COUNT BASIE CENTER ANNUAL REPORT
JANUARY 2024 - JUNE 2025
IMPACT Report
Between January 2024 and June 2025, the Count Basie Center for the Arts saw continued growth and programmatic success. Its mission to “Inspire, Educate and Entertain” led the way, and the organization held steadfast to the belief that the arts are an essential part of a thriving, healthy society.
The Basie Center has embarked on a 16 month long celebration of its centennial, where we will commemorate 100 years of meaningful community impact. The successful FOREVER FOR EVERYONE endowment campaign will wind down, and thanks to the generous support of hundreds of donors, the Basie Center’s promise to deliver arts participation opportunities to everyone in our community is a reality.
In this Impact Report, you’ll find:
• An update on FOREVER FOR EVERYONE, including donor spotlights and the creation of new scholarships
• Program reports including several milestones celebrated by long-running Basie Center programs
• Gala fundraising events and capital construction highlights
• A sneak preview of what’s to come as part of the Basie Center’s momentous Centennial Celebration
A Letter from our Board Chair and President / CEO
The Count Basie Center for the Arts had a banner 18 months, continuing its growth across live performances, arts education offerings, school and community engagement, and cultural events. We continued our commitment to removing barriers to arts participation, embracing cultural inclusivity, fostering community conversations around health and wellness, and creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome. This Impact Report provides an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments we feel had the greatest community impact, contributing to the health, happiness, and wellbeing of all who engaged with our programming.
A major accomplishment was the expansion of the Grunin Arts and Education Building, which now houses all Turner Academy for the Arts programs, inclusive of performing arts classes, student productions, the Basie Center Conservatory of Music, partnership programs and more. Finally, our educational offeringsonce scattered across several locations - have a physical place to call home, thus completing our campus. Thousands of students participated in group classes, private lessons, and student productions in the last year and a half, and hundreds did so on scholarship - made possible in part by our incredible sponsors and our FOREVER FOR EVERYONE endowment campaign.
Phoenix Productions, the community theatre producing arm of the Basie Center, experienced record ticket sales for a season of shows that amplified our message of welcome. The representation present in Phoenix’s season coupled with their commitment to diverse and inclusive casting brought brave, new artists into the Basie Center family. Phoenix has expanded to a second audition location in New Brunswick to further their reach, and from the number of people coming through the doors, word is clearly spreading that Phoenix—and the Basie Center—is a place where all people can embrace their love of theatre.
The activities of the last 18 months would not have been possible without an engaged and dedicated Board of Trustees, led by co-vice chairpersons Michael Parent and Maggie Riker and Executive Committee members Stephen Cutler (Treasurer), SoVonna Day-Goins (Co-Secretary), Claudia Dulac (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer), Robin Klein (Governance Officer), and Maria Maher (Co-Secretary). We’re equally grateful to the co-chairs of our many committees that are pivotal to the Basie Center achieving its goals.
We’re deeply thankful for the undying support and partnership of our fellow nonprofits, area schools, community leaders, government officials, our Basie Center members, donors, patrons, board of trustees, staff, volunteers, and more. For our great community and beyond, we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that the arts survive and thrive in perpetuity.
Adam Philipson President / CEO
Count Basie Center for the Arts
Jeremy Grunin Chairperson, Board Of Trustees Count Basie Center for the Arts
COUNT BASIE CENTER BOARD
Jeremy Grunin Chairperson
Stephen Cutler Treasurer
Robin Klein Governance Officer
Stuart Alderoty
Mitch Ansell
Alison Banks-Moore
Tom Bernard
Sarah Bradley
Michael Bruno
Heather Burke
James M. Cadet
Puja Choudhry
Jerry Conaty
Executive Committee
Michael Parent Co-Vice Chairperson
SoVonna Day-Goins Co-Secretary
Claudia Dulac Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Board Of Trustees
Craig Cummings
Lauren Goldfarb
Delisha Grant
Yvonne Grayson
Jason Jurgens
Steve Kaiman
Nancy Karpf
Marshall Knopf
Mario Monello
Mark Rohl
Advisory Committee
Maggie Riker
Co-Vice Chairperson
Maria Maher Co-Secretary
Adam Philipson
President & Chief Executive Officer, Ex Officio
Peter T. Roselle
Matthew J. Saker
Dr. Perry Scaranni
Carol Stillwell
Fran Turner
Joe Wajda
Tom Widener
Darrell Lawrence Willis
Kaye Wise
Edward J. Zipprich
Harry Agnostak • Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian G. Burry • Faith and Warren Diamond • Beth Giannotto • Senator Vin Gopal
Tim Hogan • Senator Joseph Kyrillos, (Ret.) • Russell J. Lucas • James Marhold • Ed McKenna • Raymond Moser
Nancy Mulheren • Patti Scialfa-Springsteen • Pat Scire • Karen Siciliano • Peter B. Seligman • David A. Springsteen
Larry Sykoff • Maureen Van Zandt • Steven Van Zandt • Hugh Ward • Al Weiss
COUNT BASIE CENTER STAFF
President & Chief Executive Officer: Adam Philipson
Executive Assistant/Board Liaison: Bonita Whytehead
Special Projects Manager: Jennifer Lee
DEVELOPMENT
Senior Director of Development: Lysa J. Israel
Development Events Manager: Gabriella LaFata
Membership Manager: Cindy Jimenez
Sponsorship Manager: Kelly Schmidt
Development Database Specialist: Wilma Porter
Grants Manager: Whitney Stone
Development Assistant: Roni Buresh
EDUCATION
Vice President, Education & Outreach: Samantha Giustiniani
Director of Education: Jessica O’Brien
Music Programs Manager: Dr. Laura Petillo
Senior Manager Arts Education and Outreach: Anthony Greco
School Programs and Partnerships
Manager: Kenya Bullock
Education Specialist: Christopher Harrison
Scholarship Programs Manager: Natalie Hayes-Scott
FINANCE
Chief Financial Officer &
Vice President of Finance: Karen Franklin
Finance Manager: Kitti Mosolygo
Finance Specialist – A/R: Angela Stern
Finance Specialist – A/P & Bar
Coordinator: Cassandra Worman
Finance Assistant: Elizabeth Tates
MARKETING
Chief Marketing Officer: Jonathan E. Vena
Marketing Director: Stefanie Moelius
Interactive Marketing Manager: Nina DeGori
Senior Creative Director: Andrew Musser
Graphic Design Specialist: Amy Wojtowicz
HUMAN RESOURCES
Senior Human Resources Director: Ann Marie Keenan
Human Resources Assistant: Jazmin Graham
Administrative Assistant: Kevin McGee
COMMUNICATIONS
Senior Vice President, Communications / Content Strategy: Ivy Charmatz
PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS
Managing Artistic Director: James Grausam
OPERATIONS
Chief Operating Officer: Izzy Sackowitz
Venue Operations Manager: Andrea Morreale
Operations Assistant: Alyssa Santiago
House Manager: Presley Cannella
Assistant House Manager: Joyce Belitsky
Assistant House Manager: Kim Kutschman
Senior Facilities Director: Chris Lomazzo
Facilities Assistant: Greg Trapanese
Maintenance Assistant: Sofia Gonzalez, Algieron Pines
Technical Director: Michael Jacoby
Assistant Technical Director: Kyle Santopadre
Stage Manager: Greg Wilkens
Production Manager, The Vogel: Charlie Christensen
Assistant Production Manager, The Vogel: Emily Lovell
Bar Manager: Brendan Crosby
Assistant Bar Manager: Lori Daly
House Crew: Brandon Asraf, Daniel Gibson
Cinema Manager: Raphael Silva
Security Manager: Butch Neis
Assistant Security Manager: Ron Neis
BOX OFFICE
Director, Ticketing & Venue Engagement: Matt Laiks
Representatives: Natalie Bilella, Carly Brach, Lisa Cohen, Elizabeth Long, Sydney Lowenstein, Donna Peger, Kristina Z.
COUNT BASIE CENTER TURNER
The Grunin Arts and Education Building, opened in 2020, has delivered on the promise to eliminate silos in the Basie Center’s education program and forge commitments to cross-collaboration, incubation, and partnership. In the last 18 months, the full vision for the Grunin Building has been realized with the completion of a large dance studio, two smaller dance studios, 10 private sound-proof music studios, a reception area, and teaching artist prep space.
At the July 2024 summer gala, the Count Basie Center Academy was renamed the Turner Academy of the Arts, in honor of longtime Basie Center supporters and generous philanthropists Fran and Paul Turner. From January 2024 to June 2025, the Turner Academy served 1,582 participants, with programs designed not only to teach music and the performing arts, but provide insight from our tactfully skilled teaching artists on how these experiences build valuable life skills.
Turner Academy Highlights:
Basie Center Student Productions offer a community theatre-style program for students ages 6 through 18. Students audition for, rehearse, mount, and perform fully staged productions of famous Broadway titles, like The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, pictured above.
One of the Basie Center’s proudest partnerships, Actors Playground, allows students to study modern acting techniques, ‘Second City’-style improvisation, advanced scene study, audition technique, and more. Actors Playground also offers the opportunities to audition for top-level theatrical representation.
The Basie Center Conservatory of Music offerings provide opportunities for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level students to learn from both world-class musicians and fellow students, perform together as a group, and build fundamental music skills in the process.
Visiting artists from Broadway productions, the New Jersey Symphony and other organizations allow the Basie Center Masterclass Program to provide a deep dive into various areas of study.
The Basie Center continued its tireless work to ensure that finances are never a barrier to arts education. The Basie Center’s Turner Academy continues to grow its scholarship offerings, with 410 scholarships offered between January 2024 and June 2025.
The Count Basie Center also continued its tradition of awarding Arts Impact Scholarships, given to graduating Monmouth County high school seniors who demonstrate a connection between their scholastic arts experiences and future professional ambitions. Recipients of these $2500 scholarships were announced at the annual Basie Awards ceremony and presented at a dedicated reception. 12 were awarded in 2024, and that number grew to 17 in 2025.
FOREVER FOR EVERYONE ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN
Led by co-chairs Carol Stillwell and Valerie Montecalvo and supported by honorary chair and world renowned musician Charlie Puth, the Count Basie Center FOREVER FOR EVERYONE endowment campaign kicked off in August of 2022. The goal of the campaign was to raise $20 million to provide critical long-term stability for the Basie Center, deepen its community impact, and expand access to its programs and performances for all. The Basie Center raised $17,000,000, including the creation of 3 “Basie Scholars.”
Basie Center Scholars
In February of 2025, the Count Basie Center for the Arts announced the formation of the Basie Center Scholars program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide multi-year support for dedicated high school performing artists and musicians. This scholarship will empower talented students with financial and educational resources to help them thrive in their artistic journeys.
The Basie Center Scholars program is designed to identify and uplift students who demonstrate both exceptional passion and commitment to the arts. Through this initiative, scholars will receive multi-year support throughout high school, covering classes, lessons, instrument and equipment purchases, and more. Upon graduation, each Basie Scholar will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship to support their first year of college. The selection process is open to all high school students (including rising 9th graders) enrolled at the Basie Center’s Turner Academy of the Arts.
Marel Hidalgo, a 16-year-old jazz guitarist from Neptune, was named the first Basie Center Scholar. Hidalgo, part of the Basie Center community since 2018, honed his craft through classical guitar lessons, ensembles, and performance groups at the Basie Center, ultimately finding his artistic voice in jazz.
“Being named as the first Basie Center Scholar is not only an immense honor to me, but it is also a statement of the Basie Center’s mission and commitment to their vision for the future of arts education and the diverse community they are serving.”
~ Marel Hidalgo, Basie Center Scholar
As the FOREVER FOR EVERYONE Endowment Campaign sets to conclude, the
spotlight endowment committee co-chairs and generous donors
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
My “why” begins with my sister. After her cancer diagnosis, the Basie Center offered more than just entertainment, it gave her comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging. The Basie Center became her sanctuary. I’d even say Mary Ann has become one of its most devoted fans, attending more shows than almost anyone I know.
She adores the Basie Center, not just for the performances, but for the people. The staff greet her with warmth and kindness, making every visit feel like coming home. It’s a place where she’s known, where she’s embraced, and where she feels truly alive.
Supporting the Basie Center isn’t just about the arts for us, it’s about honoring the joy it brings to Mary Ann and to so many others. It’s a treasure in our community, and being part of its story fills my heart with gratitude.
Carol Stillwell Endowment Campaign Co-Chair
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Growing up, we didn’t have much. My parents worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs, just to make sure we had what we needed. But what we lacked in money, we made up for in love. Our home was filled with it.
One day, I wandered over to a piano and started tapping out a few random notes. Something must have sparked at that moment, because my parents saw potential in me. Despite the financial strain, they somehow made it possible for me to take lessons, and even managed to get me a piano of my own. I still have that piano today. It’s more than an instrument; it’s a symbol of their sacrifice, their belief in me, and the door they opened to a lifelong love of music.
Why am I supporting the Forever For Everyone Endowment Campaign? Because I want every child to feel what I felt, the joy, the pride, the sense of possibility that comes from learning to play an instrument or stepping onto a stage. Every child deserves that chance.
Valerie Montecalvo Endowment Campaign Co-Chair
Basie Center wants to take this moment to
Carol Stillwell and Valerie Montecalvo.
Between January 2024 and June 2025, the Count Basie Center held four major fundraising galas to support its mission to provide accessible arts education opportunities, both onsite at its Turner Academy of the Arts, and in schools and communities throughout New Jersey. Its galas are not only an opportunity to raise funds, but to showcase talented students and community artists, honor those who have tirelessly supported the Basie Center, and present an A-list headliner in concert.
2024 WINTER GALA
The 2024 winter gala celebrated the 35th anniversary of Phoenix Productions, the Count Basie Center’s community theatre company. Co-chaired by Nancy R. Karpf and Fran & Paul Turner, the gala featured a concert performance of Jesus Christ Superstar – the first show the company tackled back in 1988.
100% of the evening’s proceeds went to support the Basie Center and Phoenix Productions’ goal of making community theatre more accessible and inclusive. Phoenix Operations Committee co-chairs SoVonna Day-Goins and Joe Wajda were honored at the gala, with Wajda also serving as music director for Jesus Christ Superstar and conductor of its 35-piece orchestra.
2024 SUMMER GALA
The 2024 summer gala was chaired by Robin and John Klein, Maggie Riker, and Steve Scopellite. The evening’s honorees were indispensable Basie Center supporters Fran & Paul Turner, and the Basie Center’s steadfast partner OceanFirst Bank. Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Pretenders headlined the event, which raised money for a number of Basie Center initiatives, including a student Broadway trip, costumes for student productions, new pianos, its internship and school bus-in programs, and more.
2025 WINTER GALA
The 2025 ‘Winter Celebration’ honored FOREVER FOR EVERYONE committee co-chairs Carol Stillwell and Valerie Montecalvo. Featuring “Sinatra and Stories” performed by the charismatic Tony Danza, proceeds went to create the Stillwell-Montecalvo Scholarship, the second in the Basie Center Scholars program.
Count Basie Center Board of Trustees at the 2025 Winter Celebration
2025 SUMMER GALA
The 2025 summer gala was chaired by Jeremy Grunin, Robin & John Klein, Nancy Mulheren, and Maggie Riker. Featuring nine-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sheryl Crow, gala honorees were long-time Count Basie Center Executive Committee members Michael Parent and Stephen Cutler, both trustees since 2009. Special guests Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy were also recognized for their unwavering support of the arts. Proceeds from the evening went to create yet another Basie Center Scholar opportunity, named in honor of Stephen and Michael.
OUTREACH & SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The Count Basie Center strives to create arts education programming that reaches families of all ages, cultures, abilities, and incomes. Whether at the Basie Center or in the community at public schools and partner organizations, these programs enrich the lives of over 20,000 children annually through the magic of the arts.
The School Show Bus-in Program featured 18 onsite performances, serving 11,896 students – about 75% of whom attend Title 1, Abbott district, or special populations schools. The Basie Center subsidized tickets and transportation for these and other under-resourced school districts.
Poetry Out Loud: As the New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ statewide partner, the Basie Center oversaw the state’s participation in this national recitation competition. In 2024, 10,587 New Jersey students from 69 high schools and organizations participated, with Lucas Wilson, a senior from Red Bank Regional High School, named State Champion. 2025 saw the 20th anniversary of the national competition, with 12,314 students from 71 high schools and organizations participating. Hadassah Broughton, a sophomore from Stuart Country Day School in Princeton, won the New Jersey State Finals and placed 9th in the nation. New Jersey ranked in the top three for student and teacher participation, and in the top two for school participation.
Red Bank School District Programming: The Basie Center partners with the Red Bank Borough School District on a variety of arts education programs. Red Bank Primary School enrichment classes in creative arts and theatre reach every child from preschool through 3rd grade. Stormy Singers, a kindergarten choral program led by kindergarten teacher and Basie Center teaching artist George Platis, teaches bilingual songs to reflect the district’s diversity. Basie Center teaching artist John Sferra leads the year-round preschool Music & Movement program that teaches musical concepts through singing, dancing, and instrument play. Combined, these programs served over 900 students in the last 18 months.
Louis & Gia Maione Prima Music Camp: A collaboration with Red Bank nonprofit Jazz Arts Project, this free summer music camp is open to rising 4th-8th graders in Monmouth County. Named for the legendary Louis Prima and his wife Gia Maione, the camp is supported by their foundation, which encourages appreciation for American jazz, popular music and performance. In 2024, Foodtown provided meals twice a week for each of the 53 students who participated in this free camp.
mindALIGNED: The Basie Center’s mindALIGNED collective impact initiative continues to provide professional development in creative teaching strategies for educators interested in integrating the arts into their classrooms. From January 2024 to June 2025, the Count Basie Center hosted 16 trainings with eight schools and community organizations, impacting more than 2,500 students.
The Basie Awards: Modeled after Broadway’s Tony™ Awards, this annual program recognizes achievement and growth in Monmouth County high school theatre programs. Between 2024 and 2025, the Basie Awards nomination committee evaluated 100 high school productions, leading to nominations recognizing excellence in everything from acting and directing, to set and costume design. Each May, the program concludes with an awards ceremony at the Basie Center’s historic theatre. In 2024, New Jersey Lt. Governor Tahesha Way received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her steadfast support of New Jersey’s arts communities. In 2025, the Basie Awards celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on philanthropists and arts advocates, Fran and Paul Turner.
ALL ACCESS ARTS
All-Access Arts removes financial, geographic, ability, cultural, language and other barriers to arts participation. The program encompasses several free year-round opportunities for children and adults.
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company: New York’s Calpulli Mexican Dance Company is one of the Basie Center’s most vibrant partnership programs, offering classes exploring Mexican cultural traditions and folkloric dance for children, teens and adults. Conducted in both English and Spanish, hundreds of classes have been held at the Basie Center since 2016, with students going on to perform with the company at mainstage events and community holiday celebrations.
The Count Basie Center Gospel Choir is designed to develop a holistic and cultural ecology throughout the Basie Center community. Led by celebrated director Gwen Moten and assistant music director Dr. B. Dexter Allgood, the choir is a community initiative open to performers from New Jersey and the surrounding area. The choir of approximately 40 members performs several times a year at the Count Basie Center, as well as at other regional venues and events. In the last 18 months, the choir participated in eight such engagements.
Arc of Monmouth: Through this partnership, Basie Center teaching artist Christopher Tomaino infuses the arts into the lives of adults and families living with intellectual and developmental disabilities through creative theatre, drumming, and visual arts. Using multi-sensory means such as movement, rhythm, sound phrases and textures, students create their own work, increase communication, and develop social skills as a group. The program served 39 participants between January 2024 and June 2025.
ACTOS is a beginner acting class that supports multilingual and multicultural exchanges between students and teaching staff. Class participants, who are encouraged to perform in their preferred language, expand their acting skills, engage in playwriting, and build confidence on and off the stage. 21 students participated in ACTOS over the last 18 months.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County: The Basie Center’s robust partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County includes several arts education experiences held on its campus and in their spaces. The Basie Center offers these young people and their family members free tickets to student performances and other youth programming at their venues. Approximately 30 youth participants and families were served by this partnership from January 2024 to June 2025.
Life Skills and Multiple Disabilities Classes: Basie Center teaching artist Christopher Tomaino continued his work in area schools with life skills classes at Keansburg’s Joseph Bolger Middle School and the Multiple Disabilities program at Thorne Middle School in Middletown. Ranging from fifth to eighth graders, 72 students across these classes have special needs and / or socio-emotional issues that prevent them from learning in a traditional classroom environment. Students participate in Basie-led classes once a week for the entire school year.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Basie Center has continued to grow its community outreach efforts through initiatives steeped in cultural heritage, workforce training and professional development programs, and partnerships with local schools, churches and community groups. These community-driven efforts are borne from unmet needs voiced by our Red Bank neighbors, our region’s underserved populations, and other residents in the greater Jersey Shore region. The Basie Center strives to be a welcoming and inclusive space for all people, and here are just a few of the ways we are attaching action to our words:
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Count Basie Center hosts a community-wide, culturally authentic celebration of Mexican history, complete with storytelling, food, and music. Its Cinco de Mayo celebration has become a vibrant and empowering holiday event engaging local community leaders, artists, students and vendors. The 2024 event, ¡Tardeada de Cinco De Mayo! featured Red Bank DJ Magic One playing Latin hits, Freehold banda outfit Osmar Duque y Su Atractivo Sierreño, mariachi singer Palomo Rios, and more. In 2025, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company returned to The Vogel with their performance of Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo. The celebration also featured community performers from the Basie Center’s Calpulli Mexican Dance Company community classes, a performance by Mariachi Huitzilin, and traditional cuisine provided by community members. Combined, these two events served over 600 community members.
Yo creo que cada momento es empoderamiento al saber que el esfuerzo y dedicación que le ponen los niños se ve plasmado en las presentaciones que han tenido el apoyo de la gente que acude a verlos es lo más gratificante
I believe that every moment is empowering, knowing that the effort and dedication that the children put in is reflected in the performances they have given, which have been supported by the people who come to see them. That is the most rewarding thing.
- Parent Miriam Alvarado
Juneteenth
In observation of this historic day for Black and African American communities, the Count Basie Center partners with cultural organizations and nonprofits to present an annual Juneteenth celebration. Since 2021, the event has become the premier celebration of this holiday in the area, engaging community leaders from organizations such as T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, and featuring performances of African American music from local artists including the Count Basie Center Gospel Choir. Over 100 people across all cultures attend the Count Basie Center Juneteenth celebration each year to celebrate how far we have come together.
Count Basie Birthday Celebration
Every August, the Count Basie Center celebrates the birthday of its namesake, William James “Count” Basie. Traditionally held outdoors in the William James and Catherine Basie Arts Plaza, Basie’s birthday engages local musicians and community leaders to honor his legacy. The celebration occurs under the gleeful eye of a bronze statue of Count Basie himself, commissioned by sculptor Brian Hanlon and dedicated at Basie’s birthday in 2023.
Community Conversations
The Basie Center believes in using its platform to advance conversations on pressing community issues. The Community Conversations series invites artists, subject experts, and community members to engage in dialogue about what is happening in the world around us.
In March of 2024, the Basie Center presented “Book Banning and the Freedom of Expression” featuring NY Times Bestselling Author George Johnson. Moderated by Jonathan Friedman of PEN America, Johnson was joined by members of the local literary and educational community to discuss the surge in book banning and its consequences. In June of 2025, the Basie Center presented “On Mental Health and Wellness” with Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Michelle Williams. Supported by Bank of America, this conversation was moderated by the Basie Center’s own Natalie Hayes-Scott. Williams was joined by psychiatrist Dr. Ayo Gathing to discuss how to navigate mental health struggles. These two profound events engaged numerous Basie Center partner organizations and served nearly 300 community members.
Día de los Muertos
The Basie Center’s annual Día de Los Muertos celebration has grown into a vibrant community commemoration of families, ancestry, and Mexican-American heritage. In 2024, the Basie Center and 261 members of the local community gathered for this occasion, which opened with a performance from the Basie Center’s Calpulli Mexican Dance Company participants. A community-populated ofrenda stood in the grand lobby, while patrons engaged in activities like Katrina facepainting, creating paper marigolds, and making alebrijes (brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures). The event also featured a performance of Sugar Skull, a family-friendly show centered around learning the traditions of the holiday. Traditional Mexican food was prepared by community members to share with participants, and the evening concluded with a performance by Mariachi Huitzilin.
The Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest fosters a creative community for emerging filmmakers across New Jersey. Festival weekend is jam-packed with screenings of the official film selections, plus networking events, panel discussions, and workshops featuring high-profile industry partners such as Sony Pictures Classics and Netflix. In 2024, the Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest served 46 emerging filmmakers and their creative teams and welcomed nearly 200 attendees on festival weekend. In 2025, the festival’s 10th anniversary, 58 filmmakers and 204 audience members participated. In addition to festival weekend, the Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest engages young artists year-round, continuing the festival’s momentum to help artists collaborate, build skills and make connections to film industry professionals.
In October of 2024, OceanFirst Bank sponsored the Basie Center’s inaugural New Jersey Hispanic Film Festival. Held at Basie Center Cinemas during Hispanic Heritage Month, the weekend-long fest attracted filmmakers, community members and organizations to showcase the richness and diversity of Hispanic experiences in film. The festival featured more than 15 selections, including two entries from the Basie Center’s own Breakthrough Film Fest. With engaged partners like the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the Undocumented Filmmakers Collective, festival weekend included talkbacks and cultural workshops, programming for families, and thought-provoking panel discussions on topics that overwhelmingly affect Hispanic and Latinx communities.
In 2024, Count Basie Center community theatre company Phoenix Productions celebrated 35 years of producing high-quality theatrical productions, commemorated by a special concert performance of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Count Basie Center winter gala. From January 2024 to June 2025, Phoenix shows attracted more than 25,000 patrons, featuring ten, full-length Broadway productions: Ragtime, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Prom, West Side Story, Rent, Bat Boy: The Musical, The Color Purple, Mary Poppins, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Kinky Boots. These productions cast 300+ community actors and utilized the talents of 135 area musicians in the company’s famed live orchestras. Over 10,000 volunteer hours were expended to learn and perform the show, build, paint, and transport the sets, fashion costumes, and create various props. Through the leadership of Managing Artistic Director James Grausam, Phoenix’s mission to put diversity and inclusivity at the forefront of its casting process has raised the bar in attracting new talent and participants. Phoenix Productions’ 36th season reached new heights of diversity onstage and in the orchestra, with more than 35% of cast members and orchestra musicians identifying as coming from a diverse background.
Workforce Development Program
In collaboration with Two River Theater, the Basie Center launched its Workforce Development Program in 2024, an initiative that serves to foster economic empowerment and cultivate professional growth. The inaugural year, sponsored by OceanFirst Bank, attracted a cohort of six bilingual English/Spanish speakers, equipping them with the tools and expertise necessary for success in various, theater-specific responsibilities within the Basie Center and Two River venues. Participants received workforce training in “front of house” positions such as usher and ticketing, attended financial literacy and CPR workshops, and received tours of both facilities. Many participants are now ushers at both organizations.
Internship & Apprenticeship Program
Sponsored by a grant from Citizens Bank, the Basie Center Internship & Apprenticeship program is designed to foster the next generation of artistic and nonprofit professionals through career development and experiential learning. This program, open to high school and college students and recent college graduates, provides participants with the experience necessary to actualize their personal and professional goals. Between January of 2024 and June of 2025, the Basie Center employed 64 interns and apprentices across its Education, Development, backstage/technical departments and community theatre company, Phoenix Productions.
Count Basie Center 2024 Golf Outing
The highly successful 2024 Golf Outing held at Suneagles Golf Club honored longtime Basie Center board member, generous patron and incredible friend, Mario Monello. Co-chaired by fellow board members Steven Kaiman and Peter Roselle, along with honorary Co-chair Warren Diamond, the day was filled with great food, slightly windy yet beautiful weather and – of course - wonderful friends. Proceeds from the outing, which supported the Basie’s Arts Education programming, created the availability of a new Arts Impact Scholarship in perpetuity.
A LOOK AHEAD
Ahead of its 100th birthday on November 11, 2026, the Basie Center will commemorate a century of arts impact with a 16-month centennial celebration rich in community events, educational initiatives, and neighborhood partnerships. Here is a sneak peek of just some of what’s to come...
The Count Basie Center will install a Walk Of Fame on Monmouth Street in Red Bank, honoring area artists whose performances on the historic Basie Center stage gave way to worldwide fame and recognition. The induction of the Walk’s first artists – William James “Count” Basie and a surprise performer to be revealed later this summer – will take place September 25.
In collaboration with Monmouth County Tourism, the Basie Center will present ParkStage, a large-scale, open-air performance venue set to debut in Summer 2026 at the East Freehold Park Fairgrounds. As part of Monmouth County’s larger effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, ParkStage will be a marquee destination for live entertainment in New Jersey, drawing thousands of attendees to a variety of shows including music, comedy and more.
The Century Club is an opportunity for donors and members of the public to invest in the Basie Center over the next decade to help propel the organization into its next decades of service. This assembly of 100 individuals that will pledge $1,000 a year for ten years will be recognized throughout the centennial Celebration including:
• Invitations to special events
• Invitation to and VIP Seating at the 2026 Count Basie Birthday Celebration and concert featuring the Count Basie Orchestra
• VIP Seating at Walk of Fame unveils
• Recognition on the exclusive Century Club plaque that will hang prominently within the corridors of the historic theater
• Invitation to special Membership events ... and more!
Thank you to our Forever For Everyone Endowment Campaign Donors
Danette and Stuart Alderoty
American Endowment Foundation
Mary and Mitchell Ansell
Alison Banks-Moore
Robert and Maureen Barbieri
Paul and Joan Bartoli
Sarah and Colin Bradley
Karl and Barbara Brand
Heather Burke and Colin Day
Steve and Cathy Cottrell
Craig Cummings and BCS
Private Wealth Management
Brian Cutler
Stephen Cutler
Steven and Lisa Denholtz
Warren and Faith Diamond
Serena and Gerald DiMaso
Paul DiNitto
Brian Forgette
Karen Franklin
Alice Cahiull and Stephen Gens
Samantha Giustiniani and Brian O’Keefe
John Green
Ansell, Grimm & Aaron
Bank of America
Bella Kitchen NJ
Bistro Restaurant
Circle Subaru
Coca-Cola
Fedway Associates
The Green Marble Fund
Gerald Grispart
Jeremy Grunin and Sabrina Perri
Grunin Foundation
Hackensack Meridian Health
Mary Ellen Harris
Timothy and Eileen Hogan
Lysa Israel & Tom Wilson
John Jackson
Jason and Maria Jurgens
MaryAnne Kanacki
Nancy Karpf
Ann Marie J. Keenan
Robin and John Klein
Marshall Knopf and Janice
Harrington-Knopf
The Kyrillos Family
Allison and Steven Landers
Mary Ann Larkin
Kathryn and Jason Lissy
Lisa and Rick Loshiavo
Luby Family Charitable Fund
Gregory Lyden and Cathy Tormey
Maria and Chris Maher
Ken Malagiere
William and Vikki Marraccini
Margrit McCrane
Valerie and Frank Montecalvo
Magda and James Muka
JAM Anonymous
Sean O’Connell
Eileen O’Hern Luby
Steve Page
Michael Parent
Jonathan Petro & Ken Malagier
Alma & Adam and The Philipson Family
Michelle Piazza
Suzanne and Peter Pleskorey
Le Poisson Rouge
Jack Privetera/Annabelle Foundation
Annamaria and Thomas V. Reilly
Maggie Riker
Mark and Denise Rohl
Anita and Joseph Roselle
Eileen Ryan
Izzy Sackowitz and Lauren Vincelli
Philip and Silvia Scaduto
Alison and Jonathan Schultz
Jaime and Steven Schultz
Jennifer and Patrick Scire
Yvonne Scudiery
Cathy and Tom Sivo
Rosemarie Sorce
Richard Spengler and Karen Cangialosi
David Springsteen
Carol Stillwell, Stillwell-Hansen, Inc. Ticketmaster
Frances and Paul Turner
Sheldon Vogel
Joe and Nicole Wajda
Justin Waldman and Tara Traeder
Tom and Janet Widener
Kaye and Edward Wise
Kelly Zaccaro
Thank You To Our Donors And Sponsors
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Food Circus Supermarkets Inc
Gallo Wines of NJ
Grunin Foundation
Gia Maione Prima Foundation
Melting Pot of Red Bank
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners
CORPORATE EXPERIENCE
Bank of America
D&M Enterprise Group
Gannett Fleming Inc.
Law Offices of Paone, Zaleski & Murphy
Nissan City of Red Bank
Paul & Joan Bartoli
Heather Burke and Colin Day
Eileen Carton
Dominick and Marlene Cipollini
Craig Cummings
Jonathan D’Agostino
Frank & Tricia D’Orazio
Joanne & James Formisano
Nancy & Tom Gravina
OceanFirst Bank
Pazzo Restaurant
Peapack Private Wealth Management
Ranney School
Red Bank River Center
Stillwell-Hansen Inc.
Shore Point
Distributing Company
Suburban Disposal
Triumph Brewing Company
Urban Coalhouse
Pizza + Bar
William Grant & Sons
GOLD EXPERIENCE
Lenny August and Ciro Laezza
Cheryl and Timothy Cuddihy
Robert Evanson and Cynthia Bajorek
Mary Ellen Harris
MaryAnne Kanacki
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
Richard Habib
Donald Hearn
Jason and Maria Jurgens
John Ketterer
Carmela and Anthony Lauto
Edward McKenna
Paul and Robin Nowicki
Thomas and Debra O’Brien
Sean O’Connell
James O’Mealia
Thomas and Karen Pizzo
Maria and Andy Polansky
Maggie Riker
David Roslonski
Thomas and Alex Skove
Heather and Greg Slavin
Sarah Snell
Sheldon Vogel
Jennifer Whaley
Kaye and Edward Wise
Gregory Lyden and Cathy Tormey
David Rivera
Cathy Sivo
Laura Sperber
Gill & Chamas
Chris Young
Circle Subaru
Columbian Towers Development Company
HFA
Molly Pitcher Inn
- Oyster Point Hotels
PNC Private Bank
RBC Wealth Management