NEW GALLERY, NEW EXHIBIT OPENS IN LIVINGSTON FEB. 1st

CARNEVALLE

WHEN: The new exhibit will open on February 1, 2019 and be on display through March 17, 2019 with an Opening Reception on Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 11am - 4 pm. Gallery hours Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm and by appointment on the weekends. 
WHERE: 106 Naylon Avenue in Livingston

After both a successful opening and special exhibition for World AIDS Day, La Vie Galerie LLC , a new fine art gallery in Livingston, New Jersey, is honored to announce the opening of a new exhibit in honor of Carnevale.    

Carnevale features the photography skills of award-winning photographer Lester Blum in Gallery A. The other galleries will explode with powerful, dynamic artwork executed by 24 skilled artists most of who are from Essex County, New Jersey and the surrounding area.

Curated by Vladimir Rios, entrepreneur, artist and owner of La Vie Galerie LLC, the work presented includes paintings, pastels, photography, digital painting, silverpoint, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry. The styles, media, and background of the artists are varied and diverse offering the viewer a visual experience with artistic diversity.

Artists and/or their work will be rotated approximately every six weeks to offer the viewer a different experience on each gallery visit. Periodically throughout the year, special exhibits pertaining to social issues will be presented such as the I Still Remember exhibit on World AIDS Day. The focus of these exhibits will be to educate the viewer through visual arts.

La Vie Galerie LLC is a multi-room gallery which exhibits emerging, mid-career, and established artists creating contemporary paintings, fine art photography, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry. The gallery is all inclusive – not restricting the artists because of background or credentials.  The mission of the La Vie Galerie LLC is to provide its artists greater exposure to a new market.

Photos, videos and additional information can be found on the La Vie Galerie LLC Facebook page. Kindly LIKE the page.

This exhibit is sponsored by FCC Products, Inc. located in Livingston, New Jersey.

Exuberant New "Nina Simone Musical" to Premiere January 29 in New Brunswick

Little Girl Blue—The Nina Simone Musical
written & performed by Laiona Michelle
Music by Nina Simone
directed by Devanand Janki

WHEN: January 29 — February 24, 2019 WHERE: George Street Playhouse, 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick TICKETS: begin as low as $25 and are already in high-demand. Audiences are encouraged to buy now to secure their seats. Multi-play subscription packages, offering the very best seats at the best prices, are also still available. FIND GREAT SEATS STARTING AT $25 To purchase a subscription, find tickets, or for more information, visit the George Street Playhouse website at www.GeorgeStreetPlayhouse.org, or call the box office at 732-246-7717.

BUY TICKETS

The world premiere of Little Girl Blue—The Nina Simone Musical, a powerful new show exploring the life of American icon Nina Simone, as told through her own words and groundbreaking music—will kick off 2019 at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, NJ.

Written by Laiona Michelle (Broadway’s Amazing Grace), also starring as Nina Simone in a passionate breakout role, this exuberant premiere musical reveals a life in-between the black and white keys, a journey from classical piano child prodigy to the High Priestess of Soul, told through the beloved songs of Nina Simone.

“Arriving on the advent of Nina Simone’s 2018 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, this extraordinary musical could not be coming at a more appropriate time,” George Street Playhouse’s Artistic Director David Saint said.

Writer and star Laiona Michelle previously appeared at George Street in the theatre’s 2017 production of American Hero, opening to critical acclaim and delivering what The Star-Ledger called an “electric performance” that “simmers and crackles as a live wire.”

“In this piece, Laiona is unbelievable. She truly becomes Nina Simone,” Saint continued. “This past summer, she sang a single song at a preview here on our theatre’s pavillion, and the crowd went wild.”

In November 2018, Michelle also sang select pieces from the show at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in a special preview performance.

“Nina Simone has always been a kindred spirit to me,” Michelle said. “This is a gut-wrenching, hypnotic concert in two acts. We go on a rollercoaster ride together with her, just wanting to be loved and accepted for who she was as a woman and that fight that continued to the day she died.”

Taking place between 1968 and 1976, with flashbacks to Simone’s formative years as a child and young adult, Little Girl Blue—The Nina Simone Musical  explores Simone’s experiences and involvement throughout the American Civil Rights Movement while also examining the personal trials, tribulations, and relationships that further inspired her repertoire of hit songs.

“I feel like introducing this show at George Street Playhouse is the perfect marriage for me,” Laiona Michelle added. “I’m so glad to be able to debut Little Girl Blue here.”

WATCH A PREVIEW FEATURING SELECTIONS FROM LITTLE GIRL BLUE

About George Street Playhouse

Originally located in an abandoned supermarket on the corner of George and Albany Streets, George Street Playhouse was the first professional theatre in New Brunswick and played a major role in the revitalization of the downtown area.  In 1984, the Playhouse moved to a renovated YMCA on Livingston Avenue, and in 2017 took temporary residence in the former Agricultural Museum during construction of its new home.

Beginning with the 2019-20 Season, George Street Playhouse will move to the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in downtown New Brunswick.  Featuring two state-of-the-art theatres and myriad amenities, the NBPAC will mark a new era in the esteemed history of George Street Playhouse.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director David Saint since 1998, and Kelly Ryman, Managing Director since 2013, the Playhouse produces groundbreaking new works, inspiring productions of the classics, and hit Broadway plays and musicals that speak to the heart and mind, with an unwavering commitment to producing new work.  As New Brunswick’s first producing theatre, George Street Playhouse became the cornerstone of the City’s arts and cultural landscape. With its 45-year history of producing nationally renowned theatre, the Playhouse continues to fill a unique theatre and arts education role in the city, state and greater metropolitan region.

Early Bird Gets the Aisle @ AXELROD PAC in Deal Park

Returning to the Axelrod on Saturday, February 17, The Capitol Steps is back and they’re bringing the Washington DC circus with them! America’s most hilarious troupe of political comedians are touring with their new show MAKE AMERICA GRIN AGAIN, and it’s exactly what we need to help us sort out the twists and tweets, firings and misfirings and other death-defying circus acts of our elected officials. There’s never been a better time to catch The Capitol Steps than in this glorious Era of Trump.

By popular demand, The Doo Wop Project returns in June this year! Five handsome guys from the Broadway stage singing popular tunes from the ‘50s to the present. This is the Axelrod’s most popular show and it always sells out fast. Get your two on the aisle today!

The hit ABBA musical Mamma Mia! makes its Jersey Shore debut in a brand new production created by Barry Ivan, whose work has been hailed at the country’s most prestigious regional houses, including Pittsburgh CLO and North Shore Music Theater. Don’t miss this exceptional cast parading through favorite tunes like “Dancing Queen,” “SOS” and “The Winner Takes It All".

WHERE: Axelrod PAC, 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park
BUY TICKETS
www.axelrodartscenter.com

Become a Patron

***Donations to the Axelrod PAC, a 501(c)3 organization, are tax-deductible.***

The Axelrod Performing Art Center is dedicated to offering our Members and Audiences the very best of Broadway and beyond...and what better time to donate and become a member than now? See Membership Opportunities!

JERSEY JAZZ ENGAGEMENTS!

Dr. Dubious and the Agnostics
www.doctordubious.com

WHEN: Friday, January 18, 2019, 7-9 PM
WHERE: The Jazzberry Patch at Classic Quiche Café, 330 Queen Anne Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666.
ADMISSION: $12 admission, full dinner menu and BYOB. Reservations suggested to insure seating. Call 201-692-0150

Hot jazz of the ‘20’s and ‘30’s. 5 piece band.

Bob DeVos Duo 

WHEN: January 21 & 27, 12:00 noon-3:00pm
WHERE: Marcus B&P, 56 Halsey Street, Newark NJ  
ADMISSION: No Music Charge 973.645.0004
www.marcusbp.com

Bob DeVos-guitar, Brian Glassman-bass, Dave Braham-piano

Reservations highly recommended. And, the listening from either the bar or from tables is great—jazz and Great American Songbook selections.
www.bobdevosjazzguitar.com

WHEN: Jan 23,  12:30 pm 
WHERE: Wayne Public Library, 461 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ
ADMISSION: free

Ellen LaFurn, vocals, Vic Cenicola, guitar and Ron Naspo, bass

Entertaining program on the American Songbook.

Jam Session @ 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro 

Carrie Jackson & Friends

WHEN: Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 8pm-11pm
WHERE: 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Restaurant, 16 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ
ADMISSION: No Music Cover. Food or Drink Purchase is required

Jam Session Open Mic 2nd Set

Radam Schwartz, organ
Charlie Sigler, guitar
Les Mc Kee, drms

www.16prospect.com
908-232-7320

On Pointe: Behind the Score of “Beauty and the Beast”

Behind the Score of Beauty and the Beast 

WHEN: Friday, January 18 | 5:15 PM
WHERE: Princeton Ballet School Princeton Studio, 301 N. Harrison Street, Princeton

Please join us for a preview and discussion of Tchaikovsky’s rich and distinct melodies, which provide the backdrop for Kirk Peterson’s upcoming world premiere of Beauty and the Beast.

*Everyone who enters will receive an email with a special discounted ticket offer.

Full On Pointe Schedule!

American Repertory Ballet (ARB) is reinventing the community’s inside access to the dance world through a FREE monthly enrichment series entitled On Pointe. Held at Princeton Ballet School’s studios in Princeton, and other locations, ARB brings guest speakers, lecture demonstrations, company performance previews, and panel discussions to seasoned dance enthusiasts and new students alike.

ARB launched On Pointe in October 2010 as part of the organization’s larger strategy to make ballet more accessible to the community. On Pointe allows the community to interact with the acclaimed artists and collaborators involved with ARB in an intimate setting. Through On Pointe, company blogs, online resources, and other Access & Enrichment initiatives, ARB aims to build dance enthusiasts and nurture appreciation for the art form as a whole.

RVCC to Feature Artwork by Students in Independent Study, Interior Architecture and Design Programs

I.S. + I.A.D.

WHEN: January 22-February 8.* An artists’ talk will be held Friday, January 25, from 5-6 p.m., in the Art Gallery, followed by a reception from 6-7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
WHERE: RVCC Art Gallery, 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ.
ADMISSION: free of charge and open to the public
For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu. or contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department, 908-218-8876

Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) Visual and Performing Arts Department will present an exhibition of work by RVCC independent study students and current students and alumni from the Interior Architecture and Design program.

This exhibition, organized by RVCC faculty members Darren McManus and Virginia Smith, includes student work in ceramics, sculpture, printmaking and interior architecture and design.

The exhibition highlights the artwork of students who have participated in an independent study from the Spring, Summer or Fall 2018 semesters. Advanced art students at RVCC work with individual instructors in their various fields of interest on projects of an advanced nature. Students develop a more independent studio practice than in a classroom situation, facilitated by a concentrated opportunity to develop their own ideas and visions. Additionally, this exhibition will showcase the work of current students and alumni from RVCC’s Interior Architecture and Design program.

*Gallery hours are Mondays, 3-8 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wednesdays, 3-8 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Fridays, 1-4 p.m.

TOP LEFT: “Little Blue Girl,” by Berendina Buist, screenprint, created Fall 2018
ABOVE RIGHT: “Dunlins Sprints Pavilion,” by Sharmily Patel, digital concept drawing, created Fall 2018

Winter 2019 Art Classes for Kids, Teens and Adults at Farmstead Arts

Winter Art and Sculpture Classes for All Ages
WHEN: Four, six or eight week classes begin the week of February 5th. Classes are scheduled throughout the day Tuesday through Saturday.
WHERE: Farmstead Arts, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge
TUITION: Class fees range from $100 - $220 depending on session length
To sign up for classes, visit http://farmsteadarts.eventbrite.com.
For information, please call 908-636-7576 Mondays through Wednesdays, or send an email to admin@farmsteadarts.org.
Further information and class fees are available at farmsteadartscenter.org. Class fees include all materials.

Art classes resume at the Farmstead in February, with a line-up that includes painting and drawing classes for all ages and levels of experience, featuring watercolors and gouache, acrylics, pastels, colored pencil, clay and sculpture. Also available are portrait, figurative, landscape, animal portraits, and illustration and cartooning classes. All classes are held in the cozy environs of the farmhouse at the Farmstead Arts Center, and are taught by Farmstead’s all-star faculty: Doug Schiller, Margaret Fanning, Oscar Peterson, Stefano Junior, and Debbie Limoli.

The farmhouse is wheelchair accessible.  Anyone anticipating the need for additional accessibility services may make a request by sending an e-mail in advance to admin@farmsteadarts.org.

Funds for these events have been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program Grant administered by The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

McCARTER THEATRE CENTER ANNOUNCES 2019 LAB SPOTLIGHT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL

THE 2019 LAB SPOTLIGHT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL

In each of their respective careers, playwrights Alexis Sheer, Serina Fillinger and Jiehae Park have quickly made a name for themselves in the industry as writers with unique insights and a fresh eye for storytelling. McCarter audiences will now be able to experience their works live, with two of the plays being presented publically for the first time anywhere. 

Our Dear Dead Drug Lord                                                                           
Written and directed by Alexis Sheer

WHEN: January 25 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: McCarter’s intimate Berlind Studio, 91 University Place, Princeton
TICKETS: $15 and available online at mccarter.org, by phone 609-258-2787, or in person at the Ticket Office. Limited availability. Festival Passes are available for $30, and give you access to all three readings.

Four high school girls. An elite club. A treehouse. Pablo Escobar. This wild thriller tests the limits of imagination and what happens when teenagers’ harmless fun turns into something much more threatening.

Untitled Aging Play
By Jiehae Park
Directed by Knud Adams

WHEN: January 28 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: McCarter’s intimate Berlind Studio, 91 University Place, Princeton

In this delicate, moving McCarter commission, a couple contemplates and explores the effects of aging on their bodies, their minds, and their relationships.

POTUS, Or Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
By Selina Fillinger
Directed by Jennifer Chambers

WHEN: February 4 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: McCarter’s intimate Berlind Studio, 91 University Place, Princeton

When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the women he most relies upon risk their careers, families, and freedom to save the day. Fillinger’s female-centered farce is a rowdy and irreverent look at sex and politics.

Read more »

Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Holds “Art for All: Featuring the Artistic Talents of Differently-Abled Children, Teens & Adults”

Art for All: Featuring the Artistic Talents of Differently-Abled Children, Teens & Adults

WHEN: Opening Reception: Sunday, February 3, 1-3 pm. Gallery hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 am - 10 pm; Friday and Sunday, 9 am - 4 pm; closed Saturday. There will be a free opening reception on Sunday, February 3, 1-3 pm.
WHERE: Waltuch Gallery at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
ADMISSION: free
For more information please contact Shelley Levy at 201.408.1489.

In recognition of Jewish Disabilities and Inclusion Awareness Month, which is nationally celebrated in February each year, the Waltuch Gallery at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is sponsoring its annual art exhibition that features the artistic talents and accomplishments of individuals in our community with special needs. This year, more than 200 pieces were submitted for this month-long exhibition from 10 different regional schools and programs. Works include framed drawings and paintings, as well as ceramics, cube sculptures, digital paintings, photography and more. Each piece showcases the creative talents of school-aged children, teens, adults, including participants of the JCC Guttenberg Center for Special Services.

“Art for All celebrates not only the creative, artistic talents of these individuals, but also the spirit of inclusion that we here at the JCC pride ourselves on,” says Shelley Levy, Director of the Guttenberg Center for Special Services.

Join Rutherfurd Hall for a Night at the Races!

WHEN: January 26th, 7 PM. First race starts promptly at 7:30.
WHERE: Rutherfurd Hall | 1686 Route 517, Allamuchy
ADMISSION: $50
Sponsor and name a horse for an additional $50, and receive a ticket for a Grand Prize drawing. If your sponsored horse wins, you receive an additional ticket to win one of the Grand Prizes.
Make your reservation now!

You're Invited!

Wear your best Kentucky Derby attire and join us for a Night at the Races.

Enjoy a Kentucky Derby-themed event with elegant passed hors d'oeuvres (Catered by David's Country Inn), open bar including wine, prosecco, beer, a signature cocktail, coffee and desert.

Actual races will be shown on a screen to create the atmosphere of being at the Kentucky Derby. Win Prizes, Tricky Tray Baskets or the 50/50.

A special prize will be awarded for the best Derby hat.

Last chance to enroll in Winter Improv Session, starting January 19!

2019 Improv Comedy Classes for Adults & Teens

Winter Class Open Level: WHEN: Saturdays, January 19 - February 23, 2019 (six weeks) 12:00 - 2:00 pm WHERE: Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ FEE: $210 for six classes (Instructor: Lulu French) Spring Class Open Level: WHEN: Saturdays, April 6 - May 11, 2019 (six weeks) 12:00 - 2:00 pm WHERE: Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ FEE: $210 for six classes (Instructor: Lulu French) Summer Class Level 1: WHEN: Wednesdays, June 19 - July 24, 2019 (six weeks) 7:30 - 9:30 pm WHERE: Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ FEE: $210 for six classes (Instructor: Lulu French) Summer Class Level 2: WHEN: Saturdays, June 8 - July 27, 2019 (eight weeks) 10:00am-12:00 pm WHERE: Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ FEE: $280 for eight classes (Instructor: Lulu French) You can read more: https://www.dreamcatcherrep.org/2018-2019-improv-classes Or simply enroll now! http://www.dreamcatcherrep.org/class-registration I believe that anyone can improvise—anyone! And if you're saying, "Nuh-uh, not me!" then I must respectfully disagree. Sorry to be so blunt, but I've witnessed it time and time again. ANYONE can improvise. —Lulu French, Instructor

Kids’ Bollywood Classes Start Friday in Hoboken

with Pooja Uberoi

WHEN: Classes begin Friday, Jan 18th. Ages 3-4 4pm-4:45pm. Ages 5-6 5pm-5:45pm. Ages 7-12 6pm-7pm
WHERE: 1018 Washington St 2nd Floor, Hoboken, at Garden Street School of the Performing Arts
TUITION: We we hold a 6 week Pop Up Class after the free trial. $99 for the 6 weeks class, or $18 Drop In.
EMAIL US ASAP TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT. WE ONLY HAVE A FEW SPOTS LEFT. HobokenBollywood@gmail.com

Intro to Bollywood

A 6-week Intro to Bollywood. Package includes introduction to 4 different styles of dancing in Bollywood.  A new dance style is taught every week from a selection of styles (Traditional, Folk, Contemporary, Western, Soft, Techno & International) from Bollywood.  It can end in a small studio performance for parents to come and watch.

Pooja Uberoi is the founder and owner of the Artistic Dance Company - IKIGAI USA which operates in USA and India.

Pooja Uberoi is the Producer for the NYC Dance Week and Founder of Funkar - aNYC10 Initiative. She has more than 13 years experience as a dancer and teacher in Jazz schools, the Bollywood Industry in Mumbai, India and New York City. She was a Board Member and Head of Nation Dance School in India before moving to NYC. Pooja was running a dance school with 800 students in India. She has also choreographed full length Bollywood Musicals and kids musicals. She has choreographed and taught at dance schools, events, shows, to celebrities and has over 10 years of performing experience in India and the USA.

Pooja has performed her choreographies and taught at the prestigious CBS This Morning, Dance USA Dance, and in schools in India, NYC, California, Canada, Puerto Rico, Israel and Mexico.

She is the Brand Ambassador For Dance USA Dance, NYC, and Hotstar, USA. She is also a consultant for a music school, a fitness start up, and runs international arts management company called Artists East West.

She believes in spreading art as a means of education and happiness, which is the meaning and vision of her company IKIGAI—a Japanese term for a state of happiness where you do what you love and what the world needs.

Bollywood Dance originated from the Bollywood (Hindi) Movie Industry as a free style dance fused with elements from Indian classical and folk dance forms. It has been and still a song and dance sequence with larger than life expression through various different moves, grandeur sets, picturesque locations and large ensemble.
In the recent times, Bollywood expanded and emerged into a dance style of its own kind with a creative amalgamation as it carried the culture and tradition of India along with various different classical and folk dance forms fusing it further with elements from western dance forms like Jazz, Hip hop, Latin and many other old (Rock n Roll / Twist / Etc.,) and modern dance forms making it into an appealing dance form for all age groups and tastes.

Bollywood music ranges from traditional to extremely modern & western and from soulful compositions to feet tapping numbers. The soulful compositions make one want to get in touch with their emotions while the feet tapping numbers exude the upbeat energy making one want to dance letting them get in (re)touch with their inherent light and fun side.