Bill Charlap Solo Jazz Piano Concert in Summit, NJ

Just one piano, one player, and a room built for sound. On Sunday afternoon, October 4, jazz pianist Bill Charlap takes the stage alone at Beacon in Summit for a solo concert presented by Afternoon Music.

Charlap is a Grammy winning pianist who has performed with Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, Phil Woods, Gerry Mulligan, Freddy Cole, and Houston Person. From 2004 through 2023, he served as artistic director of New York City's Jazz in July Festival at 92NY. He now directs Jazz Studies at William Paterson University in Wayne. Union County Life readers who love jazz can hear him close to home in one of Summit's favorite concert rooms.

Afternoon Music is a nonprofit connected to Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit. It has offered affordable classical and jazz concerts in the Summit area for more than 40 years.

The concert starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in the Sanctuary of Beacon, 4 Waldron Ave., Summit. Premium seats in the center of the main floor and front of the balcony are $40. General admission seats are $30, and limited visibility seats in the second row of the balcony sides are $30. Students get in free. Seating is not assigned, and tickets cost $5 more at the door.

For an hour and a half, neighbors can sit back and hear a master at work in an intimate setting. Find more Summit events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: SMOKE Jazz Club

FAQ:

Q: How much are tickets for Bill Charlap in Summit?
A: Tickets for the October 4 Bill Charlap concert are $40 for premium seats and $30 for general admission or limited visibility seats. Students get in free, and all tickets cost $5 more at the door.

Q: Where is the Bill Charlap concert in Summit, and is there parking?
A: The concert is in the Sanctuary of Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 4 Waldron Ave., Summit. Parking details were not listed.

Q: Do I need to buy tickets ahead of time?
A: Tickets are sold in advance on Eventbrite and at the door, but door tickets cost $5 more. Seating is not assigned.

Q: What time does the Bill Charlap concert start, and how long is it?
A: The Afternoon Music concert starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, and is listed as running until 4:30 p.m. in Summit.

Q: Where can I find more concerts in Summit?
A: Union County Life covers Summit events, arts, and community news, including the Afternoon Music series. Visit unioncountylife.com for more local happenings.