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Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Don't miss the final week of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY!

We're kicking off the final week of performances of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY!

Pictured from left to right: Susan Maris, Tina Stafford, Elizabeth Colwell, and Andy Paterson. Photo courtesy of Jerry Dalia.

A group of actors and technicians gather in a 1940's radio station at holiday time to perform a live broadcast of "It's A Wonderful Life." Replete with Foley sound effects, commercials from the era, and sprinkled throughout with a generous dose of music and humor, this charming piece brings the famous story to life in a new way and fills the theatre with the inspiring spirit of the holidays.

Click here for a list of upcoming performances

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

PUT ON THE RITZ THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH THE NJ FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA IN WESTFIELD

www.njfestivalorchestra.org

JAZZ, SWING & DANCE PARTY THIS FRIDAY IN NEWARK

Carrie Jackson's Jazz, Swing & House Party

WHEN: Friday, December 29, 7:00pm to 11:00pm
WHERE:
The Priory @ St. Joseph's Plaza, 233 West Market Street, Newark
ADMISSION: Music Stimulus No Cover or Minimum, Food or drink purchase required
carriejackson@cjayrecords.com

Radam Schwartz, pn

Takashi Otsuka, bs
Les Mc Kee, drums

Also Featuring the Dance Party Soundz of DJ Cecil Thomas—"So Bring your Dancin' Shoes"

Holiday Appreciation Celebration! Come Early, First come First Served Seating


Carrie Jackson

WHERE: Friday, January 12, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
WHERE: Due Mari Italian Restaurant, 78 Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ
732-296-1600
 www.duemarinj.com

“Elegant Italian Dining spot seafood & house made pasta dishes”

Jazzin’ Tuesdays: Carrie Jackson Quartet & Friends

WHEN: January 16 & 30, 8pm-11p Guests Invited up on 2nd Set
WHERE:  16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, 16 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ
www.16prospect.com
908-232-7320

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

TWO RIVER THEATER CONTINUES SEASON WITH WORLD PREMIERE OF PLAY ABOUT LATINO IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICA

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El Coqui

EL COQUÍ ESPECTACULAR AND THE BOTTLE OF DOOM: A SUPERHERO PLAY
by Matt Barbot
directed by José Zayas

WHEN: Saturday, January 6 - Sunday, February 4, 2018; Opening: Friday, January 12, 2018 at 7pm
WHERE:
Two River’s Marion Huber Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank
TICKETS: range from $40 to $70, with discounts available for groups, seniors, and U.S. military personnel, their families, and veterans. A limited number of $20 tickets are available for every performance; $20 tickets may be partial view. Tickets for patrons under 30 are $20 and include the best available seats at every performance.
Tickets are available from 732.345.1400 or www.tworivertheater.org

Employing deft use of the superhero/comic book genre, El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom explores questions of individual and national identity—including what it means to be “Latino” or “not Latino enough”—in contemporary America. The play tells the story of Alex, an unemployed young comic book artist still wrestling with the death of his father, a policeman, in the line of duty. Adrift in his career and his life, he decides to see what it’s like to be a superhero, and begins to dress up as his creation El Coquí Espectacular (a Puerto Rican superhero who gets his power from a vejigante carnival mask and his name from a tree frog) and fight crime in his neighborhood of Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Meanwhile, his responsible older brother Joe is encouraging Alex to join him at his advertising agency, where Joe works selling sugary soda to Latino consumers. When Joe is fired from a project, the two, with the help of a young photographer named Yesica, hatch a plan: to debut El Coquí at the Puerto Rican Day Parade and prove themselves to the world.

El Coquí Espectácular and the Bottle of Doom was a finalist in the 2014 Repertorio Español Nuestras Voces competition, and won the Kennedy Center’s Darrel Ayers Award for Outstanding Student-Written Play for Young Audiences, as well as the Kennedy Center’s Latinidad Award for Outstanding Play Written by a Student of Latino/Hispanic Heritage. It was also a finalist in Repertorio Español's 2013 Nuestras Voces competition.

The cast of El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom includes Gabriel Diego Hernández (El Chupacabra/Junior), Olivia Negrón (Patricia), Flor De Liz Perez (Yesica), Cesar J. Rosado (Joe), and Bradley Tejeda (Alex). 

The creative team includes scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado, costume designer Ásta Bennie Hostetter, lighting designer Zach Blane, sound designer Jane Shaw, and projections/animation designer Alex Koch. The fight direction is by UnkleDave’s Fight-House, the casting is by Jack Doulin + Sharky, and the stage manager is Terri K. Kohler.

El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom was introduced to Red Bank audiences when it was read as part of the theater’s 2016 Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) festival of new Latino plays.

Inside Two River

Inside Two River is a series of events specially curated for each Two River Theater production. For more information or to reserve seats, patrons should visit www.tworivertheater.org or call 732.345.1400. 

El Coquí Mobile

Getting there is half the fun! Hop around town to Red Bank’s many restaurants, bars and shops in the El Coqui Mobile! This luxury scooter, fully equipped for the winter with heated seats and weather-proof flaps, will be seen throughout Red Bank with our show’s artwork and hashtag #SpotTheFrog starting mid-December through February 4. Ready to scoot when you are, just text the Scooter Dudes at 732.784.3011 with your name, Red Bank location, number of riders, pickup time and destination and your ride will be ready in 10-15 minutes. 

Book Club: The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
WHEN:  Monday, January 29 at 6:30pm
WHERE:
Victoria J. Mastrobuono Library, 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank   

In this celebrated 2007 novel, an overweight Dominican boy living in New Jersey is obsessed with sci-fi, fantasy, falling in love, and the curse that has plagued his family for generations. In connection with El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom, the Two River Book Club will discuss the experiences of immigrants in America who feel caught between two cultures, and don’t fully fit in with either. This event is free and open to the public. To reserve a spot, interested patrons should call 732.345.1400 or visit www.tworivertheater.org.

Audience Extras

  • Before Play and Lobby Display
    Audiences will learn about El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom in Two River’s Before Play lecture series, which takes place 45 minutes prior to every performance, and Lobby Display.
  • Post-Play Conversations
    Discussions with the cast and a member of Two River’s Artistic staff will take place on Wednesday, January 17 at 1pm; Sunday, January 21 at 3pm; and Wednesday, January 24 at 7pm.

Accessibility
Working with Google, Two River has created and launched a virtual tour of its facility, which lives on Google Maps and www.tworivertheater.org. This virtual tour provides an additional level of support and benefit for patrons who use wheelchairs or require other assistance by allowing them to virtually come through the theater’s front doors and view the space in detail in advance of their visit.

An audio-described performance is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21 at 1pm, and an open-captioned performance is scheduled for Saturday, February 3 at 3pm. Tickets are available at a discounted rate of $25 for patrons using these services. To reserve wheelchair-accessible seating or tickets to a performance listed above, patrons should call 732.345.1400 or e-mail boxoffice@trtc.org.

PERFORMANCES:

  • Saturday, January 6 at 8pm 
  • Sunday, January 7 at 3pm
  • Wednesday, January 10 at 1 pm and 7pm
  • Thursday, January 11 at 8pm
  • Friday, January 12 at 7pm (Opening Night)
  • Saturday, January 13 at 3pm and 8pm
  • Sunday, January 14 at 3pm
  • Wednesday, January 17 at 1pm and 7pm
  • Thursday, January 18 at 10am (student matinee) and 8pm
  • Friday, January 19 at 8pm
  • Saturday, January 20 at 3pm and 8pm
  • Sunday, January 21 at 3pm
  • Wednesday, January 24 at 1pm and 7pm
  • Thursday, January 25 at 10am (student matinee) and 8pm
  • Friday, January 26 at 8pm
  • Saturday, January 27 at 3pm and 8pm
  • Sunday, January 28 at 3pm
  • Wednesday, January 31 at 1pm and 7pm
  • Thursday, February 1 at 10am (student matinee) and 8pm
  • Friday, February 2 at 8pm
  • Saturday, February 3 at 3pm and 8pm
  • Sunday, February 4 at 3pm

“The Calling” Kicks-Off 2018 Season at NJ Rep

WHEN: January 4 thru February 4, 2018. Thursdays, Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm & 8pm; Sundays at 2pm. Special Meet-and-Greet with the cast and playwright following the first preview on Thursday, January 4. Opening night with reception is Saturday, January 6, at 8pm. Early bird seats available for select performances.
WHERE:
NJ Rep is located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch, NJ. Free on-site parking and easy access from NJ Transit
TICKETS: For reservations call 732-229-3166 or Buy Tickets

Warm up your winter with a heart-pounding, mind-bending psychological thriller, peppered with comic relief and served up by award-winning playwright, Joel Stone. In an empty church following Mrs. Callahan's funeral, a man of faith (Ames Adamson, left) and a burned-out ICU nurse (Jared Michael Delaney, right) wage a battle of wits and deep convictions about life and death, conscience and faith, that culminates in a shocking resolution.

Directed by Evan Bergman  and commissioned by NJPAC's Stage Exchange in Association with NJTA and NJ Rep.

YOUNG ACTORS TO PERFORM MONOLOGUES & SCENES IN RAHWAY

WHEN: Friday, January 12, 8PM, Saturday, January 13, 3 PM and 8 PM
WHERE: Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton St, Rahway
Box Office: 732.499.8226  -  www.ucpac.org
Tickets

Picking Up the Pieces is a grouping of monologues and scenes that are geared toward young adult actors. Each scene deals with a mature subject that one might be facing in today's millennial time slot. Like its sister play, Filling in the Blanks, this project explores difficult situations with humor, drama, understanding, and closure. Sometimes when your life shatters, you are forced to pick up the pieces and move on as best you know how.

MUSIC 3 WAYS COMING UP @ bergenPAC

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CELIA CRUZ IMAGE FOR PROMO CELIA CRUZ ALL STARSCelia Cruz All Stars

WHEN: SATURDAY, JAN. 13, 2018 – 8 PM
WHERE
bergenPAC, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood
TICKETS: $ 49-39-29

The Celia Cruz All Stars brings celebrate the Queen of Salsa’s repertory, with classic songs like “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” “Quimbara,” “Usted Abusó,” “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” and “Bemba Colora.”

Celia Cruz delighted audiences around the world with her talent, happiness and unmistakable voice for more than 50 years. Her musical legacy, along with her distinct voice travels daily throughout all continents of the world through hundreds of recordings that she popularized during her unprecedented career.

Celia Cruz All Stars was created with a group of young, talented musicians that gathered together to pay a tribute to the hits that the Guarachera de Cuba immortalized. With each show the Celia Cruz All Stars contribute to the “Celia Cruz Foundation,” which grants musical scholarships to needy children.

The Weight BandThe Weight Band: Members of The Band, The Levon Helm Band & The Rick Danko Group

WHEN: FRIDAY, FEB. 9, 2018 – 8 PM
TICKETS:
$39-29

Performing songs of The Band, The Weight Band is keeping the spirit and the music alive that helped define an era. Members of The Weight were either in The Band, or are directly and deeply connected to their legacy. 

The group features Jim Weider from The Band, Brian Mitchell of the Levon Helm Band, Marty Grebb, who wrote for The Band and worked with Rick Danko and Richard Manuel, and Albert Rogers, who shared the stage with Levon Helm and Garth Hudson in The Jim Weider Band. Michael Bram, the newest member of The Weight, played with Jason Mraz. 

Expect an unforgettable performance with enjoy timeless hits like “The Weight,” “Up On Cripple Creek,” “Ophelia,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Rag Mama Rag” and so many others. 

HyperFocal: 0An Evening With Herb Alpert & Lani Hall

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018 – 8 PM
TICKETS
: $69-55-39-29

Legendary jazz musician Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, original lead singer for Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66, will perform songs from their third album together, Steppin Out, with their band, Michael Shapiro on drums and percussion, Hussain Jiffry on bass and Bill Cantos on keyboards and vocals. The program will include a jazz set sprinkled with Brasilian flavors and songbook favorites such as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Moondance,” “Let’s Face the Music & Dance,” “Fever” and “La Vie en Rose.”

Tickets available at: www.ticketmaster.com or Box Office

SUNDAY EVENING JAZZ & BLUES IN THE LOFT CONCERT SERIES SET IN SOUTH ORANGE

SOPAC South Orange Performing Arts Center

Get your groove on at our Sunday evening Jazz & Blues in the Loft concert series! Hear world-class musicians and vocalists from the region in the cabaret-style setting of the SOPAC Loft. Cash bar available.

Jazz in the Loft


Jazz in the Loft is curated and hosted by Lee Boswell-May.

  • Nat Adderly, Jr. - SUN, JAN 14 at 7PM 

  • Lance Bryant - SUN, FEB 11 at 7PM

  • Alexis Morrast - SUN, MAR 11 at 7PM 

  • Don Braden - SUN, APR 8 at 7PM 

WHERE: SOPAC, One SOPAC Way, South Orange (behind the train station)
Buy Tickets Today!

Blues in the Loft

Blues in the Loft is curated and hosted by Mike Griot.

  • Alan Paul's Allman Brothers Tribute - SUN, JAN 21 at 7PM 
  • Hat City 2nd Annual Blues Competition - SUN, FEB 18 at 7PM
  • Dean Shot's Howlin' Wolf Tribute - SUN, MAR 18 at 7PM 
  • Mike Griot & Friends - SUN, APR 15 at 7PM 

Buy Tickets Today!

A New Year Brings New Plays to Madison’s Writers Theatre of NJ

Writers Theatre of New Jersey Logo

SOUNDINGS

WHEN: kicking off on January 2 and running through January 15, 7 PM
WHERE:
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Dreyfuss Theatre, 285 Madison Avenue, Madison
ADMISSION:
readings are free with a recommended donation of $10 (or pay what you can), but you can get a seven-play pass for a donation of $25; a fourteen-play pass for $35; or a Big Read Pass, which gives you entrance to all Soundings Readings as well as our March series at The Bickford Theatre, Jersey City Theatre Center, and Mile Square Theatre.
For more information on this year’s Soundings series, the playwrights, the individual plays, or to reserve your seat, please click here.

Soundings brings you fourteen plays in fourteen days. Featuring new works from some of the country’s best playwrights—this year’s crop includes two Pulitzer Prize nominees, Kilroy and Emmy Award winners, and more—and they’re performed by professional actors under the direction of professional playwright— a great way to see some of the best new theatre without paying a lot of money.

Each reading will be followed by a brief post-show discussion with the playwright and the director, where the audience will be invited to give feedback on the play. This part of the process is important, as this feedback often helps to shape the play as it moves forward to future productions; it’s a chance for you to be an important part of the creative process.

Staged readings, like those in the Soundings series, allow playwrights to hear their work read aloud by professional actors and to see the reaction of audiences to their play; the performances and reaction help the playwright determine what changes, if any, are needed to further develop the script. For audiences, this is a way to become part of the creative process and to help shape brand new plays. It’s also an inexpensive way to see a lot of great, professional theatre close to home.

This year’s plays are:

  • Tuesday, January 2 – “The Patriot” by Joe Sutton
  • Wednesday, January 3 – “Like Saltwater” by Pia Wilson
  • Thursday, January 4 – “Nichiiwad” by Hal Corley
  • Friday, January 5 – “Hurricane Colleen” by Tammy Ryan
  • Saturday, January 6 – “And Their Sons, Too...” by Seth Rozin
  • Sunday, January 7 – “Encounters” by Yasmine Rana
  • Monday, January 8 – “Memoirs of a Forgotten Man” by D.W. Gregory
  • Tuesday, January 9 – “Teach” by Donna Hoke
  • Wednesday, January 10 –  “Wolf at the Door” by Richard Dresser
  • Thursday, January 11 – “Redux” by Rob Zellers
  • Friday, January 12 – “Ghost Story” by Lia Romeo
  • Saturday, January 13 – “The Excavation of Mary Anning” by Ian August
  • Sunday, January 14 – “The Real Story” by Robert Clyman
  • Monday, January 15 – “Branwell (and the other Brontës): an autobiography edited by Charlotte Brontë” by Stephen Kaplan

Dates and plays are subject to change, please consult the website for any last minute changes.

Planetarium Shows for All Ages Slated in January at RVCC

Image result for RVCC PlanetariumWHERE: Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
ADMISSION: $8 for one show or $14 for two shows on the same day. Reservations are strongly suggested for all Planetarium shows.
For additional information or to make reservations, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Magic Tree House: Space Mission
WHEN: Saturdays, January 6, 13, 20, 3 p.m.

Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"?  The show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)

Laser Light Waves
WHEN: Saturdays, January 6, 13, 20, 4 p.m.

Lasers dance across the dome while music is played. Songs include “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles, “Tonight Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae, “Counting Stars” by One Republic, and “Glad You Came” by The Wanted.

Image result for rvcc planetariumAstronomy Tonight
WHEN: Saturday, January 6, 7 p.m.
Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Best of Pink Floyd laser concert
WHEN: Saturdays, January 6 & 13, 8 p.m.

Lasers dance across the dome while audience members listen to Pink Floyd songs including “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2,” and “Money.”

Image result for rvcc planetariumExploding Universe
WHEN: Saturdays, January 13, 20, 27, 7 p.m.

The universe we see today is the product of explosive events. As the universe has transformed into its current state, even the most elementary particles have endured. The show follows the path of one of these “particles,” a proton, as it participates in nature’s astounding events of rebirth and renewal. The program also includes a brief tour of the current night sky. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Laser Grateful Dead
WHEN: Saturdays, January 20 & 27, 8 p.m.

Audience members can sit back and relax as they watch lasers illustrating some of the Grateful Dead’s greatest hits including “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “One More Saturday Night.”

Rockin’ Rocket Ride
WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 3 p.m.

Children and adults can put on their spacesuits and blast-off into outer space to “visit” the Moon, Sun, and planets. The show offers a lively experience for young people with selected music from “Journey Into Space" by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

Image result for rvcc planetariumSkyLights
WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 4 p.m.

The youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”) and Jane Murphy (“Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”). Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while other songs feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

The Folk Project Presents Keyboard Wizard Bob Malone

Keyboard Wizard Bob Malone

WHEN: Friday, December 29, at 7:30 pm
WHERE: Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown
ADMISSION: $10.00 per adult at the door.  Children 12 and under are free.
For further information, call 973-335-9489, or visit www.folkproject.org
For samples of Bob’s and George’s music, please visit the Folk Project website. 

George Wurzbach, formerly of the trio Modern Man, will open.

The performance is part of the Minstrel Acoustic Concert Series, sponsored by the Folk Project each Friday evening at the Fellowship.

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BOB MALONE has toured the world as a solo artist for two decades and has played keyboards with rock legend John Fogerty since 2011. He is also a busy session player and arranger and is featured on the new Ringo Starr record. Classically trained, with a degree in jazz and a lifetime playing in rock & roll clubs, theaters, and arenas, Bob combines unforgettable songwriting with a one-of-a-kind hybrid of rock, blues, and New Orleans R&B, delivered with high-energy piano virtuosity and a voice all his own.

Born and raised in New Jersey, he has lived in New York City, New Orleans and Boston and is currently based in Los Angeles. As a solo artist, Bob plays approximately 100 shows a year in the US, UK, Europe and Australia, including sets at Glastonbury Music Festival (UK), Colne Blues Festival (UK), Long Beach Bayou Fest (US), Falcon Ridge Folk Fest (US), Blue Mountains Music Fest (AU), and Narooma Blues Fest (AU). He has been featured twice at WWOZ Piano Night in New Orleans, and has opened for Boz Scaggs, Subdudes, The Neville Brothers, Rev. Al Green, BoDeans, Dr. John, Marcia Ball and many others. As a member of John Fogerty’s band, he has played with Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Jackson Browne, Billy Gibbons, Jimmy Buffett, and Alan Toussaint.

Malone’s latest album, Mojo Deluxe, went to #1 on the Independent British Blues Broadcasters radio chart, was one of the top 100 most played CDs in 2015 on the Roots Music Report radio charts, was top 15 on the Relix/jambands.com charts, and appeared on the Living Blues and Americana Music Association radio charts. Videos from Bob’s 2016 Mojo Live DVD were premiered by Relix Magazine and Alternative Root Magazine.

Image result for George WurzbachOpening performer George Wurzbach is a Brooklyn native. Performing Songwriter Magazine described him as “a welcome mix of wit, wisdom, and wonder.” The unique appeal of his songs is reflected in the number of other artists who have recorded them, including Tom Paxton, The Kingston Trio, David Wilcox, John MacNally, Hot Soup, and many others. His work with Tom Paxton was featured on the album Comedians and Angels, which was nominated for a Grammy.

After his selection as a Kerrville New Folk Award winner in 1995, George formed the music comedy trio Modern Man with David Buskin and Rob Carlson. The group earned a BackStage Magazine Bistro Award and several MAC Award nominations before it disbanded in 2015.

He has scored the musicals Roasting Alice and Twelfth Night, both staged at Monmouth University. He often works in NY as a sideman and session player and has occasionally served as pianist for Melanie. George is currently a professor at Monmouth University, teaching music theory and composition.

The Folk Project is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation whose mission is to present high caliber folk music performances and instructional workshops for the public and members; to encourage development of musicianship and performance skills in the northern New Jersey area; and to provide interesting social and learning activities relating to traditional and participatory folk music and dance.

Funding has been made possible in part by funds from Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION FOR “FIRST NIGHT WARREN” @ RUTHERFURD HALL

There is limited onsite Parking at Rutherfurd Hall for the fee of $25 per car. FREE shuttle buses will be available starting  at 3:30 pm at Allamuchy Township School parking lot on Johnsonburg Road and at Panther Valley Ecumenical Church Parking lot located on Route 517.

Tickets and Onsite Parking Passes (just a few!) on sale now for the Third Annual First Night Warren at Rutherfurd Hall.

Admission Buttons are available for $10 per person (ages 3 and under are free). They can be purchased at Rutherfurd Hall or at www.rutherfurdhall.tix.com . Button must be worn to ride the free shuttle or to enter Rutherfurd Hall.

You can pick up the buttons at Rutherfurd Hall Tuesday December 26th from 12:00-4:00 pm or Wednesday the 27th from 10:00 am-4:00 pm, or call (908)852-1894 Ext 338 to make arrangements.

To purchase Tickets or Onsite Parking Pass, please go to www.Rutherfurdhall.tix.com or call (908) 852-1894 ext 338

WHERE: Rutherfurd Hall, 1686 Route 517, Allamuchy

Friday, December 22, 2017

SAVE THE DATE FOR ANNUAL WOMEN’S INTERFAITH FORUM IN LIVINGSTON

Temple BNAI Abraham

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,

The Social Action Committee and the Sisterhood of 

Temple B'nai Abraham Present  

24th Annual Women's Interfaith Forum

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

6:30 PM

Temple B'nai Abraham

300 E. Northfield Rd., Livingston, NJ

(entrance on E. Cedar St.)

Topic:

Effective Dissent: Getting Your Point Across

Panelist information to follow

imageCome for dinner and join the conversation!

  • A vegetarian/dairy buffet supper will be served
  • Reservations required
  • There is no charge for this event, but seating is limited

Click here to RSVP by Wednesday, January 10, 2018


973-994-2290 or tbainfo@tbanj.org

    Snow Date: January 18

Thursday, December 21, 2017

FILM SERIES COMING IN JANUARY TO JCC METROWEST

Celebrating Israeli Film
Weekly Screenings & Discussions for the Film Enthusiast

WHEN: Mondays, January 15-29, 1:00pm
WHERE:
Maurice Levin Theater, JCC MetroWest, West Orange

  • 1/15 - The Band’s Visit (the musical on Broadway is based on this film)
  • 1/22 - Dancing Arabs/A Borrowed Identity
  • 1/29 - Geburtig

ADMISSION: JCC Member: $45, Guest: $60

The Reel Film Series welcomes Stuart Weinstock as lead facilitator. Stuart is a writer, director and Professor of Film. His short films have been screened and won awards at film festivals worldwide.He teaches Film at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mercy College and the New York Film Academy.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED

Contact Mara Miller: mmiller@jccmetrowest.org / 973-530-3473
18th Annual NJJFF Sponsors receive FREE admission to the Reel Film Series
For more information, visit www.jccmetrowest.org/njjff

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Musical Christmas services at Grace Madison Episcopal Church

Advent and Christmas Music at Grace Madison

WHEN: December 24, 25 & 31 (see below for times)
WHERE: Grace Episcopal Church, 4 Madison Ave. in Madison

The choirs, under the direction of Dr. Anne Matlack, are preparing for special choral services for Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, music begins at 4 for the 4:30 Church School Nativity Pageant and communion service.  Costumed children present the Nativity Pageant while the 60-voice youth choirs lead the music in traditional carols, and selections from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols with Andre Tarantiles, harp. The Gargoyles (teen boys) will sing Medieval Gloria and The Cherry Tree Carol and the select Daughters of Zion sing works by Handel and Corp. A children’s bell choir will ring in the prelude, and a handbell quartet serenades you as you leave.

At 10 p.m. a candlelight concert of carols from around the world sung from the gallery precedes the traditional 10:30 “Midnight” Mass.  A choir of adults, older children, and returning college students, and a bell choir lead the beautiful Rite I communion service featuring works by Michael Head, Ola Gjeilo, Gustav Holst and more, with Teddy Love, oboe, and many soloists. “Silent Night” sung kneeling by candlelight concludes the service.

Christmas Morning at 10:30 a.m. is a service for all ages of carols and communion led by children and adults.  Children can bring a favorite gift to bless. Choir carols include “Once in Royal David’s City,” “He is Born,” “I Saw Three Ships,” “Away in a Manger” and a rousing “Go Tell it on the Mountain” during communion. Children may bring a favorite gift to be blessed.

Sunday December 31 at 10:30 a.m. the choirs present a traditional Nine Lessons and Carols service. Visiting singers are welcome to join the choir by attending rehearsal at 9:30 and calling the church, or responding on facebook to let Dr. Anne know.

The community is welcome at all of these services. More information can be found at www.episcopalchurch.org/parish/grace-episcopal-church-madison-nj  or on facebook at Grace Episcopal Church Madison NJ or by calling 973-377-0106. 

Dr. Anne Matlack holds degrees from Yale and Cincinnati Conservatory and also conducts the award-winning Harmonium Choral Society, www.harmonium.org.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

LIVE @ THE NEW BRUNSWICK JAZZ PROJECT THIS WEEK

Part of NBJP's mission is to showcase the next generation of jazz musicians...the future "greats!" This is your chance to see them NOW!

German born, PA raised, Bufford started receiving awards in music as a child and went on to attend Berklee in Boston and Rutgers. He has studied with Philly Joe Jones, Larry Ridley, Kenny Barron among others andworked with music icons from Madonna to The Duke Ellington Orchestra. He has been in Broadway pit bands and served as Music Director for more than 1000 events including Norman Lear 80th Birthday Celebration, 2001 Presidential Inauguration Gala, the Michael Jackson Tribute. Bufford has also composed for film and TV including Sesame Street, Bernie Mac Show & Martin.

Baltimore native, guitarist Charlie Sigler has been active member of the music community since high school. A graduate of William Paterson U with a B.A. in Jazz Performance, Charlie has performed with many greats of the music including Winard Harper, Harold Mabern, Eric Alexander, Myron Walden among others. He has performed at clubs and festivals throughout the region. Charlie's band will include Akiko Tsuruga on organ, Winard Harper on drums.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Celebrate the New Year with NJFO!

A cabaret-style event for the whole family, PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ promises a superb revue of American musical theater showstoppers from stage and screen presented in glorious symphonic splendor. Featuring renowned guest singers direct from the Broadway stage and beyond, this is New Year's Eve at its finest. Come revel in the musical genius of America's great composers, outstanding vocal performers and dancers, and a world-class professional orchestra led by Maestro David Wroe.

Last year's concert was a sell-out so don't delay! LEARN MORE / BUY TICKETS

REEL SERIES @ WEST ORANGE JCC CELEBRATES ISRAELI FILMS

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Sunday, December 17, 2017

ARTS COUNCIL OF PRINCETON AND McCARTER THEATRE CENTER ANNOUNCE NEW COMMUNITY-WIDE PUBLIC ART PROJECT

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Cows in Our Town

WHEN: December 20 – February 11
WHERE:
local Princeton businesses

The Arts Council of Princeton and McCarter Theatre Center are proud to announce Cows in Our Town, a new community-wide public art project created to promote awareness of local artists and McCarter’s upcoming production of Marie Jones’ Stones in His Pockets. (Above: Participating artist Sean Carney’s cow, Lawrence in Palmer Square)

Through a series of art installations placed in local businesses, Cows in Our Town  aims to enhance the around-town experience for visitors and Princeton residents alike through the holiday season and into the new year.

Cows in Our Town (a reference to a notable creature featured in the story of Stones in his Pockets) brings together specially selected local artists who have been invited to apply their artistic interpretations to multi-density fiberboard cow-shaped cut-outs. The completed cows will be installed in popular public spaces and businesses with a small accompanying description and more information. A social media campaign (see below) will provide an added layer of dynamic interaction and engagement for fans of public art, theater, and cows.

Participating artists include Andre Veloux, Aja Washington, Sean Carney, Leon Rainbow, Libby Ramage, Piroska Toth, Ben Colbert, Marlon Davila, Donna Payton, Andres Duque, Dressler Smith, Barbara DiLorenzo, Ruthann Perry, Lisa Walsh, Leticia Acevedo, Anne Marie Miller, and more.

About this collaboration, Arts Council of Princeton Executive Director Taneshia Nash Laird said, "We are pleased to be collaborating with the McCarter team on this special project that incorporates many talented artists and local businesses, and benefits an area mental health organization. As the holidays
approach, I'm excited for the community to see our town decorated with twenty colorful cows."

Social Media “Scavenger Hunt”
A social media campaign will be conducted to encourage patrons/customers to locate, photograph, and Instagram photos of the various works of cow art using the tag #CowsInOurTown; McCarter will award prizes on a weekly basis to Instagrammers who post. Those interested in participating in the scavenger hunt can get started by visiting the first installed cow in the lobby of McCarter’s Matthews Theater during performances of A Christmas Carol starting December 20, or follow McCarter and the Arts Council of Princeton on Instagram for more “cow tipping” on other locations.

Following the close of the production, the artworks will be collected and sold by the Arts Council; 50% of the sale will go to the artist and the remaining 50% will be donated to the Urban Mental Health Alliance, a local grassroots, community-based 501c3 nonprofit organization that advocates for the mental health and wellness of urban families and communities.  (The themes of which are touched upon in Stones in His Pockets).

ABOUT THE ARTS COUNCIL OF PRINCETON

The Arts Council of Princeton, founded in 1967, is a non-profit organization with a mission of building community through the arts. Housed in the landmark Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, designed by architect Michael Graves, the ACP fulfills its mission by presenting a wide range of programs including exhibitions, performances, free community cultural events, and studio-based classes and workshops in a wide range of media. Arts Council of Princeton programs are designed to be high-quality, engaging, affordable and accessible for the diverse population of the greater Princeton region. The Arts Council of Princeton is at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, 102 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542. artscouncilofprinceton.org.

ABOUT McCARTER THEATRE CENTER
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Emily Mann, McCarter Theatre Center is recognized as one of the nation’s premier theater companies. Renowned for major contributions to the theatrical canon, McCarter premieres include such works as Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (winner of the 2013 Tony Award® for Best Play) and McCarter was honored in 1994 with the Regional Theatre Tony Award®. Thanks to the efforts of Special Programming Director William W. Lockwood, McCarter Theatre Center is also a premier presenter of artists renowned around the world and across genres as varied as dance, classical, pop, jazz, performance art, comedy, magic, children’s theatre, and much more. McCarter is supported by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Princeton University, and over 2,000 individuals, corporations, community leaders, and foundations.

McCarter Theatre Center is at 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540. mccarter.org.

Friday, December 15, 2017

The Premiere of JCTC Kids: “Mishka”!

Jersey City Theater Center

WHEN: Saturday2, December 16, 2017–January 13, 2018; 2 PM
WHERE
: Merseles Studios, 339 Newark Ave., Jersey City
TICKETS: $10-$20
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

JCTCKids present Stories From Around the World

Inspired by fairy tales from different countries, told in an engaging, fun and dynamic way, with striking visuals created by Jersey City artists, shadow-theater, live performances, music and songs.

Mishka is a Scandinavian holiday story about a teddy bear that runs away from the house of a spoiled little girl. He walks alone in a forest. What a joy to discover the world and to meet reindeer! But tonight is Christmas, and everyone should be generous and kind. Mishka, too, will give up what he holds most dear - newly found freedom- to stay with a sick little boy.


NJ JAZZ SOCIETY HOLIDAY LINE-UP

Image result for RICHIE COLE1867 Sanctuary at Ewing: Richie Cole Christmas

WHEN: December 23 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WHERE:
1867 Sanctuary, 101 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ + Google Map

Preservation New Jersey and the New Jersey Jazz Society are pleased to welcome alto sax jazz legend and Ewing native Richie Cole and his quartet featuring pianist Peter Lauffer, bassist Frank Cook and drummer Dave Mohn back to the great jazz listening room of the 1867 Sanctuary for his Richie Cole Christmas concert! Tickets are available online, or call the box office: (609) 392-6409. Discount for members and groups. The New Jersey Jazz Society is a proud co-sponsor of Jazz at the 1867 Sanctuary at Ewing.

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Monroe Quinn with Piktor’s Metamorphosis (Fusion) 

WHEN: Saturday, December 16, 2017; 2:00 PM (one 75 min set) 
WHERE:
Roxy & Dukes Roadhouse, 745 Bound Brook Road, Dunellen
www.piktorsmetamorphosis.com
(732) 529-4464

Lifting Spirits Through Music @ St. Paul's LC Teaneck 

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 @ 4:30 pm
WHERE:
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 61 Church St., Teaneck
DONATION: Suggested donation for Lifting Spirits Through Music is $20
201-837-3189
http://www.stpaulsteaneck.com/

Jazz In The Spirit will present Lifting Spirits Through Music, a special benefit concert event featuring The Reggie Pittman / Loren Daniels Quartet.  Proceeds will benefit music programs and projects in the community. 

Image result for Carrie JacksonCarrie Jackson & Friends

WHEN: Tuesday, December 19, 2017; 8pm - 11Ppm 
WHERE:
16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, 16 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ
ADMISSION: No Music Cover
www.16prospect.com
908-232-7320

Great classic jazz music, full bar & lounge. Performance in lounge area. Fine dining in rear


Image result for The Monroe Quinn TrioThe Monroe Quinn Trio (feat. Neil Alexander & Brian Mooney)

WHEN: Friday, December 29, 2017, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WHERE:
Palazzo Restaurant, 11 South Fullerton Ave. Montclair
www.palazzonj.com 
(973) 746-6778

Coming Up Auditions "for colored girls..."—Black History Month show at 4th Wall

AUDITION NOTICE:

WHEN:  Sunday, December 17 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. Sign-up begins at 1/2 hour prior to the audition start time, and anyone auditioning must arrive no later than 5:00 pm.
WHERE:
the theatre at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts (10 Durand Road in Maplewood, NJ), easily accessible by train from Manhattan. Train schedules from New York City Penn Station to the Maplewood Station (less than a block down the hill from the theatre) are available at NJTransit.com.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO OUR AUDITIONS PAGE

4th Wall is seeking a strong woman, who is an actor/singer/mover.

  • Come to auditions prepared to read your own poem or monologue, and/or to do a cold reading from the script.
  • Also bring a headshot and resume stapled together, and be prepared to provide all potential conflicts for weekday evening and weekend daytime rehearsals beginning immediately. 
  • Non-union; no pay.

4th Wall Theatre will be reviving our smash hit production of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide when the rainbow is Enuf in February 2018 just in time for Black History Month. We will be holding open auditions for one role.

Originally produced on Broadway in 1976, the piece will be directed by Gwen Ricks-Spencer.

Performances will be at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Art in Maplewood, New Jersey and at the Irvington Town Hall Theater in Irvington, NY. 

Rehearsals will begin immediately.

The show will be presented February 16, 17, and 18, and February 24.