Jazz Vocalist Carrie Jackson Brings Timeless Sound to Historic Newark Venue

Premier jazz vocalist Carrie Jackson and her Jazzin’ All Stars Band will fill Clement’s Place at Rutgers University’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall with the sounds of classic American music on June 28, 2025, at 4 PM as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival. The performance promises an evening of jazz standards, original compositions, blues and pop classics delivered with Jackson’s signature soulful interpretations that have earned her appearances at iconic venues including Birdland and Lincoln Center.

Jackson’s performance, accompanied by a stellar lineup of instrumentalists, continues Newark’s rich jazz legacy while showcasing contemporary talent in an intimate historical setting. The concert offers both dedicated jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners an opportunity to experience firsthand why Newark remains an important hub for this quintessentially American art form, affirming the city’s place in the ongoing evolution of jazz.

Acclaimed Vocalist Honors Jazz Traditions with Contemporary Voice

Carrie Jackson has established herself as one of the region’s most respected jazz vocalists, known for interpretations that honor the legacy of legendary singers while maintaining a distinctive personal style. Her performance approach draws inspiration from icons like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday, creating connections to jazz’s golden age while bringing fresh perspective to the material, according to New Jersey Stage.

“Each note carries echoes of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, yet remains distinctly, powerfully Jackson’s own,” notes the event description, highlighting this balance between tradition and individuality. This approach enables Jackson to connect with audiences across generations, appealing to both those with deep knowledge of jazz history and newcomers to the genre.

Jackson’s repertoire typically spans multiple eras and styles within the jazz tradition, from swing-era standards to more contemporary compositions, alongside thoughtfully reimagined pop classics and original works. This musical diversity creates a dynamic performance experience that showcases the breadth of jazz expression while maintaining stylistic coherence through Jackson’s distinctive vocal approach.

All-Star Band Creates Rich Musical Foundation

Supporting Jackson’s vocals, the Jazzin’ All Stars Band features accomplished musicians who bring extensive performing experience and technical mastery to the stage. The ensemble includes Radam Schwarx on piano, Takashi Otsuka on bass, Gordon Lane on drums, Charlie Sigler on guitar, and Rodrigo Romero on saxophone, creating a versatile instrumental foundation capable of navigating multiple jazz styles with authenticity and creativity.

This particular combination of instruments allows for rich harmonic textures and varied arrangements, from intimate ballad settings to more dynamic full-ensemble pieces. The inclusion of both guitar and piano in the group provides additional textural possibilities beyond traditional jazz quartets or quintets, while the rhythm section of bass and drums ensures solid rhythmic foundation.

Many of these musicians maintain active performing and recording careers beyond their work with Jackson, contributing to multiple projects throughout the New York-New Jersey jazz scene. Their collective experience includes performances at major festivals, clubs, and concert halls, as well as recording sessions for various jazz labels, according to Patch, which highlighted the festival’s commitment to showcasing premier musical talent.

Historic Venue Continues Newark’s Jazz Legacy

The performance setting at Clement’s Place adds significant historical resonance to the concert experience. Located within Rutgers University’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall at 15 Washington Street, this intimate jazz club is named for legendary Newark jazz clarinetist and bandleader Clement Moorman, creating explicit connections to the city’s rich jazz heritage.

Newark has played a crucial role in jazz history since the early 20th century, producing influential musicians including Sarah Vaughan, Wayne Shorter, and Larry Young, while hosting countless performances by the genre’s defining artists. Venues like the Kinney Theater and Sparky J’s provided performance spaces that contributed to the development of distinctive regional sounds and approaches within the broader jazz tradition.

Clement’s Place continues this legacy as a contemporary venue dedicated to preserving and extending Newark’s jazz heritage. Its programming includes both established artists and emerging talents, contributing to the ongoing vitality of the city’s jazz community, as noted by The Montclair Girl in their coverage of significant cultural venues participating in the festival.

Jazz Central to Newark’s Cultural Identity

The inclusion of this jazz performance in the North to Shore Festival programming reflects the centrality of this art form to Newark’s cultural identity and history. As one of America’s most significant jazz cities, Newark continues to celebrate this heritage through performances, educational initiatives, and community programming that connect contemporary audiences with this vital artistic tradition.

Jackson’s performance represents one aspect of the festival’s jazz offerings, which typically include multiple events across various venues, highlighting different approaches to the genre. This programming strategy recognizes both the historical importance of jazz to Newark and its continuing relevance as a living, evolving art form that remains capable of engaging contemporary audiences.

The concert at Clement’s Place exemplifies the festival’s approach to balancing celebration of cultural heritage with presentation of vibrant contemporary expressions. By featuring a performer who connects to historical traditions while maintaining a contemporary voice, the event honors Newark’s jazz legacy while demonstrating its continuing vitality.

Part of Diverse Festival Programming

This jazz performance represents one element in the diverse programming scheduled across Newark during the North to Shore Festival. Running from June 14-29, 2025, the Newark portion of the festival features events spanning multiple artistic disciplines, from major concert performances to community-focused cultural celebrations, creating a comprehensive showcase of the city’s creative vitality.

Now in its third year, the Prudential North to Shore Festival has established itself as New Jersey’s largest summer arts celebration, with programming spread across three cities—Newark, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City. Conceived by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, the festival aims to highlight New Jersey’s cultural resources while stimulating economic activity and community engagement.

According to festival organizers, the event has brought in more than $25 million for ticketed events and drawn over 500,000 attendees since its inception in 2023. This growth demonstrates both the public’s enthusiasm for diverse cultural programming and the festival’s effectiveness in showcasing New Jersey’s artistic resources.