Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation

08/21/2026

🎷 Tom Baldino interviews Boris Kozlov of the Mingus Big Band!

Hear Boris talk about the Mingus Big Band, its incredible 150-song repertoire, and how Sue Mingus has worked to preserve the legacy of Charles Mingus. He also shares what to expect at the FREE festival finale in Metuchen!

The 2026 Middlesex County Jazz Festival takes place:
🎶 Sept. 23 — Woodbridge
🎶 Sept. 24 — New Brunswick
🎶 Sept. 25 — Carteret
🎶 Sept. 26 — Metuchen

🎺 The Mingus Big Band will perform the FREE finale in Metuchen on Saturday, September 26, from 8:15–9:45 p.m.

👉 Read the full interview: https://jsjbf.org/boris-kozlov-and-the-mingus-big-band-middlesex-nj/

08/11/2026

08/08/2026

The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation is looking for food trucks for the upcoming Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival on Saturday, August 29, 2026!

If you are a self-contained food truck (no tents or outside cooking) and interested in being part of this exciting event, scan the QR code in the graphic to apply or contact our Food Vendor Coordinator, Doris Lazur, at [email protected].

The Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival will take place on the Boardwalk by the Great Lawn from noon to 9:00 pm.

Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your food truck to a large and appreciative crowd.

08/05/2026

In his latest review, Tom Baldino takes a deep dive into It’s Alright, the impressive third release from the husband-and-wife duo Jennifer and Christian Harrison. From the wall-of-sound horn arrangements on "Take Me Home" and gospel-revival energy of the title track, to a haunting, megaphone-inflected cover of "In the Pines," this album showcases the duo’s soaring growth and undeniable live energy.

Check out the full review to hear why this latest collection delivers real heart, sharp songwriting, and chills on the final reprise! 👇

🔗 Read the full review: https://jsjbf.org/cd-review-the-harrisons-its-alright/
🎧 Discover the band: https://www.theharrisonsband.com/

08/04/2026

The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation is looking for food trucks for the upcoming Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival on Saturday, August 29, 2026! We're seeking two trucks to serve our attendees: one for food and one for dessert (ice cream is preferred!).

If you are a self-contained food truck (no tents or outside cooking) and interested in being part of this exciting event, scan the QR code in the graphic to apply or contact our Food Vendor Coordinator, Doris Lazur, at [email protected].

The Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival will take place on the Boardwalk by the Great Lawn from noon to 9:00 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your food truck to a large and appreciative crowd.

We look forward to hearing from you!

08/04/2026

🔥 The Andy Rothstein Band brought the heat with two phenomenal sets of jazz fusion at the Woman’s Club! From intricate horn arrangements to masterful fretwork, this world-class lineup delivered virtuoso solos, original hits from Truth Against the World, and incredible reimagined covers. 🎷🎸

Check out Tom Baldino’s full review of the show and see why this band had the whole audience on their feet! 👇

🔗 Read the review: https://jsjbf.org/andy-rothstein-band-reckless-steamy-nights/
🌐 Follow the band: https://andyrothstein.com

07/28/2026

🎵Perfect weather, incredible music, and great community spirit! 🎸✨

JSJBF’s Tom Baldino recaps an unforgettable day at the 2026 Sourland Mountain Festival at Unionville Vineyards. From the opening Lenape blessing and community drum circle to high-energy sets from The Swiss Guard, Gravity Hill, American Idol alum Jake Thistle, Hickory, and The Harrisons and Company, it was a day to remember in Ringoes!

🔗 Tap the link to read Tom’s full event review on the blog! https://jsjbf.org/sourland-mountain-festival-2026/

07/24/2026

🎸Keep on picking. 🎸

Through Guitar Vets, Band Together 4 Veterans, and the annual Veterans Music Fest, two Vietnam veterans are leveraging the healing power of music and community to help New Jersey veterans cope with PTSD and rediscover a sense of purpose.

Read Healing in Six Strings https://jsjbf.org/healing-in-six-strings/

🎸 Guitar Vets: Beginner-friendly lessons where veterans receive a free guitar to keep and a supportive room to practice in.
🎤 Band Together 4 Veterans: An intermediate program designed to rebuild that missing sense of a "unit" through teamwork and live performance.
🎶 Veterans Music Fest Saturday, November 7 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Whether you're picking up a guitar for the very first time or ready to take the stage, the door is open.