Rutgers IJS NJPAC & Gregory Burrus Present: James Moody Scholars Jam 2025

Celebrate Jazz Legacy & Rising Talent at the 4th Annual James Moody Scholars Jam in a Jam

Presented by the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies and Gregory Burrus Productions, this powerful evening honors Newark’s legendary saxophonist James Moody by spotlighting the next generation of jazz innovators—recipients of the prestigious James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey, a $10,000 award recognizing exceptional high school seniors for their musicianship, creativity, leadership, and community impact.

Held at the soulful Clement’s Place, the Jam features performances by Rutgers jazz students, Moody Scholars, and surprise guests from Newark’s vibrant music scene. It’s a joyful convergence of legacy, learning, and live improvisation.

On Stage: James Moody Jazz Scholarship Winners:

• 2015: Birsa Chatterjee – Tenor Saxophone
• 2016: Iyonna Herbert – Drums
• 2017: Andrew Wagner – Trumpet
• 2018: Caelan Cardello – Piano
• 2019: Jalin Shiver – Alto Saxophone
• 2020: Rayner Perez – Trombone
• 2021: Paul Reinhold – Electric & Acoustic Bass
• 2022: Ryoma Takenaga – Bass
• 2023: Mecadon McCune – Drums
• 2024: Alex Kavlakian – Drums
• 2025: James Pakhomou – Piano

Past James Moody Scholars Jam in a Jam Events:

• 2021 Inaugural James Moody Scholars Jam at the Historic Blanchard Mansion, South Orange
• 2022: Nov 21 IJS James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration at Clements Place
• 2024: Nov 6 - James Moody Scholars Jam in a Jam for ​the NJPAC Jazz Crawl
• 202​5: Feb 6 James Moody Scholars Showcase at Bradley Beach Jazz Festival
• 2025: ​Nov 23 James Moody Scholars Jam in a Jam for ​the NJPAC Jazz Crawl