FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ivy Charmatz
icharmatz@mercuryllc.com
(908)
451-4975
Count Basie Center for the Arts and Monmouth County Tourism
Announce Plans for ParkStage
The outdoor entertainment venue launches Summer 2026
FREEHOLD, NJ — The Count Basie Center for the Arts, in collaboration with
Monmouth County Tourism, proudly announces ParkStage, a large-scale,
open-air performance venue set to debut in Summer 2026 at the East
Freehold Park Fairgrounds.
“ParkStage is a meaningful part of our
centennial celebration - a time to honor where we’ve been and look ahead to
what’s possible,”” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO of the Count Basie
Center for the Arts. “It reflects our belief in the power of the arts to
bring people together, support the local economy, and create moments of joy for
everyone in our community.”
As part of Monmouth County’s larger effort to
commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, as well as the Count
Basie Center’s centennial, ParkStage will become a marquee destination for live
entertainment in New Jersey, drawing thousands of attendees to a variety of
shows including music, comedy and more.
“We are so excited to announce the ParkStage
concert series, which is part of our celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
We will have a variety of shows with different artists from across the country
who will be right here at the Showgrounds to help us celebrate,” said Commissioner
Director Thomas A. Arnone. “We are incredibly thankful for our partners in
the Basie Center and all of our local officials. This is going to be an
unforgettable experience! Stay tuned to Monmouth County Tourism for future
announcements.”
“As we mark 100 years of the Basie Center,
ParkStage represents our continuing investment in this community,” said Jeremy
Grunin, Chair of the Count Basie Center Board of Trustees. “This venue will
provide new opportunities for performers, attract visitors to our region, and
create shared experiences that strengthen the cultural and economic fabric of
Monmouth County and beyond.”
Centrally located in one of New Jersey’s
fastest-growing population corridors - with more than 2.3 million people
living within a 25-mile radius - ParkStage offers easy access via all major
roadways and a scenic setting that blends rural charm with modern convenience,
free on-site parking and luxury VIP accommodations.
“America's 250th birthday is coming in 2026, and
we have been working hard in Monmouth County for over two years to craft a
fitting celebration of the birth of the greatest nation on Earth! A
major focus for the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee was to bring all of Monmouth's
stakeholders together - the towns, the arts, organizations, schools, businesses
and tourism - to make really special things happen,” said Monmouth County
Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon. “I am thrilled that the ParkStage Summer
Concert Series will be one of the signature activities in Monmouth for
America's birthday celebration as well as 100th anniversary of the Basie.”
“This summer concert series is about more than
great music – it is a way to bring people to our town, support local businesses
and celebrate the spirit of our community,” said Freehold Township Mayor
Marureen Fasano. Each performance helps drive foot traffic, energize our
local economy and showcase everything our town has to offer.
“From the days of the Burlington Path to the
present, all roads lead to Freehold where there is always something going on,”
said Freehold Borough Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer. “A program such as
the one unveiled today will individually and collectively benefit The
Count Basie Arts Center, Monmouth County and Freehold.”
Programming will feature national and
international headliners across music, comedy, and more, with full schedules to
be announced in 2025.
For more information, visit www.parkstage.org.
Sizzle reel and renderings can be found here.
A recorded livestream of the announcement can be found on
Monmouth County’s Facebook page
or downloaded here.
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