Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies Launches “Gregory Burrus Community Jams” Series at Clements Place

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newark, NJ — September 17, 2025

Gregory Burrus Community Jams - Bridging Newark’s Jazz Legacy with Northern NJ’s Vibrant Jam Scene
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The Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies at Clements Place, in collaboration with Gregory Burrus Productions, proudly announces the launch of the Gregory Burrus Community Jams—a dynamic new series that invites Northern New Jersey’s most beloved jam session leaders to bring their signature sound into the heart of Newark.

This groundbreaking initiative celebrates the deep-rooted jazz culture of the region by spotlighting the community venues and artists who keep the music alive night after night. By hosting these jam leaders at Clements Place, Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies creates a powerful connection between its historic jazz archive and the living, breathing artistry of local musicians.

“Jam sessions are where jazz lives and evolves,” says Gregory Burrus, community curator and series founder. “By welcoming the leaders of these sessions into Clements Place, we’re not just sharing music—we’re building bridges between Rutgers and the communities that nurture jazz every day.”

Each event in the series features a different jam leader and their ensemble, offering audiences a taste of the unique vibe cultivated at venues like Moore’s Lounge, The Brvsh CUL7VR3, and others across Northern NJ. From soulful saxophone duels to swinging holiday jams, the lineup promises an eclectic mix of styles and stories—all rooted in the improvisational spirit of jazz.

Upcoming Highlights Include:

• Winard Harper of Moore’s Lounge Players – Sep 24, 2025
• Mike Lee & Friends of Brvsh Cul7ur3 – Oct 30, 2025
• Noel Sagerman of Brightside Tavern - Nov 13, 2025
• Clarence Conover of Linden Lodge 913 – Dec 11, 2025
• Jacqueline Harmon Johnson’s of Leone’s Sidewalk Swing’ – Jan 28, 2026

All performances take place at Clements Place, located at 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ. Admission is free and open to the public.

This series not only amplifies the visibility of local jam venues—it also reaffirms Rutgers’ commitment to honoring jazz as a living tradition. Through these collaborations, the Institute of Jazz Studies continues to evolve from a world-renowned archive into a vibrant cultural hub.

For more information, visit Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies or follow @GregoryBurrusProductions on social media.