Union Jazz Festival

The Township of Union, Union Arts Center, and Mike Griot Presents are proud to introduce a brand-new musical tradition to the community: The Union Jazz Festival. Taking place from August 21–23, 2026, this landmark three-day event brings world-class talent, soulful rhythms, and rare musical insights directly to the heart of Union, New Jersey.

The Union Jazz Festival features a dynamic mix of outdoor and indoor events.

• Outdoor Plaza Performances: All performances on the Performance Plaza Stage are completely free and open to the public. No tickets required!
• Indoor DMK Black Box Theater Presentations: These exclusive, intimate indoor sessions are paid performances that require a reserved ticket through this Eventbrite page. Space is limited, so secure your seats early!

• Single-Day DMK Black Box Pass: $35 (Valid for all indoor shows and master classes on either Friday OR Saturday)
• Full Weekend DMK Black Box Pass: $50 (Best Value – Grants access to every single indoor show and master class across both Friday and Saturday)

A diverse array of several current and future Jazz Masters at their very best.

• 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Free Outdoor Stage): James Gibbs III, Anthony Nelson Jr., and John Lee & Friends.
• [TICKETED] 7:30 PM - 8:15 PM: Stephane Wrembel
• [TICKETED] 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Marel Hidalgo

A rare listen into the continued expansion of the jazz language, including its historical and multi-genre influences.

• 1:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Free Outdoor Stage): Leonieke Scheuble, Lee Hogans, Bruce Williams Quartet, Oz Noy Trio, BigFunk w/ Don Braden and Karl Latham, and the Jonathan Scales Trio.
• [TICKETED] 4:30 PM: Jazz Saxophone Master Class with Bruce Williams & Don Braden
• [TICKETED] 5:30 PM: Jazz Guitar Master Class with Dave Stryker & Oz Noy
• [TICKETED] 7:30 PM - 8:15 PM: 3FOLD
• [TICKETED] 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Dave Stryker Trio

Are you part of a local school band, music club, community group, or neighborhood crew eager to elevate your musical skills? We are excited to offer a special Community Group Discount for our premium, indoor educational sessions inside the DMK Black Box Theater on Saturday, August 22!

• Community Group Pass: $10 per ticket, minimum of 5 members (Only valid for the 4:30 PM & 5:30 PM Masterclasses in the DMK Black Box Theater)

These talented artists contribute directly to the legacy of excellence forged by the Jazz community and shared with you.

• 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM (Free Outdoor Stage): Brandon McCune, FAZZ featuring Damon Duewhite and Nat Adderley, Jr.