and dramatic productions were challenging choices for high school theater,” said Yvonne Lamb Scudiery, Vice President, Education, Count Basie […]

  (APRIL 12, 2017 | RED BANK) The historic Count Basie Theatre, a recognized 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization dedicated to arts education and outreach, announced today that the Monmouth Conservatory of Music, which has taught more than 10,000 area students to perform, understand and appreciate classical music for more than 50 years, […]

  (MAY 9, 2017 – RED BANK) Nominees have been announced for the 12th annual BASIE AWARDS, honoring excellence in high school theater in Monmouth County. This year’s ceremony takes place on the Asbury Park Press stage on Wednesday, May 24th at the Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank. The BASIES began in […]

  (MAY 2, 2017 -RED BANK) – Registration for summer camps, classes and workshops at the Count Basie Theatre’s Performing Arts Academy are now open at theBASIE.org/education or by calling 732-224-8778 x 125. New this summer are experiences in do-it-yourself documentary making for teens and adults, digital music composition, recording arts and full-on productions of […]

  (APRIL 24, 2017 – RED BANK) Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul will take the Basie stage for the first time ever when Citi Presents Little Steven’s Underground Garage at the Basie on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 8pm. Tickets, priced between $39 and $89, go on sale this Friday, April 28 at […]

  (APRIL 20 – RED BANK) The Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy today announced a summer residency with famed Los Angeles Opera director Eli Villanueva on a summer opera camp program for vocalists aged 10-17. The two-week intensive, open to students of all vocal types, culminates with a pair of performances of Brundibar, the […]

  (APRIL 19, 2017 – RED BANK) The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre today announced its participation in the OceanFirst Charity Challenge, a crowdsourcing fundraiser which will assist the Basie in raising money for its “Curtains Up For Kids” educational performance program for schools. Individuals are encouraged to visit thebasie.org and click the “Curtains Up For […]

(APRIL 2, 2017 – RED BANK)  The historic Count Basie Theatre, the state’s top-selling performing arts center and the namesake of jazz great William “Count” Basie, Jr., has announced the first-ever Basie Summer Jazz Fest, set over four mid-summer nights and starring Dave Koz and Larry Graham (July 26), Snarky Puppy (Friday, Aug. 4), Herbie […]

(MARCH 19, 2017 – RED BANK) PROJECT FX, the Count Basie Theatre’s statewide student film festival presented by Bank of America, announced on Saturday the winners of this year’s competition. “Red,” a film by Montclair University student Peter Dulshon, took home the award for Top College Film, while David LaPorta, a student at Shore Regional […]

  (MARCH 6, 2017 – RED BANK) – The Count Basie Theatre has announced an exclusive capital campaign partnership with the Asbury Park Press, granting the newspaper the naming rights to the historic Count Basie Theatre stage, where everyone from Bruce Springsteen, Tony Bennett, Bon Jovi and William “Count” Basie, Jr. himself has performed. Beginning […]

  (FEBRUARY 17, 2017 – RED BANK) The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre announced today the appointment of Monmouth County Freeholder and open space / historic preservation advocate Lillian Burry to its Board of Trustees. “The Board and leadership of the Count Basie Theatre is honored to have Freeholder Lillian Burry join our team in securing […]

  (FEBRUARY 16, 2017 – RED BANK)  The Count Basie Theatre has announced the availability of five Arts Impact scholarships available to Monmouth County high school seniors graduating in 2017. This year, the Basie will proudly offer five scholarships: the Moser-Taboada Arts Impact Scholarship, the Monmouth Medical Center – RWJBarnabas Health Arts Impact  Scholarship, the […]

The 2017 Count Basie Theatre Winter Gala was celebrated in style — as the inaugural “Little Steven’s Underground Garage” concert at the Basie! The idea was to transform the theater into a rock n’ roll club – much like the organization will do when it adds a second performance space as part of its $20 […]

  (JANUARY 9, 2017 – RED BANK) The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre finished 2016 as the top ticket-selling theater venue in New Jersey, in a tally released by Pollstar, the official publication of the live events and concert touring industry. The Basie sold nearly 225,000 tickets in 2016, enough to rank the historic landmark as […]

The ninth installment of legendary HOPE concert, curated and lead by our friend Bobby Bandiera, was a grand affair. Bandiera and Friends ripped through a nearly three-hour performance, raising over $200,000 for the Latino outreach program at Two River Theater and the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. (Photos by Amanda Stevens for the Count […]

(RED BANK – DEC. 2) The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre will be the beneficiary of two “5% Community Giving Day” events held at Whole Foods Market locations in Middletown, NJ and Marlboro, NJ on Thursday, December 8th. On that day, five-percent of these stores’ net proceeds will be donated to the historic Basie’s arts education […]

Citi Sponsorship Assists In Reaching Significant Fundraising Milestone For Venue’s Cultural Development Plan (November 14, 2016 – RED BANK) – The Count Basie Theatre, a world-class entertainment and education venue, announced today the launch of Little Steven’s Underground Garage At The Basie Presented By Citi. The series of performances will support the Theatre’s $20 million […]

  (NOVEMBER 21, 2016 – RED BANK) “Giving Tuesday,” founded in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd St. YMCA and the United Nations Foundation, was originally a “response to commercialism and consumerism” during the holiday season. It has since turned into an international day of giving. Next Tuesday, Nov. 29, the nonprofit Count Basie Theatre […]

  (OCTOBER 22, 2016 – RED BANK) Bobby Bandiera & Friends return to the Count Basie Theatre on Friday, December 23, 2016 for HOPE CONCERT 9, slated this year to benefit The Foodbank Of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and the Latino outreach programs at Red Bank’s Two River Theater. In addition, $10 from every ticket […]

Grant will go towards arts education and outreach programs to at-risk students throughout Monmouth County (SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 – RED BANK) The historic Count Basie Theatre has announced the receipt of a $7500 grant from The Provident Bank Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to The Provident Bank Foundation for its generous grant, and for the […]

  PERFORMING ARTS LANDMARK WILL CONTINUE TO UTILIZE THE “BASIE” NAME FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND HISTORY OF THE LEGENDARY MUSICIAN TO BE DEVELOPED AND HIGHLIGHTED AS PART OF THE FACILITY’S PLANNED EXPANSION (RED BANK – AUGUST 21, 2016) On the 112th anniversary of the birth of its legendary namesake, Red Bank’s […]

  (JULY 28, 2016 – RED BANK) Amidst its $20 million dollar expansion and improvement plan, the Count Basie Theatre has announced the merging of its Board of Trustees and Directors and the hiring of a new Vice President of Development to join the newly appointed executive leadership team. As a recognized 501(c)(3) organization, the […]

  The Count Basie Theatre’s 2016 summer gala starred Earth Wind and Fire, celebrating the theater’s 90th birthday and  honoring our supporters Denise and Mario Menello. (Photos by Amanda Stevens for the Count Basie Theatre)

For the first time ever, the Count Basie Theatre played host to TWO Hope Concerts in one night. Dubbed “Hope… And Even More Hope,” the concerts raised nearly half a million dollars for Mary’s Place By The Sea, 180 Turning Lives Around and the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group. The concerts took place on the […]

    (DECEMBER 9, 2015 – RED BANK) Capitalizing on the belief that a strong community is forged by strong partnerships, the Count Basie Theatre next week will conclude its heralded “Arts For All” project with Red Bank’s Middle School. “Arts For All” is an innovative, 12-week program that provides various forms of arts instruction […]