The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) today announced details of the 14th annual TD James Moody Festival, taking place November 8-23, 2025. Co-curated by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor Christian McBride, this year’s festival, which draws thousands of fans to the city of Newark, aims to showcase jazz as a powerful cultural force for social justice. From groundbreaking jazz masters Arturo Sandoval and Stanely Clarke to the censored “Poet of Havana” singer-songwriter Carlos Varela and hip-hop stars Chuck D, Rakim and Slick Rick baring their souls in the annual Represent! show, this year’s Festival is rooted in jazz’s intertwined history with activism. Presented at various accessible locations throughout Newark, the citywide Festival offers a diverse program of several acts fusing jazz with poetry, spoken word, dance, blues, pop, African-Caribbean music, and more — making it a destination for all arts lovers. New for this year, eligible TD Bank cardholders will receive special perks at the TD James Moody Jazz Festival. Review more information and the full list of benefits here.