STROLLERS SEEK ALL AGES FOR “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM”

AUDITION NOTICE:

The Strollers’ production of

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
by William Shakespeare

WHERE: The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ
WHEN: Sun. Feb. 25^th,6:00 – 9:00 pm; Wed. Feb. 28^th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm; Sun. March 4^th, 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Performance Dates: Fri & Sat, May 4 & 5 at 8:00 pm and Sun, May 6 at 2:00 pm; Fri & Sat, May 11 & 12 at 8:00 pm and Sun, May 13 at 2:00 pm; Fri & Sat, May 18 & 19 at 8:00 pm

Fran Shultz, Director: fran_shultz@yahoo.com
Molly Holzbauer, Producer: molly.holzbauer@gmail.com
www.thestrollers.org

Rehearsals will be 2 – 3 evenings a week, at 7:00 pm in March and April, with an occasional weekend day (subject to change). Rehearsals every evening during Tech Week, April 29 – May 3.

Non-traditional casting will be used. Actors of all ages are needed, including children and young people to play the fairies. Experience in performing Shakespeare is desirable, but not required.

Children and Teens:

• Hermia: Young woman (late teens – 20s)
• Lysander: Young man (late teens – 20s)
• Helena: Young woman (late teens – 20s)
• Demetrius: Young man (late teens – 20s)
• Titania’s Fairies: Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed:
  Girls and Boys (6 – Teens)
• Changeling Boy: (6 – 10)
• Robin Goodfellow (Puck): (Any age) Spry, energetic, impish, mischievous
• Lords and Attendants on Theseus and Hippolyta:
  (All Ages) Possibly understudy some primary roles

Adults:

• Theseus, Duke of Athens: (30s – 50s)
• Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons: (20s – 40s)
• Egeus: Father of Hermia (40s – 60s)
• Philostrate: (20s – 60s) Master of the revels to Theseus
• Nick Bottom, the weaver: (30s – 60s) Pompous, but loveable
• Peter Quince, carpenter: (30s – 60s) Bookish
• Francis Flute, bellows-mender: (20s – 40s)
• Tom Snout, tinker: (30s – 60s)
• Snug, the joiner: (20s – 60s)
• Robin Starveling, tailor: (20s – 60s)
• Oberon, King of the Fairies: (30s – 50s) Jealous, volatile
• Titania, Queen of the Fairies: (20s – 50s) Sensuous

Synopsis: In Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the residents of Athens prepare for the wedding of Theseus, Duke of Athens and Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. Bottom the weaver and fellow townspeople rehearse a play in the woods that they hope will be selected for the wedding celebrations.

Meanwhile, four young Athenians lovers are caught in a romantic tangle. Lysander and Demetrius both love Hermia; Hermia loves Lysander and her friend Helena loves Demetrius. All four young lovers spend a dreamlike night in the woods where they are bewitched by the mischievous Puck. Meanwhile, Oberon, King of the Fairies and his Fairy Queen, Titania, are quarreling over their jealousies and the ownership of a magical Changeling Boy. Their quarrel spills over into the lives of the mortals as they carry out their magical schemes.

NJ INTERGENERATIONAL ORCHESTRA CONCERT FEATURES MUSIC FROM A SIMPLER TIME

Musical Traditions in Song and Story

WHEN: Sunday, February 18th, 3 PM 
WHERE: Lawton C. Johnson Middle School, 272 Morris Ave, Summit 
ADMISSION: free; donations are gratefully accepted.

The performance will feature performances from all three of NJIO’s orchestral ensembles, as well as its Flute Choir and Festival Chorus. 

NJIO’s Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Artistic Director Warren Cohen and featuring the Festival Chorus, will dazzle audiences with a rendition of the under-performed “Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast,” the first of a trilogy of cantatas by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Coleridge-Taylor, an 1800’s Englishman, was a descendant of African-American slaves and made multiple trips to America in his lifetime, including an invitation to the White House by President Theodore Roosevelt.  His most famous work, The Song of Hiawatha, is a trilogy of cantatas based on the epic poem of the same name by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and was an immediate hit upon its London premiere in 1898.  In both England and America, he was so celebrated that he became known as the “African Mahler,” and his works have been performed worldwide ever since. 

NJIO’s Symphony will also perform the moving and wonderfully composed “Moldau” by Bedrich Smetana, whose most famous composition about a river in Bohemia combined the symphonic poem form with nationalistic ideals.  Intermezzo Orchestra will be performing Vivaldi’s delightful “Concerto Alla Rustica” and Offenbach’s “Barcarolle” from The Tales of Hoffmann.  Be sure to arrive half an hour early to catch Prelude Ensemble’s performance in the lobby, and Flute Choir’s performance at intermission!

12th Annual State Theatre New Jersey Family Day on Presidents Day

NEW JERSEY FAMILY DAY

WHEN: Monday, February 19, 2018, featuring Mr. Popper’s Penguins at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm.
WHERE: State Theatre NJ, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick; The Heldrich Hotel, Mason Gross School of the Arts, and the United Methodist Church
TICKETS: $25-$35.
For tickets or more information, call State Theatre New Jersey Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at STNJ.org. State Theatre New Jersey Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm; Saturday from 1pm-5pm; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates unless otherwise specified. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 536. Some additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.
Family Day is supported by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

The show follows painter and decorator Mr. Popper, who spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. One day a packing crate arrives on his doorstep and a penguin waddles out. With original songs and performing penguin puppets, this musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book is suitable for all ages.

Presidents Day is Family Day at the State Theatre

Families can spend the school-day holiday enjoying dozens of performances, workshops, and hands-on activities—many of them free—plus costumed characters, face painting, balloon animals, sing-a-longs, a photo booth, coloring station, food, and more. The festival, which runs from 10am to 3:30pm, features multiple venues.

“Spending quality time together as a family helps build strong, healthy relationships and that’s why The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is excited to support this year’s Family Day,” said Executive Director Jonathan Pearson of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. “We’re very happy to again team up with the State Theatre New Jersey to help improve the quality of life for families throughout the state. On behalf of everyone at Horizon, we hope all of the children and families have fun and make memories to last a lifetime.”

The featured Family Day events include performances of Mr. Popper’s Penguins at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm at State Theatre New Jersey. Additionally, there will be free performances in the United Methodist Church, including performances by the Joanie Leeds (10:45am, 11:45am) and one-man band KB Whirly (1pm, 2pm).

A variety of hands-on workshops take place throughout the day, including “Hand-in-Hand” for ages 3-4 (10am), a Beginning Ballet workshop for ages 6-8 (12pm), and a Jazz/Theater Dance workshop for ages 9 and up (2pm), led by American Repertory Ballet; three theater workshops led by coLAB Arts including “Fables in Performance” for ages 3-5 (11am), “Penguin Journey” for ages 3-5 (1pm), and “Intro to Improv and Theater Games” for ages 9 and up (2:30pm); and this year we welcome the Garden of Healing Yoga and Wellness Center leading “Yoga Mad Libs” (10:30am, 12:30pm), “Zumbini” for ages 0-4 (11:30am), and “Kids Zumba” for ages 7-11 (1:30pm). Additionally, FREE arts and crafts activities, will be available from 10am-3:30pm at Mason Gross School of the Arts Bloustein building and on Livingston Avenue there will be FREE Ice Sculpting Demonstrations as 11:15am and 1:45pm. No registration is required for the workshops: first come, first served.

State Theatre New Jersey’s Family Day is supported by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. State Theatre New Jersey’s Family Series is sponsored by Investor’s Bank. The Family Day Media Sponsor is Magic 98.3.

State Theatre New Jersey—creating extraordinary experiences through the power of live performance. The theater exists to enrich people’s lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through education. State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. The Heldrich is the official hotel of State Theatre New Jersey. The Star-Ledger is the official newspaper of State Theatre New Jersey. United is the official airline of State Theatre New Jersey.

Recent Work by Art Faculty Members to be Displayed at RVCC

Heejung Kim and Val Sivilli: Recent Work

WHEN: February 16-March 16. An artist’s talk will be held in the Art Gallery on Friday, February 16, from 5-6 p.m. A reception will follow from 6-7 p.m. Both are free of charge and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
WHERE: Art Gallery, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), 118 Lamington Rd. Branchburg
For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) Visual and Performing Arts Department will present a two-person exhibition featuring work by RVCC adjunct faculty members Heejung Kim of Bogota and Val Sivilli of Holland Township. 

Heejung Kim, an adjunct faculty member at RVCC since the Fall 2014 Semester, will feature recent works of ink on paper along with selected artist books created over the past 20 years. Her art is influenced by the patterns and symbols in Tibetan Mandala paintings. Her star-like images come from dreams she has had since her childhood. Using repetition like the mantras in meditation, Kim pushes her creative visions into a hypnotic space, carrying the viewer into a surreal sense of illusion—as if one is moving through a vast void. [Above: “Eclipse,” (detail) by Heejung Kim, 44" x 30", gold marker on paper, 2017]

Kim has had numerous exhibitions including solo shows at Stephen Gang Gallery and Paris Koh Fine Arts (New York City), Kougeas Gallery (Boston), Oregon State University, and group exhibitions at Cleveland State University, Heidi Cho Gallery (New York City), Sumei Multidisciplinary Art Center (Newark), Noyes Museum (Oceanville) and Drawing Rooms (Jersey City). Her artwork has been reviewed in such publications as ARTnews, The New York Times (NJ section), The Star-Ledger, and Design NJ. Kim also has taught studio arts at the New Jersey City University for 14 years.

Val Sivilli, who has served as an adjunct faculty member at RVCC for 15 years, will premiere a collection of drawings titled "57". The works, sketched daily for six months, depict simple scenes of common objects in a familiar environment. “Because a constant stream of world and national news and other aggravating nonsense seems to be audible everywhere,” says the artist, it is a constant companion to her drawing practice. Sivilli types the daily news directly over her drawings using a 1965 Smith Corona Typewriter. The exhibition features single drawings, groups of seven drawings that represent a single week, and artist books. The display also includes an ongoing series of work titled “BURN IT.” [Left: “Chair,” by Val Sivilli, 18" x 24", pen and typing on paper, 2016]

Sivilli is one of four founding members of THAT (The Hunterdon Art Tour), which will be kicking off its second year in May. For additional information about Sivilli’s work, visit valsivilli.com.

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. For further information, contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department, 908-218-8876.

“Love Letters”—A Pocket Theatre Production benefiting interACT Theatre Productions runs this weekend only

A Pocket Theatre Production Benefiting interACT Theatre Productions Starring Rosemary Wall and Ted Cancila WHEN: February 16-18, 2018; Fri & Sat 7:30PM Sat & Sun 3:00PM WHERE: The Baird on 3, 5 Mead Street, South Orange TICKETS: Online Tickets: Adult-$15 Student/Senior-$12; At The Door: All-$20 ***100% of our proceeds go directly to helping us continue to offer quality productions at affordable prices Buy Tickets Now More Info PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ONLINE TICKET SALES END 2 HOURS PRIOR TO CURTAIN TIME. TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE BOX OFFICE IN PERSON ONE HOUR PRIOR TO CURTAIN TIME. HOWEVER, ALL TICKETS PURCHASED IN PERSON AT THE BOX OFFICE ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND WILL BE $20 WITH NO EXCEPTIONS. TICKETS MAY NOT BE PURCHASED BY PHONE Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school, college years and on further into their lives-physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.

Playwrights Vie for $500 Prize in Theater Project Short Play Fest

THINK FAST

WHEN: February 23, 24, 25; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m
WHERE: Burgdorff Center,10 Durand Rd, Maplewood, NJ
TICKETS: $20 ($10 students) at TheTheaterProject.org
INFO: 908 809-8865

Which play will be voted Audience Favorite – the romance, the thriller, or the comedy?  And which author will take the $500 Judge’s Award?

Join The Theater Project, a professional theater in Maplewood, NJ, when they showcase ten short plays in their fifth annual one-act play competition, THINK FAST at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. The contest, open to playwrights in the New Jersey-New York area, invites the audience to vote for their favorite short play. Votes are tallied and winners announced at an open reception following the Sunday afternoon performance.

“It’s never an easy decision,” says artistic director Mark Spina. “We have an especially strong line-up, with a great variety of themes and characters.” The company invited submissions last fall, and chose ten plays to be showcased in the event. The finalists are Jerry Casagrande, AJ Ciccotelli, Christina Delia, George Cameron Grant, Michael Klausner, Shane Mullery, Gwen Orel, John Poglinco, Larry Rinkel and Ellen Walsh.

The audience is asked to vote for their favorite plays after each show. A special award for “Audience Favorite” along with the $500 Judges’ Prize will be announced at a reception for all involved after the Sunday, February 25, performance. In addition to Best Play, a panel of judges will also vote on awards for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director.

PROVOCATIVE COMEDY OPENS THIS FRIDAY IN CHESTER

SEMINAR
by Theresa Rebeck
Director Lauri MacMillan

WHEN: Friday, February 16th, and extending for eight shows through Sunday, March 4th. Performances are Friday and Saturdays at 8:00 and Sundays at 2:00pm.
WHERE: Black River Playhouse, on the corner of Grove Street and Maple Avenue, Chester
TICKETS: $20.00 with a discounted price of $18.00 for seniors over 65 and students under 18. Tickets may be purchased online at www.chestertheatregroup.org

Seminar is a provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck. Four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. A well-to-do Upper West-Sider with a fancy apartment has arranged the seminar for herself and three friends. Leonard’s unorthodox teaching style soon pits the classmates against each other. Some of them flourish under his version of tough love, while others flounder with self-doubt. Wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting Broadway comedy. The production contains mature content and language and may not be suitable for children under 16.

Theresa Rebeck is an American playwright and novelist. Her work has appeared on the Broadway and Off-Broadway stage, in film, and on television. Among her awards are the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award and the Athena Film Festival Award for Excellence as a Playwright and Author of Films, Books, and Television. Seminar premiered on Broadway in 2011 and starred Alan Rickman who originated the role of the lead character, Leonard. The production was nominated for Best Play by the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama League.

The talented cast of Seminar includes Meg Foley of Bloomfield in the role of Izzy; Nick Wolf of Bloomfield in the role of Douglas; Anthony Bentrovato of Cedar Grove in the role of Martin; Jessica Phelan of Montclair in the role of Kate; and John A.C. Kennedy of Springfield in the role of Leonard.

The Chester Theatre Group performs in The Black River Playhouse, an intimate, 100-seat theater in the heart of Chester Borough’s historic district. The venue’s in-the-round format ensures that every seat offers an engaging, memorable experience for each audience member. 

For more information, visit the CTG website at http://www.chestertheatregroup.org

Alliance Repertory Theatre Company presents NJ Premiere

Gruesome Playground Injuries
by Rajiv Joseph

WHEN: Feb. 16 through March 3, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Thursday, Feb. 22nd at 8 p.m.
WHERE: MONDO is located at 426 Springfield Avenue in Summit
TICKETS:
For reservations, call 908-472-1502 or visit alliancerep.org.

Longtime friends Doug (David Federman) and Kayleen (Kelly Maizenaski) measure their lives in stitches, scars and hospital stints. Kayleen's internal agony, including intense stomachaches, is only matched by daredevil Doug’s array of disfiguring accidents. 

Over the course of thirty years, this scar-crossed pair meet again and again, brought together by injury, heartbreak, and their own self-destructive tendencies. Gruesome Playground Injuries is a compelling and unconventional “love” story about the intimacy between two people when they allow their defenses to drop and their wounds to show.

​Director Christine Gaden​ first read Gruesome... seven years ago, and ha​s​ been waiting to direct this piece ever since. ​"​I'm thrilled to have found Alliance Rep; their willingness to produce modern, quirky, and brave shows made it the perfect home for this project​," says Gaden.​ ​"​Working with the talented actors to bring these fascinating and complex characters to life has been extremely rewarding. I can't wait to share this unique play with audiences."​

What critics have to say about Mr. Joseph and this piece: "Rajiv Joseph is an artist of original talent." —NY Times. "Irresistibly odd and exciting…This darkly humorous drama is Rajiv Joseph's most satisfying work." —NY Daily News. "This wondrous strange two-hander finds as much humor as horror in the play's bizarre events." —Variety.

To learn more about Alliance Repertory Theatre Company and the rest of the 2017-2018 season visit alliancerep.org.

CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY OPENS YASMINA REZA’S TONY AWARD-WINNING “ART” THIS FRIDAY

ART
By Yasmina Reza
translated by Christopher Hampton
directed by Anne Occhiogrosso

WHEN: Fridays, February 16, 23 and March 2 at 8pm; Saturdays, February 17, 24 and March 3 at 8pm; Sundays, February 18, 25 and March 4 at 2pm; Wednesdays, February 21 and 28 at 2pm and Thursdays, February 22 and March 1 at 7:30pm
WHERE: Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center, 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown
TICKETS: $27.50 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12 on matinee and Friday evening performances. Saturday evening performances are $29.50 for adults and $17.50 for children under 12. Thursday evening performances are $27.50 for ALL SEATS with a special ‘buy one/get one’ rush ticket special when purchased in person at the Centenary Stage Company box office starting two hours prior to performance time. The ‘buy one/get one’ rush ticket special is not valid for advance ticket sales, on–line or by phone. Offer is only valid in person at the box office during the designated time and may not be combined with any other special offer or discount.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979 – 0900.  The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown and is open Monday through Friday from 1 – 5pm and two hours prior to every performance.  Centenary Stage Company can also be found across social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  Like and follow to receive the latest CSC news and special offers.

“Wildly funny, naughtily provocative…” says the NY Post, it all begins when Serge buys an expensive painting by a celebrated artist. A white canvas with white diagonal lines. Old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to hilariously batter one another over various slights and failures. Art is a hilarious exploration of the very notion of what constitutes art while examining the meaning of friendship. "Anyone looking for a play that is funny, sophisticated, stylish, stimulating and moving should go to 'ART'." (Independent, London).

Centenary Stage Company’s Art is directed by nationally acclaimed Artistic Director, theatre director, dramaturge and acting coach, Anne Occhiogrosso.  Occhiogrosso co–founded the American Players Theatre with Randall Duk Kim and Charles Bright in 1979.  Art features an all–star cast with an impressive collective resume of film, television, Broadway and regional credits. 

Commercially known for his film work as the ‘Keymaker’ in The Matrix Reloaded and the voice of Master Oogway in Dreamwork’s Kung Fu Panda franchise, Obie Award winning Randall Duk Kim made his acting debut in 1960 and has spent most of his working life on stage. His performances in the regional theatres include seasons at the American Conservatory Theatre, the Guthrie Theater, the Arizona Theater Company, the NY Shakespeare Festival, and the American Place Theater. His film credits include PRISONERS IN TIME, THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS, LOST EMPIRE (aka THE MONKEY KING), ANNA AND THE KING, MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION, THE LAST AIRBENDER, and NINJA ASSASSIN. His Broadway credits include the THE KING AND I, David Henry Hwang’s GOLDEN CHILD, and FLOWER DRUM SONG.  

Award-winning actor and singer, Kevin Carolan has built a successful career over the last 25 years and has been directed by some of the most talented artists in show business, including Martin Scorese, Larry David, Tim Van Patten, Joe Mantello, Walter Bobbie, James Lapine, and Mel Brooks.  He has numerous appearances on television shows such as Orange Is the New Black, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Middle, The Good Wife, Royal Pains, Spin City, Fringe, White Collar, and the recurring role of the Barker in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. 

Centenary Stage Company’s own award winning Artistic Director Carl Wallnau recent acting credits include Lionel Percy in Bakersfield Mist (Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum) alongside 4 time daytime Emmy Award winner Kim Zimmer, Dr. Watson in The Hound of the Baskervilles and Pandarus in Troilus and Cressida (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), and Mr. Mayhew in Witness for the Prosecution (Bristol Riverside).  He has directed numerous productions including the world premieres of Inventing Montana, The Tillie Project and The Poetry of Pizza, as well as, the American premiere of A Laughing Matter and the New Jersey premieres of Below the Belt, Square One, Rounding Third, Marvin’s Room and The English Bride, which later transferred to NYC for a run at 59E59. 

Centenary Stage Company is also offering a buffet matinee for groups of 25 or more (up to 50) on Wednesdays February 21 and 28. Buffet matinees are $45.00 per person and include pre-show dining in one of CSC’s private dining rooms, as well as admittance to the 2pm matinee.  Buffet matinees must be scheduled in advance.  CSC also offers discounted tickets for group sales of 25 or more.  To find out more or schedule your group or buffet matinee call the Centenary Stage Company box office directly at (908) 979 – 0900.

Centenary Stage Company’s production of Yasmina Reza’s Art is sponsored in part by Heath Village Retirement Community and The House of the Good Shepherd.

The 2017-2018 season of performing arts events at the Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, Zonta Morristown Chapter and CSC corporate sponsors, including Premier Season Sponsor Heath Village Retirement Community, Silver Sponsors Hackettstown Medical Center, The House of the Good Shepherd, Home Instead Senior Care (Washington), and Fulton Bank of New Jersey, and Centenary Stage Company members and supporters.

I HAVE THE FLU…

Dear Blog Readers,

You may have wondered why the NJ Arts Maven blog has been silent for the past five days.

Well, despite, getting a flu shot, I have the flu. I have been coughing for a week and have been unable to do more than just sleep and rest.

I have found it too difficult to focus long enough to post about upcoming events, and I have had to miss writing reviews for four recently opened productions.

I hope to resume posting by the end of this week.

Until then, stay well!

Best,

Ruth Ross
NJ Arts Maven

Upcoming activities at the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association

WHERE: Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Road,
Pennington

Weekly Preschool Nature Classes
WHEN: Feb. 6&7; 13&14; 20&21; 27&28; Tuesdays 10-11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays 1-2:30 p.m.
FEE: $10 members ($15 nonmembers)

Children 3- to 5-years-old learn about nature while exploring the out-of-doors with one of our Teacher-Naturalists. Each class includes outdoor exploration, stories, and simple crafts. A parent must stay with any child younger than age 4. Registration required.

In Search of Owls
WHEN: Feb. 9&10; Fridays 7-8:30 p.m.
FEE: $10 members ($15 nonmembers) per person

Begin the evening indoors with a presentation that will introduce you to owls, their calls, and adaptations. After a Naturalist-led hike in search of the nocturnal raptors, we will warm up indoors with a hot beverage. Registration required. Adults & Families, ages 6+

Trail Cameras
WHEN: Feb. 10; Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
FEE PER PERSON:  $5 members ($10 nonmembers)

Trail cameras are invaluable research tools, offering glimpses into wildlife behavior, nest predation, populations size and more. On this family hike, join Naturalist Tyler Christensen and visit some hidden trail cameras on the Watershed Reserve to view the latest images of resident animals while learning about the camera's role in science. Registration is required. Adults & Families, ages 8+

Tiny Tot Walks
WHEN: Feb. 12; Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
CLASS FEE PER CHILD: $10 members ($15 nonmembers)

You're never too young to start exploring outdoors! You and your toddler will experience nature as we share walks on the Reserve, art activities, and storytime. Tiny Tot walks provide a fun introduction to animals, plants, and nature in general. Dress for the weather because we always go outside. Registration is required. All children must be walking and accompanied by an adult. Children 18-36 months (with an adult)

Great Backyard Bird Count Hike
WHEN: Feb. 17; Saturday, 9-11 a.m.
FEE PER PERSON: $10 members ($15 nonmembers)

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a fun and easy event that engages bird walkers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of the bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds and report their sightings online.  Walk with one of our Naturalist-Teachers and take part in this exciting citizen scientist project. Adults & Families, ages 6+

Scott McVay Book Reading 
WHEN: Feb. 18; Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
ADMISSION: Free Event

The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and Pinelands Preservation Alliance welcome Scott McVay to speak to the environmental threads of his 2015 book, Surprise Encounters with Artists and Scientists, Whales and Other Living Things at the Watershed Center in Pennington, New Jersey. You are invited to attend an afternoon presentation with Scott as he guides us through lessons of the land, water, and air conservation from ornithologists, biologists, artists, and others, suggesting how articulate, dedicated leadership can win the day. Introduction by Emile DeVito, one of the lead biologists in New Jersey. Drinks and refreshments will be available after the book reading. Registration required.

Winter Fairy Land
WHEN: Feb. 24; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
FEE PER CHILD: $10 members ($15 nonmembers) Parents attend for free!

Celebrate winter with the mystical creatures of the Watershed Reserve. Don your fairy attire for dancing and magical games. Spend time indoors listening to winter tales, making festive arts and crafts, and even creating a cozy fairy house to take home. If you're brave, we'll venture outside for some winter wonderland explorations. Families & Children, ages 2-12

A Year on the Stony Brook - Ettl Farm Trail
WHEN: Feb. 24; Saturday, 9 - 11 a.m.
ADMISSION: Free

Join us as we explore different stretches of the Stony Brook throughout the seasons. We will focus on seasonal ecology, meeting a variety of plants and animals, including those that indicate water and environmental quality. Follow the Ettle Farm Trail through the forest along the Brook to the "Big Bend" where we will search for eco-relics. Presented with funding from the Washington Crossing Audubon Society. Adults & Families, ages 6+

Home School Nature Classes
WHEN: Feb. 26; Mondays 10-11:30 a.m.
CLASS FEE PER CHILD: $10 members ($15 nonmembers)

We dedicate one Monday per month to families who homeschool their children. This session is on maple sugaring! Students may be divided into two groups to ensure the activities are age appropriate.  Families, children ages 5-12

CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS, VALENTINE’S DAY WITH CARRIE JACKSON

CARRIE JACKSON

WHEN: Tuesday, February 13, 8-11 PM
WHERE: 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, 16 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ
ADMISSION: No music cover charge, Food or beverage purchase required
www.16prospect.com
908-232-7320

Celebrating Traditional New Orleans Style with Festive Beads, King Cake, Festivities

Carrie Jackson Quartet: Thaddeus Expose, bass; Radam Schwartz, piano.

Come dressed in Mardi Gras colors, purple, green, gold!

The holiday of Mardi Gras is celebrated in Southern Louisiana, including the city of New Orleans. Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb 14, Valentines Day, 6pm – 9 PM 
WHERE: Hotel Tides Restaurant & Spa, 408 Seventh Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
https://www.thehoteltides.com
732-897-7744

“Treat that Special Person Extra Nice”

Jazzin All Stars, Carrie Jackson, Lou Rainone, piano; Takashi Otsuka, bass