By Alex Biese
FREEHOLD – As the Count Basie Center for the Arts marks a century of cultural influence, the storied organization is stepping outside its historic Red Bank walls to launch a massive new chapter in Monmouth County’s entertainment history.
This June, the East Freehold Park Showgrounds will transform into ParkStage, a large-scale, open-air performance venue born from a collaboration between the nonprofit Basie Center and Monmouth County Tourism. The inaugural 2026 season arrives at a pivotal moment, coinciding with both the Basie Center’s centennial and the local commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
For Adam Philipson, president and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, the launch of ParkStage is the ultimate realization of the organization’s growth from a single local theater into a regional powerhouse.
“As we celebrate our centennial, ParkStage reflects how far the Basie Center has come over the past 100 years and where we believe the future of arts and entertainment is headed,” Philipson told The Two River Times. “By partnering with Monmouth County in this way, we are creating new opportunities for live music, shared experiences, tourism and community connection on a much larger scale.”
The venue’s debut season aims to strike a delicate balance between drawing major national touring acts and honoring the Garden State’s deep musical roots. The initial lineup features heavy hitters like ska-punk band Sublime and singer-songwriter Jason Isbell sharing the schedule with New Jersey natives such as Little Steven Van Zandt and The B-52s. Philipson noted the curation was intentional in its nod to local identity.
“Bringing in nationally recognized artists is important because it establishes ParkStage as a premier destination for live entertainment, but it is equally important that the lineup reflects the spirit, energy and musical legacy of New Jersey,” he said. Philipson described the area as having an “incredibly deep cultural identity” spanning rock, soul, jazz, hip-hop and folk. “Our goal was to create a series that feels connected to the audiences who live here and the generations of artists who helped shape the iconic Jersey music scene.”
Beyond the music, Monmouth County officials view ParkStage as a major economic driver for the Freehold corridor and beyond. Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone expects that the influx of thousands of concertgoers will have a significant ripple effect on local businesses.
“ParkStage will offer an accessible, high-quality summer concert experience that enhances the county’s entertainment offerings while providing an economic boost to surrounding businesses,” Arnone said. He noted that the venue’s location encourages visitors to explore the dining, shopping and hospitality options in the surrounding communities. “While the county is widely known for its beaches and summer tourism, ParkStage highlights the diverse attractions, downtowns and cultural experiences that make Monmouth County a destination year-round.”
Handling the logistical challenges of a major outdoor venue is a top priority for county planners. Situated near major arteries like Route 9 and Route 33, ParkStage has been the subject of intensive traffic and safety planning.
“Monmouth County has worked closely with a planning committee that includes local, county and federal law enforcement partners to develop a comprehensive traffic and public safety plan for ParkStage,” Arnone said, adding that law enforcement personnel will be present at every show to manage traffic flow and address safety concerns.
The long-term status of the venue remains an open question. While officials are currently focused on the success of this milestone summer, they are positioning ParkStage as a unique addition to the regional landscape that does not compete with the Basie Center’s indoor facilities in Red Bank.
“ParkStage is not intended to replace or compete with performances at our Red Bank campus. The Basie Center’s indoor venues remain the heart of our organization and programming,” Philipson said. Instead, he views the Freehold venue as a way to reach an expanding area that currently lacks diverse entertainment options.
As the first notes prepare to ring out across the showgrounds, the vision remains centered on community.
“The Basie Center has always been about programming that offers something for everyone,” Philipson said, “and ParkStage gives us a new way to do that in an exciting outdoor setting during a milestone moment in our history.”
The article originally appeared in the May 28 – June 3, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
