Count Basie Center's Centennial Gala: A Night of Stars with Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson
This summer, the Count Basie Center in Monmouth County will host its Centennial Gala featuring celebrity performers Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson on Saturday, June 13. The event will honor Jeremy Grunin, Chair of the Basie Center Board of Trustees, and showcase student productions from the Turner Academy and Capulli Mexican Dance Community programs. Groban expressed his excitement about performing live with Hudson and promised an emotional and celebratory show filled with surprises.
The Centennial Gala is part of the Count Basie Center's 16-month "Centennial Celebration," marking the organization's century-long presence in Red Bank and its impact on the Garden State. The celebration has included various events and projects, such as the introduction of a new outdoor performance venue, the 2026 Roast of New Jersey, and the establishment of the Basie Center's Walk of Fame. Notable inductees into the Walk of Fame include Jon Bon Jovi, William "Count" Basie, Darlene Love, and The Smithereens, all recognized for their significant contributions to the arts.
The Walk of Fame at the Basie Center aims to honor artists who have performed at the venue and have made a lasting impact on culture. By starting with iconic figures like Count Basie and Jon Bon Jovi, the Basie Center sets a standard for recognizing extraordinary talent and influence in the arts. The Walk of Fame serves as a permanent tribute to artists who have left their mark on the Basie Center and the world, inspiring future generations to appreciate the enduring power of the arts.
The Count Basie Center's Centennial Gala featuring Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson will kick off at 8 p.m. on June 13, with doors opening at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre on the Basie Center Campus in Red Bank. For more information about the gala and ticket purchases, visit the official event website. Don't miss this special evening celebrating the Basie Center's rich history and the incredible talents of Groban and Hudson.