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.

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS TO BE HELD IN FREEHOLD

Jewish Heritage Museum Presents

How To Tell a Good Story and What’s Your Story?

Featuring Robyn Shumer

WHEN: Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 1 PM; live storytelling event at 2 PM
WHERE: Jewish Heritage Museum located in the Mounts Corner Shopping Center, at 310 Mounts Corner Drive Freehold, NJ, at the corner of Route 537 and Wemrock Road (between the CentraState Medical Center and Freehold Raceway Mall). It is on the second floor of the historic Levi Solomon Barn.
ADMISSION: $5 members, $8 non-members.

Robyn will offer an interactive two-hour workshop to gain insight into HOW to tell a good story. Participants will learn an easily actionable storytelling technique that can be applied to personal stories. They will learn how to immediately connect with an audience and keep them engaged.

The February workshop will be followed by a live storytelling event, What’s Your Story? Participants who like what they’ve learned in the workshop can sign up to tell their story at this TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design)-inspired program, What’s Your Story? This event will be open to the public so that storytellers have an audience, and are recognized for their efforts and courage to tell their stories.

ADMISSION: $5 members, $8 non-members

This program is made possible in part by the Monmouth County Historical Commission through funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

For more information or to make a paid reservation (non-refundable), call the Museum at 732-252-6990, or visit jhmomc.org. Maximum capacity is 100, so paid reservations are recommended. The The JHMOMC is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Museum is handicapped and assisted listening accessible.

Jazz at the ACL Gallery

Jazz at the ACL Gallery

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 27 @ 2:30 p.m., with light refreshments at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: ACL Gallery 2310 Town Center Way (enter at Carillon Circle), Livingston
ADMISSION: $10 at the Door. Seating is limited.

The Arts Council of Livingston is thrilled to present Jazz at the ACL Gallery, a contemporary jazz performance featuring Pianist Bob McHugh, with Roy Cumming on bass and sax/flute player Don Giantomasi. The public is invited to hear a fine jazz performance in an intimate space filled with lots of art. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Bob McHugh (above) is a jazz pianist and composer who was the Commissioned Composer for NJMTA state piano competition. He has won an ASCAP grant every year since 1989, and is currently featured on ASCAP's Jazz Podcast.

Bassist Roy Cumming has worked with giants Teddy Wilson, Chick Corea and the great be-bop pianist Al Haig. His freelance work includes performing with such jazz notables as AL Cohn, Zoot Sims, Phil Woods and Joe Morello. Don Giantomasi on flute and sax, has performed in varied venues from pop and rock to jazz and big bands. He has appeared with Frankie Vali, Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Temptations and Nelson Riddle.

NEW DRAMA TO OPEN IN HOBOKEN JANUARY 30th

WHEN: January 30th - February 24th. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm, and Sundays @ 3pm. Opening night and MST’s Season Opener Party is February 1.
WHERE: Mile Square Theatre, 1400 Clinton Street, Hoboken
TICKETS: $15-40 • $18 students and seniors
TICKETS AND MORE INFO

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

GROUP SALES available: email abaldwin@milesquaretheatre.org
Discount Parking available at The Harlow at 1330 Willow Avenue and at Little Man Parking at 1300 Jefferson Street.

Caroline, ill and homebound, is visited by her high school classmate Anthony to complete a project about Walt Whitman. As these two let their guards down and reveal their secrets, the mundane poetry project unlocks the deeper mysteries between the two. Winner of the 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award Winner and finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Playwrighting Prize, I and You is a haunting play about the strange and transcendent connections between us all.

“I’ve rarely been effected by an initial reading of a play as I was with this one,” says director Chris O’Connor. “I find this play funny, heartbreaking, and deeply moving. Lauren Gunderson beautifully captures the voice of the post-millennial generation and renders a play that contains a relatable truth that cuts through all generations. I think this production will strongly resonate with the MST audience.” 

I and You stars Roland Lane (Scraps at The Flea) and Simone Grossman (Arcade Amerikana at Industry City), both making their MST debuts.

The creative team includes many of MST resident designers; scenic designer Jennifer Price Fick (The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi), costume designer Peter Fogel (The 39 Steps), lighting designer Jason Flamos (It’s a Wonderful Life), and sound designer Sean Hagerty (The Net Will Appear).

Read more »

Art Center to Participate in Summit’s Celebration of Martin Luther KingJr.

A Day of Justice, Equality, and Service to Others

WHEN: Monday, January 21
WHERE: The Art Center’s portion of the day’s events will take place at their 68 Elm Street location. Activities for A Day of Justice, Equality, and Service to Others will take place throughout Summit over the course of the day.
ADMISSION: All activities are free and open to the public.

For more information, or for a schedule, visit mondosummit.com/shaping-summit-together.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will participate in Summit’s Day of Justice, Equality, and Service to Others, organized by Shaping Summit Together. The community-wide event is taking place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with the goal of educating, raising awareness, and engaging people in activities that help those experiencing hardship through circumstances arising from underlying inequality. Non-profit organizations, community agencies, houses of worship, and schools throughout Summit will be inviting community members to participate in a series of activities inspired by the legacy of Dr. King. 

Community members of all ages are invited to take part in the creation of a community social justice quilt. Those wishing to participate will be given pre-cut squares of fabric on which they can share important personal messages through writing, drawing, painting, and decoration. The squares will then be collected and assembled into a quilt at a later date and displayed at City Hall, thanks to Summit Mayor Nora Radest. The activities at the Art Center are free and open to all ages.

“At the Art Center, we encourage all the various ways that art can impact lives, from an individual’s creative outlet for self-expression, to a delivery vessel for an activist’s message,” said Sarah Walko, the Art Center’s Director of Education & Community Programs. “Creating a community social justice quilt helps us to pose what Dr. King called ‘Life's most persistent and urgent question: What are you doing for others?’ We hope this exercise opens up discussions on important issues and creates a place for our shared voices and humanity.”

About the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
For 85 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been exclusively dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization, the Art Center’s renowned studio school, acclaimed exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youth, families, seniors, and people with special needs every year.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, NJ. Adult and children’s group tours are available throughout the year. Gallery Hours: Monday–Wednesday and Friday, 10 AM–5 PM; Thursday, 10 AM–8 PM; and Saturday & Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM. Please call 908.273.9121 to confirm holiday hours. Visit artcenternj.org for more information.

Support

Major support for the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is provided in part by the Peter R. & Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation; the Wilf Family Foundations; and Art Center members and donors.

SPECIAL OFFER FROM McCARTER THEATRE IN PRINCETON

WHERE: McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton
TICKETS: only $30* with promo code COMMUNITY
BUY TICKETS

They’re both liberal. They’re both women. They’re both brilliant.

But very quickly, discussions of grammar and Google turn to race and reputation. And before they know it, they’re in dangerous territory, facing stunning implications that can’t be undone.

The Washington Post hails it as “scintillating,” adding that it’s “one of the best plays about who gets to tell the story of America, and how.”

*Offer excludes performances January 19 - 20, 25 - 27 & February 2 at 8:00pm & February 9 at 2:00pm. Subject to availability. February 5 performance includes a post-show event

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.