Rutherfurd Hall Jazz Series Returns, Kicks Off March 22

The exciting sounds of jazz in its many forms returns to historic Rutherfurd Hall in Allamuchy as the Rutherfurd Hall Foundation presents ins 2026 Jazz Series, kicking off March 22 and running through November.

Tickets are on sale now for the seven shows, with special full season package pricing available. For tickets and information, visit rutherfurdhall.org/calendar online.

Featured this year are:
• Harry Allen Quartet, March 22
• Giacomo Gates Trio, April 26
• Jerry Weldon Quintet, May 31
• Rio Clemente Quartet, June 28
• Cubano Be Cubano Bop, September 27
• Eric Comstock Trio, October 25
• NY/NJ All-Star 18-Piece Big Band Plays the Music of Count Basie, November 22, 2026

All shows are held Sunday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. and seating is limited. The advance purchase price available through the first show on March 22, 2026, and the Full Season Package represents a savings of more than 10 percent compared with purchasing individual tickets separately, while guaranteeing seating for every performance in the 2026 Jazz Series.

A National and New Jersey State Historic Landmark, Rutherfurd Hall was designed by famed architect Whitney Warren as a 18,000-square-foot Tudor style country home for Winthrop Rutherfurd (1862-1944) and his new bride, Alice Morton (1879-1917). Warren also designed Grand Central Station in New York City as Warren and Wetmore Architects. Frederick Law Olmsted & Sons designed the landscape plan and the plantings for the site.

It is an elegant and interesting venue to see and hear jazz. For those who have attended they find the sound is excellent and the ability to meet and converse with the performers a plus making attending these concerts special.

The Rutherfurd Hall Jazz Series is produced by Coyne Enterprises, Inc. in cooperation with WRNJ Radio. Series sponsors are Otterstedt Insurnace Agency and Edward Jones financial advisors.

Rutherfurd Hall is located just off Exit 19 of I-80 at 1685 County Road 517, Allamuchy, NJ. Tickets are $37.50 for each show and are available online at rutherfurdhall.org/calendar or by calling the Box Office at 908-852-1894, ext. 334 (Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) Tickets may also be purchased in person at Jack’s Scissor Wiz, 170 Main St., Hackettstown, NJ, and Mama’s Café Baci, 260 Mountain Ave., Hackettstown, NJ.

A Closer Look at the Series Schedule

The Harry Allen Quartet: Sunday, March 22, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

“Harry Allen’s playing is nothing less than perfect.” – John Pizzarelli

Harry Allen is one of the finest saxophone players in the tri-state area. He has played with Rosemary Clooney, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Tony Bennett, Bucky Pizzarelli among many others in the jazz world. The concert features Leonieke Scheuble on organ and piano, Nick Scheuble on percussion, Ilan Eisenzweig on guitar, and featuring up-and-coming vocalist, Kyra Cioffi.

The Giacomo Gates Trio: Sunday, April 26, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

“Jazz vocalist and terminal hipster Giacomo Gates just keeps getting better and better.” – Joe Lang, New Jersey Jazz Society

Giacomo’s sheer joy, exuberance, wit and unlimited creativity make him one of jazz’s most compelling artists. Known for interacting with his audiences through witty patter and informative introductions, every performance becomes a lesson in jazz history. Featuring Tomoko Ohno on piano and Evan Gregor on bass.

The Jerry Weldon Quintet: Sunday, May 31, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Lead Tenor Saxophone with Harry Connick Jr.’s band, internationally-renowned veteran sax man Jerry Weldon has been a player on the jazz scene for many years. With a dozen-plus CDs as a leader and more sideman sides than even he can count, this native New Yorker’s performance/recording résumé reflects his venerable tenor tenure and reads like a virtual Who's Who of Jazz. The quintet includes piano, bass and percussion.\

The Rio Clemente Quartet: Sunday, June 28, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Rio Clemente is a graduate of Julliard and a master pianist who mixes a strong classical background with a rich knowledge of jazz history, adding an amazing sense of creativity and interpretation. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Newport Jazz Festival as well as the White House and the United Nations. He has become a favorite of jazz audiences for more than 40 years. The quartet will feature percussion, bass and guitar.

Cubano Be Cubano Bop: Sunday, September 27, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Back by popular demand, this seven-piece Latin Jazz group includes two original members from the great Tito Puente orchestra. This is a great rhythmic group that is so much fun, you’ll want to get up and dance. Don’t miss it!

The Eric Comstock Trio: Sunday, October 25, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Acclaimed New York-based pianist/singer Eric Comstock makes his Rutherfurd Hall debut with an afternoon of the cream of the American Songbook: Porter, Rodgers, Ellington, Strayhorn, Van Heusen, plus rare gems you'll hear nowhere else. Joining him are first-call jazz stars Boots Maleson (Ron Carter Nonet) and Vito Lesczak (Jon Hendricks, Andy Bey). A perfect, swingin' Sunday afternoon.

NY/NJ All Star 18-Piece Big Band Plays the Music of Count Basie: Sunday, November 22, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Swing is Back Bigger than Ever! Hear some of the best Count Basie arrangements by this wonderful big band. If you have never seen a big band live, you will want to be part of this great afternoon of jazz. You won’t be able to stop tapping your toes.