A legendary voice of love, “the funniest woman in the world,” a forefather of Funk, an SNL veteran, the High Priestess of R&B, and the king and queen of the banjo—these are just a few of the 40 highly anticipated acts in the South Orange Performing Arts Center’s 2022-2023 Season.
“We’re thrilled to say SOPAC is SO Back!” says Beth Fylstra, SOPAC’s CFO and Interim COO. “This season will mark our first full, in-person season since the 2018-2019 Season. Alongside our excitement for these captivating artists is our profound resilience as an organization.”
SOPAC persevered through two and a half years of closures due to Covid-19 and Hurricane Ida remediation before fully reopening the Jennifer and Tony Leitner Performance Hall last spring. The venue has a new stage and orchestra pit, freshly painted walls and modern carpeting throughout the building, including The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery.
Full Season Lineup
Peabo Bryson, Bettye LaVette and Delfeayo Marsalis
SAT, SEP 10 at
7PM & 9:30PM
Tickets:
$59-$79
Dubbed the King
of Balladeers, Peabo Bryson is a two-time Grammy-winning vocalist known for his
hit song, "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Roberta Flack. This
legendary voice of love offers a timeless mix of Pop, Soul and R&B.
George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners
THU, SEP 15 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$35-$49
A forefather of
Funk, George Porter Jr. is best known as a member of The Meters, the New
Orleans-based Grammy-winning R&B group he formed alongside Art "Poppa
Funk" Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste.
FRI, SEP 23 at
8PM
Tickets:
$36-$56
British soulman
James Hunter and his gritty, longstanding backing band bring you a sublime
evening of no-nonsense Blues. Given their virtuosity, they have shared the
stage with acts as diverse as Allen Toussaint, Sharon Jones and Van Morrison.
Billie & Blue Eyes presented by John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: The Songs of Frank Sinatra & Billie Holiday
SAT, SEP 24 at
8PM
Tickets:
$48-$68
John Pizzarelli
and Catherine Russell are a dynamic duo who will transport audiences to the glory
days of Jazz with masterful ease, capturing Sinatra’s cool swagger and
Holiday’s effortless grace.
FRI, SEP 30 at
8PM
Tickets:
$35-$45
Acclaimed
trombonist, composer and producer Delfeayo Marsalis is known for his “technical
excellence, inventive mind and frequent touches of humor” (Los Angeles Times).
A New Orleans native, he is the brother of renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.
FRI, OCT 7 at
8PM
Tickets:
$42-$59
Soul
singer-songwriter Bettye LaVette has been called the High Priestess of R&B.
Her "pure Blues growl" has earned this Grammy-nominated performer
comparisons to Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. Blind since birth, Raul Midón
lives in a world of sound. His tropical groove, silky voice and electric guitar
are his signature.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough! — Valerie Simpson & Friends Sing Ashford & Simpson
FRI, NOV 11 at
8PM
Tickets: $58-$88
Valerie Simpson
has spent a lifetime writing chart-topping anthems with her late husband Nick
Ashford as the entity known as Ashford & Simpson. The duo penned timeless
hits such as, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s
Hand” and “I’m Every Woman" for Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston
and others before embarking on a performing career of their own.
Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics
FRI, JAN 20 at
8PM
Tickets:
$65-$85
Russell
Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics are bringing back falsetto! After a
storied more than 40-year career, this Soul group continues to perform their
hit R&B ballads, including “You Are Everything” and the Grammy-nominated
“You Make Me Feel Brand New.”
SAT, JAN 28 at
8PM
Tickets:
$26-$35
Big, brassy and unapologetically
bold. Born in the multicultural melting pot of New York City, the six-piece
band pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while incorporating
eclectic Rock, Funk, Jazz, Ska, Gospel and EDM. The group's irresistible groove
is led by co-founder Josh Holcomb’s soulful trombone, Daro Behroozi’s soaring
sax and Joshua Gawel’s powerful trumpet.
Kathleen
Edwards, Chris Smither & Tim O’Brien with Jan Fabricius, and Josh Ritter
SAT, SEP 17 at
8PM
Tickets:
$30-$48
Israeli
superstar David Broza is recognized for his dynamic guitar performances and
humanitarian efforts. His signature sound is influenced by Spanish Flamenco,
American Folk, Rock and poetry.
THU, SEP 22 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$28-$38
After a musical
hiatus and period of profound self-reflection, singer-songwriter Kathleen
Edwards triumphantly returns with her cloud-grazing voice, skilled strumming
and Folk/Country music that confronts life's challenges yet finds the beauty in
it all.
Chris Smither & Tim O’Brien with Jan Fabricius
SAT, OCT 8 at
8PM
Tickets:
$35-$45
A master of
acoustic Folk/Blues, Chris Smither creates a singular guitar sound – a
beat-driven fingerpicking, layered over his rhythmic, tapping feet (always
mic’d in performance). A lifelong devotee of Bluegrass, Tim O'Brien is skilled
on guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo. He often performs with his wife,
vocalist Jan Fabricius.
WED, OCT 26 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$49-$84
Béla Fleck
& Abigail Washburn, “the king and queen of the banjo” (Paste magazine),
have a musical partnership like no other. Béla is a fifteen-time Grammy winner
who has taken the instrument across multiple genres. Abigail is a
singer-songwriter and clawhammer banjo player.
WED, NOV 9 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$28-$38
Darlingside has
long been praised for their mesmerizing harmonies and wistful songwriting,
described by NPR as “exquisitely-arranged, literary-minded, baroque
Folk-Pop,” and compared to Crosby, Stills and Nash; Simon & Garfunkel; and
The Byrds.
Paula Cole and Sophie B. Hawkins
THU, NOV 10 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$38-$49
Carried by her
radiant voice, Grammy winner Paula Cole has a musical catalog defined by honest
lyrics that covers Blues, Jazz, Folk, Pop, Gospel and Americana.
Multi-instrumentalist Sophie B. Hawkins has been tugging at heartstrings for
decades with her captivating storytelling. Both are known for their indelible
90s hits—Cole's "I Don't Want to Wait" and Hawkins' "As I Lay Me
Down."
THU, NOV 17 at
7:30PM
Tickets: $39-$49
With an
expressive voice, keen wit and evocative way with words, Folk-Rock artist Josh
Ritter has been described as “harking back to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and
maybe a little Mark Knopfler" (The New York Times) and named one of
the "100 Greatest Living Songwriters" by Paste magazine.
SAT, DEC 3 at
8PM
Tickets:
$38-$48
Martin Sexton's
spirited songs run the American musical gamut, incorporating Soul, Country and
Blues. The guitarist has been praised for “his unpretentious heartiness” (The
New York Times) and his "soul-marinated voice" (Rolling Stone).
Ryan Hamilton, Maria Bamford, Kevin Nealon and Paul Reiser
FRI, SEP 9 at
8PM
Tickets: $28-$35
The wholesome, Idaho-bred comic’s Netflix special, Happy
Face, was called “the special you can’t watch enough times.”
SUN, SEP 11 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$30-$45
Comedian Maria
Bamford is revered for her deeply personal comedy about mental illness as well
as her dead-on impressions. Stephen Colbert called her his “favorite comedian
on earth” and Judd Apatow said she is “the funniest woman in the world.”
SUN, OCT 2 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$35-$53
Emmy- and
SAG-nominated comedian Kevin Nealon is one of the longest running cast members
on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. He's also a critically acclaimed actor
known for his roles in the Showtime series Weeds and several films by
Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions.
SUN, OCT 9 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$38-$58
This comedian,
actor and television writer can currently be seen in Stranger Things and
The Kominsky Method, for which he received an Emmy nomination. He also
recently revived one of his most iconic roles in the return of Mad About You,
the long-running hit 90s comedy he co-created and starred in with Helen Hunt.
Laughs in the Loft Hosted by Joe Larson
FIRST WEDNESDAY
OF EVERY MONTH AT 7:30PM
Tickets: $20
Join us for
Laughs in the Loft, a monthly series featuring stand-up comics from our own
backyard, Brooklyn and beyond! Each Laughs in the Loft event features several
comedians in a New York City-style showcase. The talent is announced
approximately two weeks prior to each show.
Judy Collins and Hot Sardines
THU, DEC 1 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$40-$50
Experience a
raucous, razzle dazzle celebration featuring classic Jazz and Swing holiday
favorites and original tunes performed by the eight-piece band. Their brassy
horn arrangements and rollicking piano melodies combined with the vocals from a
chanteuse will transport listeners to a past era.
Judy Collins Holiday & Hits Show
FRI, DEC 2 at
8PM
Tickets:
$58-$78
Celebrate
Christmas with Judy Collins! The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her
poetic storytelling style will perform holiday classics, songs from her latest
album, Spellbound, and beloved songs culled from her six-decade
career.
A Rockapella Holiday: A Legendary Tradition
FRI, DEC 9 at
8PM
Tickets:
$30-$45
Add extra flair
to this festive time of year with the energetic all-vocal magic of Rockapella.
Clap along to catchy original Pop songs and contemporary revisions of Motown
and Soul classics.
Cherish the Ladies — A Celtic Christmas
SUN, DEC 11 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$30-$40
This all-female
collective captivates audiences and embodies the splendor of the Christmas
season with their majestic vocals and stunning step-dancing.
Sweet Honey in the Rock Holiday Show
SAT, DEC 17 at
8PM
Tickets:
$48-$68
Sweet Honey in
the Rock is an internationally renowned Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble
with a nearly 50-year history of serving as musical missionaries for equality,
empowerment and education.
Nefesh Mountain — The Hanukkah Show
WED, DEC 21 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$23-$33
Boundary-pushing group Nefesh Mountain
combines elements of Americana, Appalachian Bluegrass, Celtic Folk and Eastern
European melodies with messages of inclusivity, diversity and hope.
Jim Messina and Naturally 7
THU, NOV 3 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$39-$62
Jim Messina’s legacy of making hit music
spans five decades, three super groups (Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Loggins and
Messina), a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering
credits.
The Last Waltz Celebration featuring the THE BAND Band with TTBB Horns & Special Guests
SAT, NOV 12 at
8PM
Tickets:
$32-$42
Relive the Last
Waltz, the famous 1976 Thanksgiving concert that has become embedded in the
Rock and Roll lexicon. Hear Eric Clapton’s “Further On Up the Road,” Ronnie
Hawkins’ “Who Do You Love,” Van Morrison’s “Caravan” and many more of the songs
from that special night.
WED, DEC 7 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$32-$42
Skilled on the
harp, cello and piano, this quartet of lifelong instrumentalists and vocalists
brings a harmonious synergy to the stage. Melding Classical and Pop, Sons of
Serendip has collaborated with several orchestras and opened for John Legend.
Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway — Broadway the Calla-way!
SAT, DEC 10 at
8PM
Tickets:
$35-$55
The
Tony-nominated Callaway sisters are one singular sensation in their new show
"Broadway the Calla-way!” They'll sing showstoppers from West Side
Story, Chicago, Funny Girl, Cats, Carousel, Wicked and more Broadway
musicals.
SUN, MAR 5 at
7:30PM
Tickets: $44-$54
Naturally 7 is
more than a collection of great a capella singers—it’s magic! They transform
their voices into human instruments, effortlessly producing music of any genre.
Their “vocal play” has redefined what is possible with the human voice.
TUE, MAR 14 at
7:30PM
Tickets:
$38-$48
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are an
award-winning bagpipe-led ensemble featuring some of the best pianists,
guitarists, drummers and overall musicians in Scotland, with an infectious
style of feel-good music.
The Heart & Soul of Magic and The Great DuBois
BubbleMania! Comedy With a Drip! Featuring Casey Carle, Comic Bubble Artist
SUN, NOV 20 at 1PM
Tickets: $23
Comic bubble artist Casey Carle brings us
his amazing one-man show combining spontaneous comedy, jazzy music and, of
course, brilliant bubbling!
The Heart & Soul of Magic — No Smoke, No Mirrors Tour featuring Ran’D Shine and Jamahl Keyes
SAT, FEB 11 at 1PM
Tickets: $18-$25
Breathtaking! Mind-blowing! Astonishing!
This show features two world-class magicians in a unique production that weaves
a tapestry of psychological illusions, comedy and music to create an immersive
experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
SAT, MAR 11 at 1PM
Tickets: $18
Highlighting the spirit and customs of
different cultures, this familiar brew of favorite stories from Africa, India,
Eastern Europe and America is filled with music, color, fantasy and fun!
The Great DuBois: Masters of Variety — The World's Most Unique 2-Person Circus Show!
SUN, APR 2 at 1PM
Tickets: $23-$28
The Great DuBois: Masters of Variety is a
fast-paced, high-energy circus show for all ages showcasing incredible feats of
juggling, hula hoops, unicycle, circus stunts, contortion, magic and audience
interaction all wrapped up in a blanket of comedy.
SAT, MAY 6 at 1PM
Tickets: $18-$20
Join
young Mowgli as he learns the laws of the jungle with the help of friends like
Bagheera and Baloo. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s time-honored adventure, this
tale will delight the young and the young at heart!
At-a-Glance
Lineup
New shows will be announced on a rolling
basis. For the most up-to-date listings, visit SOPACnow.org/Events
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 AT 8PM: Ryan
Hamilton
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 AT 7PM & 9:30PM: Peabo Bryson
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT 7:30PM: Maria Bamford
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AT 7:30PM: George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 8PM: David Broza & Trio Havana
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT 7:30PM: Kathleen Edwards
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 8PM: The James Hunter Six
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 AT 8PM: John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: The Songs of Frank Sinatra & Billie Holiday
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AT 8PM: Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 AT 7:30PM: Kevin Nealon
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 AT 8PM: Bettye LaVette & Raul Midón
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 AT 8PM: Chris Smither & Tim O’Brien with Jan Fabricius
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 AT 7:30PM: Paul Reiser with Special Guest Vance Gilbert
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 AT 7:30PM: Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 AT 7:30PM: An Evening with Jim Messina
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AT 7:30PM: Darlingside
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 AT 7:30PM: Paula Cole & Sophie B. Hawkins
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AT 8PM: Valerie Simpson & Friends Sing Ashford & Simpson
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 AT 8PM: The Last Waltz Celebration featuring The THE BAND Band
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 AT 7:30PM: An Evening with Josh Ritter
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 AT 1PM: Kids 'N Family Series: BubbleMania!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 AT 7:30PM: Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 AT 8PM: Judy Collins: Holiday & Hits Show
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 AT 8PM: Martin Sexton
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 7:30PM: Sons of Serendip
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 8PM: A Rockapella Holiday
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 8PM: Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway: Broadway the Calla-way!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 AT 7:30PM: Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 AT 8PM: Sweet Honey in the Rock: Holiday Show
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 AT 7:30PM: Nefesh Mountain: The Hanukkah Show
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 AT 8PM: Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 AT 8PM: Lucky Chops: New Day, New Tour
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 AT 1PM: The Heart & Soul of Magic
SUNDAY, MARCH 5 AT 7:30PM: Naturally 7
SATURDAY, MARCH 11 AT 1PM: Kids 'N Family Series: Stone Soup and Other Stories
TUESDAY, MARCH 14 AT 7:30PM: Red Hot Chilli Pipers
SUNDAY, APRIL 2 AT 1PM: Kids 'N Family Series: The Great DuBois: Masters of Variety
SATURDAY, MAY 6 AT 1PM: Kids 'N Family Series: The Jungle Book
About SOPAC:
Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council’s performances, including the Classical Concert Series, Jazz ‘N the Hall performances and Seton Hall University Theatre productions. SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit SOPACnow.org.
